New member scams

[Utta]

Even if you can't insert an index card into one of your pics, the scammer can find a pic on KS with a index card in it and alter it to what you want.

 

[sschind]

I had a seller send me an empty box once. Yep that is right totally empty.

Paypal ruled in the sellers favor saying when they made an inquiry the seller was able to provide a tracking number and shipping date. Their point of view was I could not prove there was nothing in the box but he could prove something was sent. I know what you are thinking what the

BUT my credit card company backed me up and I got all of my $1500 back.
Maybe I did get lucky but my point was you are far better off using a credit card through paypal than not using one.

That's a really scary thought. It worked out for you but does that mean I can claim my next package was empty and I'll get my money back. I guess we really are at the mercy of the scammers be they sellers or buyers.

 

[amelthia]

It would be very easy for someone with any graphic design experience to photoshop an index card into a photo. My fiance only has about 4 yrs graphic design experience and I've seen pictures that he's had to do for work where he had to cut a someone's head off in one photo and put it on a different body in another photo and you cannot tell. Whatever programs he uses allow him to adjust the lighting, etc. so that everything looks seamless. The main bulk of their work comes from the hunting industry and they are usually sent prototype guns to photograph for the ad campaigns they work on but sometimes, especially if its a returning client that they've worked with for awhile, they are just told that there is a new gun that they cannot send out yet but it looks very similar to an older model. If the ad has to go to print in a hurry he often ends up photoshopping certain elements of the older model that they have in stock in order to create an image of the new model. These pics end up in nationally circulated magazines and no one ever knows.

 

[SnakeGirl3]

I think the best thing anyone can do to ensure that their photos aren't stolen and used by scammers is to watermark everything. I myself watermark every photo I post online. Not that my photography skills are all that great, or that my animals are more spectacular than anyone else's, but at least no one can steal it and claim the snake as their own and that it's for sale. That would cut down on scammers a lot.

And after reading through this, I'm glad I always use my CC as well when purchasing from a new buyer.

I always try to make a Good Guy post whenever I buy from someone new online, and I hope that my customers will one day do the same. Since I'm in the still-new boat right now, I know exactly how the new people feel. I bought a female lesser ball python from someone on this very site that I'd never heard of before. I researched his name here and got nothing, but still decided to at least contact him. He answered my million questions, sent the photos I requested, and was all around a great guy to do business with (Luis Moreno-Ball Python Online). I'd definitely do business wih him again, even though he's new. My snake is healthy and growing very well. In short, he did everything right, and I never had a bad feeling the entire time I was dealing with him. That touches back to what some people have already posted--research your seller. If no info (or not much info) is available and you still want the animal they are offering, ask them questions and ask for more photos. The truly honest people out there won't care to supply you with the requested info. I start to wonder the first time I'm completely ignored or has some excuse made to me on why they can't send photos just yet. At the second, I forget it. They get one chance (yes, sometimes situations do truly arise that dont allow for immediate or within-24-hours responses), but after that, I move on. If you really have the snake and need/want to sell it, you'll get back to the potential buyer. And I've not been scammed yet (knock on wood).

Sorry, got bit by the rambling bug, too.

 

[tinmantribe5]

Honestly I think small breeders or the guy or gal that just breeds 1-2 morphs sometimes will get you something a little special most times kinda like buying commercial - non commercial reptiles.What I am trying to say is smaller breeders sometimes are breeding personal pets versus breeding for a living! I to sell snakes on a very very small scale and to get a good rep I have bought stock and supplies of reputable people or as the Big Boys like to say I had to do a lil networking with my peers.I do get real worried about people who all of a sudden have a whole stable of snakes out of no where! I have only been into reptiles for 4 years and man its been a slow process for me to accumulate what I have for stock wich isnt Jack!
So yes I would not buy from anybody in this market who has no track record of buying anything first or have at least some really good Karma points that might help!

 

[tinmantribe5]

Snake girl I love the logo where or how do you do something like that.

 

[SnakeGirl3]

Snake girl I love the logo where or how do you do something like that.

Thanks! Actually I created both in photoshop myself. I like to play with graphics a little, so it's entertaining to me. I can make one for you or your business if you like. I don't charge for them (since I enjoy it), but any donations are welcomed. If interested, send me pics and the info you'd like to have used on it to my email at [email protected].

And now back to topic!