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Joe Abrams of Carolina Colubrids and Outfitters scammed us good

The first cardholder called me the day after his card was used, the same day in fact that the "Joe" person called and thanked me. He and I had a very long talk, several times, and finally it was decided on his part to just let the bank take care of matters for him. The second fellow was not very happy at all, was very suspicous of me, and we talked very little. He would not even give me the last 4 numbers of his card, but did give me the total charged, which matched what I had. I will of course contest any chargeback as it goes through the system, this happens now and then. I've been taking credit cards for 20 yrs, I've seen it all by now. This is kinda new to me, but all in all it's just another way for the world to make me do more paperwork. And I really, really hate paperwork. In fact, I've turned the whole thing over to my CPA, and they will be doing most of the work for me. I'd much rather just play with my animals and take care of my customers then deal with this. However, I'm not uninclined to make a trip to the beautiful state of South Carolina to do a bit of personal collecting of funds. This whole thing is just a bit odd, and I would like to find out who this guy is, just because I would really like to know. Of course, if he does as promised, he will be calling this week to place another order. Doubtful, but who knows?
 
Hi I will look into the addresses for you and if you decide to come to south carolina I will have no problem showing you around or helping you get anywhere you need to go. IM kinda busy with college so give me a little time and I will try to look for those addresses what exactly do you want me to do?? Find out who lives at the address right?
 
might be helpful to post a list of exactly what you shipped him. i live in SC not too far from Columbia and if i notice the sudden appearance of animals on your list i could let you know.
 
ID theft

I have been the victim of ID fraud for about 4 years now...probably longer. The person doing it has all my info, my mother's maiden name, and all sorts of other stuff. This type of thing happens to me all the time. I still have the cards in my hand, but somehow these people call up the credit card companies with your social, say they are you, and get a duplicate card sent to them, get their name added to your account (happened with Zales and $16,000 later in jewelry) or just get the number fron the person on the other end of the line. It is my, and the police belief that it began when I was in the miltary and that info floats around.

All I can say is it sounds like what I have gone through, though it usually takes me until I get me card statement until I notice, or go online. But it is always charged back to whoever or whatever company allowed the person to use my number without a photo id check or other confirmation. But I also now know that people are running around with my info and their picture on a photo id....and the police will do nothing, nor will the CC companies.
I even tracked down one of the people doing it....nothing...because the police were and I quote, "too busy with other crimes"...which I understand but still...we are talking thousands upon thousands of dollars.

I called the credit reporting agencies and had a block put on my credit report which prevents anyone from opening a new card. I also passworded all my cards so no one can just call in.

I would recommend, in this day and age of ID theft, to only take CC through Payapl...there the address must be verified. I am sure fraud could still take place but you could be the judge of wether or not you would sell to someone who ins't verified or someone with no prior use of it.

Good luck I hope it all works out.
 
The credit card companies: Visa , Mastercard, Amex, etc. do

not loose anything, the merchant does. The only exception of course is monies that are actually taken from a bank. As we all know allot of additonal information has to be provided before monies can be withdrawn.

So, I am not surprised that these cc companies dont concern themselves with cargebacks that originate through fraud. Unless you are dealing with cash, the police dont pursue these crimes either. Their are exceptions, but generally these losses become statistics and the honest business man is left not only with his loss, but the calousness of the credit card company that never looses.
 
From a person that was scammed many years ago for more money than I actually had or was worth at the time.

I would call back both card holders and ask for the name of any other companies that were listed on their cards that are also being disputed as charge backs. Most people will work with you if you explain you are trying to get your property back and it never hurts to mention you are obtaining this information for local police officials before they will be able to help you. This is the truth based on your follow up, as it sounds like you want this guy to be put where he belongs...JAIL.

Once you have this information call the local Pet Stores listed. If you are unable to attain this information try contacting all known pet stores that sell reptiles in Columbia, SC (there shouldn't be too many). I can guarantee any owner of a Pet store that was scammed (which I still find it hard to believe a local store would take a credit card # without the actual card) would be more than willing to work with you to bust this dude and recover any and all property.

Keep in mind this person may have purchased for personal or was simply purchasing to sell and scam buyers too buy not sending the animals (selling pics) or selling them as something they are not for more $$$.

Good Luck,
Mike

Thieves suck and should have all their stuff stolen and given to the less fortunate...then thrown in jail.
 
Here's what we sent him.
1.1 hatchling butter corns
2.1 hatchling bright red and black brook's kings
2 unsexed hatchling thayri
0.1 bloodred corn.
Thanks for all who have commented and were nice enough to offer advice.
 
I live in Columbia, and there is NO Harden street in Lexington. Send me a private message with any info you want, and I'm more than willing to do a little local investigating on this scammer.
 
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