• In the past two days I have gotten emails asking about being requested to provide credit card info in order to register and also to make a post in the classifieds forums. PLEASE NOTE: In no instance will this site ask you for this sort of information. The only time any request for payment is made is if you choose to opt-in for a higher membership level, and that is done SOLELY through PayPal. Anything else is coming from a source other than this site. My guess is that this is coming through Google Adsense, but when I can get someone to send me a screen shot of this sort of request, I will know more.
  • Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

Jeff Jones drymarchonsnakes.com

heart4herps

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I tried to purchase an Eastern Indigo snake from Jeff Jones and when he lost the snake he wouldn't return my $500 deposit.

Here is a copy of both sides of the check with personal info removed.

jjcheck2.jpg


jjcheck.jpg


Email correspondence. No mention was made of a deposit refund policy and as of the posting of this thread there is nothing on his site about this either. I made screen shots in case this changes.

Emails follow:

enjoyed speaking with you earlier this evening. I just visited your website and I'd like one of the new male hatchlings. What's the best way to get the deposit to you?

Thanks!

Laurie Hyatt

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 7:35 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigo


Hi,

Yes,
I planned to list some on Kingsnake this week. You emailed at the right time. I don't plan on them lasting long.

I have 9 eastern Indigo eggs incubating and 8 Texas Indigo this year.
They will hatch June 14 - thru July 14. These will be 750 male and 1000.00 for female or 1650.00 a pair

I also have Texas indigo and yellow and black tail cribos, the South American Indigos for sale.

I currently have a 2006 male eastern indigo --800.00
and a 1999 female for sale she is about 7 ft --2500.00
These could be obtained now, the eggs I will be taking a 250.00 deposit on and either ship when they hatch or once feeding on pinkies, buyers choice. Some people prefer to start there own and others want them feeding on pinkies before taking possession.
Please check out my new sight. It is still under construction but its a start.

www.drymarchonsnakes.com

Thanks,
Jeff Jones
IL
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]

----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 3:39 PM
Subject: indigo


Hello,

I'm looking for an indigo snake. Do you have any for sale?

Thank you,

Laurie Hyatt

From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 4:34 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigos


I totally understand. The 500.00 check arrived today. All is well with the eggs and one male is what I will put on reserve. I figure next day shipping back to you will be some where around 30-40.00 dollars I will get the specifics when they hatch. I will figure only 250.00 plus shipping is due at hatch then. If you decide to pick up the female down the road I will honor the deal of 850.00 plus shipping when you are ready. How does that sound.
Also keep me posted on the paper work from Victoria Davis. I will email you as soon as they hatch. Your funds arrived here first and so you will get the first male. I believe 5 will be placed by end of the week.
I may sell out this year but keep me in mind down the road on a female. I will keep your information on file.
Thanks,
Jeff

----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 12:03 PM
Subject: indigos


Hi Jeff,

Just checking to see if my check arrived and also to ask if it would be a big problem to go back to my original plan of getting the one male only (sorry for changing my mind again!). It's a bit much financially for me. I really do apologize and hope this doesn't cause any issues.

Hope all is going well with the babies to be!

Thanks again for everything,

Laurie

Excellent - thanks so much! I will definitely keep this in mind and maybe try again next year. I really would love to have a breeding pair eventually.

Laurie


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 4:34 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigos


I totally understand. The 500.00 check arrived today. All is well with the eggs and one male is what I will put on reserve. I figure next day shipping back to you will be some where around 30-40.00 dollars I will get the specifics when they hatch. I will figure only 250.00 plus shipping is due at hatch then. If you decide to pick up the female down the road I will honor the deal of 850.00 plus shipping when you are ready. How does that sound.
Also keep me posted on the paper work from Victoria Davis. I will email you as soon as they hatch. Your funds arrived here first and so you will get the first male. I believe 5 will be placed by end of the week.
I may sell out this year but keep me in mind down the road on a female. I will keep your information on file.
Thanks,
Jeff

----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 12:03 PM
Subject: indigos


Hi Jeff,

Just checking to see if my check arrived and also to ask if it would be a big problem to go back to my original plan of getting the one male only (sorry for changing my mind again!). It's a bit much financially for me. I really do apologize and hope this doesn't cause any issues.

Hope all is going well with the babies to be!

Thanks again for everything,

Laurie

Great - I'll send the first check out today! I have a copy of the permit in PDF format. Do you know which pages need to be filled out? I only printed out the first one but I'm not sure what else is needed. Also, do I send the form to you or directly to the Department of the Interior, US Fish and Wildlife? I attached the form that was sent to me.

I honestly don't remember where I found you but it might have been kingsnake.com.

Laurie


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 4:46 AM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigo


That would be fine with me.
I will put a pair on hold and await the initial 500.00 retaining fee. If you need any additional information from me for the permit, just let me know. I wanted to ask, how did you get my name/email? Its nice to know what advertisement works the best. Generally it word of mouth with these.
Thanks
Jeff

----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 12:51 PM
Subject: RE: indigo


If it's okay, I'd like to go with male/female pair. Since it's going to take awhile to get the permit that will give me time to get the money to you. Would you mind if I make payments each month? I was told it will take up to 90 days to get the permit so I was thinking of sending $500 per month. Please let me know if this is all right with you.

Thanks!

Laurie


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:28 AM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigo


Hi,
you can send 250.00 as deposit on one male 2007 eastern Indigo.
I will email you as soon as they hatch. The other 500.00 will be due once he hatches with shipping cost for next day delivery by Fed Ex or DHL your choice.

My name & Address is:

Jeff Jones
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]

----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 12:23 AM
Subject: RE: indigo


I enjoyed speaking with you earlier this evening. I just visited your website and I'd like one of the new male hatchlings. What's the best way to get the deposit to you?

Thanks!

Laurie Hyatt


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 7:35 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigo


Hi,

Yes,
I planned to list some on Kingsnake this week. You emailed at the right time. I don't plan on them lasting long.

I have 9 eastern Indigo eggs incubating and 8 Texas Indigo this year.
They will hatch June 14 - thru July 14. These will be 750 male and 1000.00 for female or 1650.00 a pair

I also have Texas indigo and yellow and black tail cribos, the South American Indigos for sale.

I currently have a 2006 male eastern indigo --800.00
and a 1999 female for sale she is about 7 ft --2500.00
These could be obtained now, the eggs I will be taking a 250.00 deposit on and either ship when they hatch or once feeding on pinkies, buyers choice. Some people prefer to start there own and others want them feeding on pinkies before taking possession.
Please check out my new sight. It is still under construction but its a start.

www.drymarchonsnakes.com

Thanks,
Jeff Jones
IL
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]

----- Original Message -----
From: laurie
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 3:39 PM
Subject: indigo


Hello,

I'm looking for an indigo snake. Do you have any for sale?

Thank you,

Laurie Hyatt

What follows here is the Federal Permit application information:

This is a new application for an Interstate Commerce permit. I understand that the application fee is $100.

A. For Wildlife:
1. Provide the common and scientific names of the species being requested for
coverage in the permit and their status (endangered (E) or threatened (T)).
Status: Threatened.
Common name: Eastern Indigo.
Scientific name: Drymarchon couperi.

2. Identify the activity sought to be authorized for each species.
Purchasing male and female as companions and for breeding purposes.

3. Provide the sex, birth date, birth place, age, number of specimens, and identifying
features (e.g., band number, collar number, scars, tattoo number, etc.).

4. Provide the name, address and telephone number of the seller.
Jeff Jones
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]

5. State whether the wildlife has been captively bred or removed from the wild.
Captive bred.

6. Provide the expected time needed to complete transaction(s).

7. Provide a complete description with photographs and/or diagrams of the area and
facilities where wildlife will be held in captivity, and description of arrangements
for care during transportation and maintenance.
Each will be kept in a separate 40 gallon tank with locking mesh lids and proper lighting, heating, substrate, hide boxes, and water containers.

8. Describe experience with breeding this or similar species in the past.
I have not bred any reptiles yet.

9. Provide the full names of person(s) who will care for live specimens, including
any experience in raising, caring for, and propagating similar wildlife.
Laurie A. Hyatt: I have been caring for 6 reptiles (3 snakes, 3 lizards) for over 5 years and they are all in excellent health.

10. List mortalities resulting from your activities with these or similar species in the
last 2 years. Provide an explanation of each mortality event and the procedures
employed or modified to eliminate any future mortality events.
No mortalities within the last 2 years.

11. Indicate your willingness to participate in a cooperative breeding or propagation
program or to contribute data to a database or studbook.
I would like to participate in any programs available.

12. Provide a statement from the wildlife breeder that the wildlife was bred at their home/facility. This statement must include the name and address of the breeder,
date of birth or hatch, band number or any other identifying marks or characteristics.
Jeff Jones
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]

13. Please provide detailed information on how you propose to manage your breeding
stock to uniquely identify all progeny, and to ensure that the genetic diversity and
integrity of your breeding stock are maintained to the maximum extent possible.

More emails:

Woohoo!!! Congratulations "Dad!"

I'm still waiting on the permit.

Laurie



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 5:01 PM
To: laurie
Subject: Re: indigos


HI,
The first eastern egg opened this AM,so 109 days for the first egg. The rest of this clutch should hatch over the next 3-5 days and then the Texas are next. I would expect within the next 2 weeks
Jeff

Thanks so much for looking into this Jeff - I really appreciate it. So glad to hear about the babies. I can't wait to see mine in person. This is literally a lifelong dream coming true. I've wanted an Indigo since I was around 7-8 and saw one for the first time.

Do you have any pictures yet?

Laurie


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 4:10 PM
To: Laurie Hyatt
Subject: Re: indigos


Hi,
I guess there has been a change in command which has slowed things down. Victoria Davis has stepped down and her replacement isn't up to speed. He tells me there is a large stack of applications awaiting approval and he will try to make it a priority. They do have the applications and they should be processing soon.
Sorry for the delay. The snakes on the other hand just took the first meal last weekend and should be ready to feed again Friday. I will have them feeding on pinkies which should also make it easier for you to care for
Jeff

----- Original Message -----
From: Laurie Hyatt
To: 'jeff jones'
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2007 9:43 PM
Subject: RE: indigos


The permit still hasn't shown up. Do you have any contact information for the office in your district? I know they got the form - the check cleared my account last month.

How are the babies doing?

Laurie Hyatt

I've got my heart set on that little guy. Next month should be better financially (I don't think there are any more major payments due). Will that be all right? Do you only have the one left? Is he friendly? Are there any pictures?



-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 2:45 PM
To: laurie
Subject: RE: indigos

I am sorry I don't have any way to accept credit card at this time.

You have your interstate permit in hand, is it dated for only this year?

Would you prefer to leave the deposit for a 2008 hatch. I will have more of these every year from now on. I am here to stay and would have no problem placing this last baby if you let me know before Oct 15 breeder show at Chicago.
Just let me know,
Thanks,
Jeff

> Hi Jeff,
>
> I'm having a terrible time getting the last $300 together for my
> Eastern Indigo. Do you by chance take credit cards?
>
> Laurie Hyatt

Oh no - I'm sorry to hear that and I hope he's okay! I'm really sorry I took so long to pay for the snake and hope I didn't inconvenience you too much. I guess considering my money situation a refund would be best for now and I could maybe try again next year.

Thank you for being so accommodating and helpful.

Laurie Hyatt
[PERSONAL CONTACT REMOVED]



-----Original Message-----
From: jeff jones [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 8:43 PM
To: Laurie Hyatt
Subject: Re: indigos

Hi,


Sorry, about the delay. I have received both of your checks and would agree the snake is paid in full. I didn't cash the first check do to the fact that your snake has managed to pop the lid off his container and is free in my house. I figured he would turn up by now. I have had them get out before and usually within a week or two they show up. I keep all my adults in the barn in vision cages but the babies my wife lets me keep inside to make sure they get weekly feedings and to keep a closer eye on them. They are all housed in plastic sweater boxes and he is the last one I had left. I am sorry to bare such news. I didn't feel comfortable cashing either of the checks you sent yet just because I didn't have the snake ready to ship. He is eating great and is well fed and very hardy I am sure he's fine. I can either give this more time, or do a full refund or worse case scenario replace him in 2008.
Let me know what you would like done. We planned to take the kids to see the BEE movie tomorrow and will be out during the day, but I will reply tomorrow evening.
Jeff

----- Original Message -----
From: "Laurie Hyatt" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 1:41 PM
Subject: RE: indigos


>
> Hello Jeff,
>
> I sent the final check a couple of weeks ago and haven't heard
> anything yet. I also haven't seen the checks come through my bank
> account yet. Please let me know if there is a problem.
>
> Laurie Hyatt

In closing...I don't recommend doing business with this person as he will keep your money and not send you the agreed upon animal! I would like my $500 back plus the $100 for the permit.
 
So after paying for the snake and the permit, he looses the snake he was supposed to send you, has no replacement, and won't refund your money?
What a load of crap. The permit is seller specific so it will not work with a different seller (you're out the money unless he supplies the snake).
He needs to send a refund for all of what you spent while dealing with him or send a satisfactory replacement animal ASAP.
There is NO reason for keeping any money when he LOST the snake. That's his problem. Not yours.
 
heart4herps said:
do a full refund

Wait a minute. I missed this. He offered a full refund because of the escape. Take the refund.
Is this because you refuse to take anything except the lost snake? If so, you are being unreasonable. He lost the animal, told you, offered a full refund, and you post that he is a bad guy?
 
I sent him several requests for my money to be returned and he has never replied to one of them!


Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 5:00 PM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject:
Importance: High

Jeff,

I haven’t heard back from you regarding my refund of $500 and it’s been over a week since I first emailed you. Please send me my money.

Laurie

Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 2:53 PM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject: refund for Indigo
Importance: High

Hello Jeff,

I’m hoping you’re off work for vacation and just haven’t seen this yet. I really need the $500 I sent earlier this year as the first part of my deposit on the Indigo. I had hoped to receive it with the return of my two $150 checks but it wasn’t there. Please send it as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Laurie

Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 3:08 PM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject: refund for Indigo
Importance: High

Hello Jeff,

Thank you for sending my two $150 checks back but I was also looking for a check for $500 from my earlier deposit. When can I expect it?

Thanks,

Laurie


Not one of these was answered!
 
OK. He stated full refund so he needs to send you a FULL refund. That $500 is yours not his. He lost the snake that deposit was on so he needs to refund it. He blew the deal, not you. There is no excuse for not sending that back immediately.
 
Thank you. I've never posted anything negative about anyone before but $500 is a lot of money to lose!
 
Mary-Beth is KoRny said:
If this happened in 2007, why is the check made out for 5-7-2005?


LOL - I never noticed that! I guess I was thinking about something else when I filled it out. You can see right below that the real date in the banks stamp. I circled it in black.

jjcheck3.jpg
 
akaangela said:
good catch. I missed that, but you can see that the check was cashed 5-17-07.

I'm a cashier at the moment. I see a check and I check the date. ;)
Do you know that the check was cashed? Could it be that it was only processed?

Has anyone else here ever written a check with a date that was two years out of date by accident? I'm a cashier and I haven't seen it yet.

I'm sorry, but something doesn't seem right to me.
 
Judging by the printing on the back of the check,I'd say it was cashed. Looks to have been run through a bank in Peoria IL.
 
Mary-Beth is KoRny said:
I'm a cashier at the moment. I see a check and I check the date. ;)
Do you know that the check was cashed? Could it be that it was only processed?

Has anyone else here ever written a check with a date that was two years out of date by accident? I'm a cashier and I haven't seen it yet.

I'm sorry, but something doesn't seem right to me.
I've seen checks mis-dated many times. I've seen different numerals written in the numeric area than what was written out in long hand (btw, do you know which one the bank will use if there is such a discrepancy?).

It does seem obvious that the check was cashed or deposited in 2007. What is wrong is that a bank accepted what appeared to be a stale dated check. The cashing institution should have refused it, and the bank from which it was drawn should have returned it.

None of this has any bearing on this situation as the seller received the money in 2007 and the dates are completely consistent with the OP's claims.
 
I know Jeff personally and have done business with him many times. He is quite often a vendor at my show. I have never had a problem arise. Jeff has always been upstanding in all his dealings with me and others.
The only thing I can figure is that Jeff is short of cash. I would believe and bet that he will make it right with you shortly. He is a good guy and will prove it to you.
Lee Watson www.allanimalexpo.com
 
That will be awesome. I understand cash flow problems as I had them during my dealing with Jeff and he graciously allowed me more time to pay. If he had indicated this at any time, I would have understood. The problem began when he wouldn't respond to my emails. I look forward to hearing from him and getting this resolved.
 
riped by jeff also

i also was scammed by Jeff. i have also known him personally for a few years, and done business with him before.
on February 27Th, at the Peoria convention center i traded him 2 large red tail boas, a female amerelli and a male Peruvian. he gave me 6 CB Argentine boas that he himself hatched,and $150.00. once i got home and examined the baby Argentines i found each one to have 2-3 deformities. i didn't look earlier because i know Jeff and had no reason to suspect him of a fraudulent deal.
i then contacted Jeff about this,by phone, he agreed to take back the 6 Argentines and the $150.00,knowing they were deformed to begin with, and would then return my 2 rtb`s. this was to take place at the February 2ND chicago show. he never showed up.
I then contacted Jeff by phone, he had an excuse for not showing up. i gave him the benefit of the doubt, and we agreed to do our exchange at the Peoria swap meet on February 10Th.
On february 10th,I returned Jeff`s money and the 6 deformed hatchling Argentines, only to be told that he changed his mind and was keeping my boas. i wasn't happy, but agreed to take the 550.00 he offered me to make good on our deal.
at the end of the swap he came up and handed me 300.00. telling me the guy Jason who runs the show owed him money and would pay me. being busy at my table, i asked Jeff to get Jason so we could all agree on this payment arrangement. Jeff, in turn, walked rt out the front door. Jason called him and asked him if hes supposed to pay me, Jeff's reply was no.

since then, in the past couple of weeks, i have gotten no reply from Jason or from Jeff at all. both of which i have been personal friends with for a few years now. Jason closer than Jeff, but i never suspected this from either one. Jeff also ran to the Peoria police dept. and filed a police report against me, saying i threatened him etc. beating me to being able to put one on him for the theft of my snakes, getting him temporarily out of the spotlight in this, making me appear the bad guy here. but when no arrests are made,that leaves him open to a complaint on him as well. not good on a medical nurses resume,or if hes at these local swaps trying to sell 1000.00 snakes
to people who know he has been ripping people off. he`ll lose more in sales and reputation by doing this kind of business with us. as we see on here, word of mouth is a good and bad thing, especially locally.
i find it ironic that at the same time and day that lee was vouching for him here, he was ripping me off in Peoria. what a disappointment that has to be to lee. lee`s an honest man, who has a word of gold in the reptile world in Illinois, and much farther.

heart4herps, if you would like to get together on this, i am game. we will get allot more accomplished legally, if it comes to that, if we work together. 2 counts of a crime is always easier to prove, and we have a better chance of winning. feel free to e mail me. like yourself i know the meaning of needing the money. Jeff on the other hand, makes 6 figures a year at work alone, and doesn`t need our money. i don't know what his reasoning is in this,or his motivation, but i do know of a couple of sulcata deals also where he intentionally mailed out the wrong sex`s also.
if anyone out there was 1 of these customers of his, i`d be interested in hearing from you as well. i have already heard him brag about it last summer...Arizona i believe he shipped that deal to.....if that sounds like you please reply.
 
After reading through this thread (and seeing that it is fairly recent), has Jeff been notified of it? I'm a little curious about his response, especially since there are two positive threads on him within the last year.

Regards,
N Nelson
Blue Cat Cornsnakes
 
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