Whats the best way to send a payment?

[The BoidSmith]

I had the seller email me his states drivers license, copy of utility bill, and a receipt with his signature on it before I would send him the money.

He actually e-mailed you all that information or was he going to send it? Please point us to the ad so someone can do a screen capture in case it gets deleted.

 

[StickyTongues]

The whole story

Boidsmith,

He is suppose to fax all that to me to my work. He said his scanner was broken.


So now for the whole story.

I saw an auction on reptibid for a sharp strain albino female (6 1/2 feet) with a buy it now price of $3000. The person, Joe Lyons, was selling it for his brother, Jay Merns, who is in the armed forces and supposedly overseas in Europe.

I placed a bid for $2000 after I talked to him over the phone. I didn't think I was going to win but to my surprise I did. Anyway to make a long story short, he was trying to get me to send him money within 48 hours via money order. I told him I would fly there to pick up the snake and pay him at the same time.

Before I would fly out I needed to ask him tons more questions so I don't waste my time there. Well he never called back or answered my emails. I just got emails from his "fiance" who was being a beeotch. You can read the emails I got from them.

So I didn't make my flight so I was home all day and decided to investigate more. I saw that he had an 04 albino ball male on reptibid. I called the winner (Allen) and he told me hes been trying to deal with him for 2 weeks and got nothing resolved. He was suppose to drive out to pick up the snake but the seller made excuses that he couldn't make it.

The buyer was willing to drive 5 miles to pick it up and he tellls him he can't make it last minute. The buyer said that he was told that the albino ball came from Ben Siegel at the Tampa Show in April. Turns out there was no show in April. So Allen (the buyer) called Terry who is friends with Ben and he said he talked to Ben and he didn't know who this Jay Merns was.

I spoke to Ben today and he told me the same thing. So I called Joe Lyons back and asked him whats the deal. He told me that the buyer was not Allen but was Sam Walker (sam123 on reptibid). He told me that Sam Walker paid as soon as the auction ended and that he shipped the ball to him via fedex today. I called Sam and he said he did not win the auction and all he was trying to do was get some answers from Joe but didn't even get a reply back via emails or phone.

The guys info is:

Joseph M. Lyons
Cell: 803-727-8800
West Columbia, SC

Reptibid ID: Jaymns
Reptid Auction for Albino boa: #1108934358
Reptibid Auction for Albino Ball: #1108935263

His brothers name is Jay Merns (supposedly)

Here is the emails we exchanged. I hope I got everything in the right order.

Sam Leam


Joe,

The more people I talk to the more your story is not
checking out.

1. You told Allen that you are selling the snakes for
your brother who is in Iraq but then told me he was in
Europe and not Iraq.

2. You told me the winner of the auction for the 04
albino ball male was Sam Walker when the winner of the
auction was actually Allen on Reptibid. Auction
number Item #1108935263 (closed)

3. Allen said you told him you your brother got him
from Ben Siegel at the Tampa show in April but there
was no show in April.

4. You told me that Sam Walker (sam123 on reptibid)
verified with one of Bens employees that your brother
bought the albino ball python from him. I called Ben
Siegel and spoke to him directly and he said he hasn't
heard of your brother and he said he would remember
because he didn't sell that many albino balls in the
first place last year.

Why did you tell me that Sam Walker won your auction
for the albino ball and that he paid right away for it
when all he did was ask you questions? He said you
never even returned any of his calls or emails.

The person that won the auction, Allen, said that he
was suppose to drive 5 hours to meet you and you turn
around and made excuses saying you can't make it at
the last minute.

Did you know that if I went ahead and sent you the
money through postal money order that would have been
a federal offense if I didn't get what I paid for?
Not to mention I would have filed a report with the
FBI for internet fraud since these are not the only
animals you are trying to sell online.

I would seriously rethink what you are doing. As of
now I am ending this and will not send anything out.
You can post the bad mark on reptibid if you want but
I will turn around and post everything back.

Maybe you have a really good explanation for this and
maybe I'll hear back from you but I'm not holding my
breath. Thanks for wasting my time.

Sam Leam

--- Jay Merns <[email protected]> wrote:

> Yes its fine to send money order...
>
> sam leam <[email protected]> wrote:Joe,
>
> I had a problem with western union and had to cancel
> the payment because the bank can't verify my
> address.
> I'm going to overnight you postal money order for
> $1000 dollars instead if that is ok with you.
>
> You would get your money a day later but atleast you
> won't have to pay the $80 dollar fee. I'm headed to
> work right now but you can email me and I can call
> you
> when things are quiet. Thanks!
>
> Sam
>
> --- Jay Merns wrote:
>
> > Sam is sending the $1,000 via Western Union the
> fee
> > is $85 so the balance of the snake to be paid is
> > $915 upon Sam's arrival to pick up snake or before
> > the snake is shipped.
> >
> > sam leam wrote:I'm going to
> > bed now but feel free to call me anytime tonight.
> > If I don't here from you then I'm going to take it
> > as you are no longer interested in selling her to
> > me. If you call me I'll fly out there in the
> > morning. Thanks and hope to hear from you!
> >
> > Sam
> >
> >
> > Jay Merns wrote:
> > Joe didnt send the needed info because YOU said
> you
> > were flying here. You said you needed all that
> info
> > IF you were sending the money. No that you're
> coming
> > here whats that info needed for. Joe probably will
> > check his phone tonight and call you tomorrow. I
> > already took off work to meet with you tomorrow so
> > please be here. Thank You
> >
> > sam leam wrote: Jay,
> >
> > Whats the deal with your phone? I understand you
> are
> > busy and all but if you really want to sell this
> > snake
> > you should be available for atleast a few minutes
> to
> > answer your phone. I left 2 messages on your phone
> > and emailed you a few times asking you to call me.
>
> > Either yourself or your fiance can call me.
> >
> > You said you would get all the paperwork for me by
> > 3pm
> > and its way past that. I myself work 14 hours and
> > run
> > 2 side business and sleep 4 hours a day and I
> still
> > have time to answer my phones from customers.
> >
> > Please call me anytime tonight. I want to make
> sure
> > I
> > am not wasting my time and money flying out there
> > tomorrow. Thanks!
> >
> > Sam
> >
> > --- Jay Merns wrote:
> >
> > > Either way we NEED PAYMENT by tomorrow!!! MAKE
> > SURE
> > > YOU ARE IN TOWN BY 1pm. Im 2-hrs from airport
> and
> > I
> > > already took off work. So be sure you are here
> by
> > NO
> > > LATER THEN 1pm tomorrow (Wednesday Feb 23, 2005)
> > If
> > > you cant make it send money to
> > >
> > > Joe Lyons
> > > 777 Spired Dr
> > > West Columbia, Sc 29170..
> > >
> > > sam leam wrote:
> > > How far are you from the airport? I was planning
> > on
> > > going standby tomorrow morning and since the
> > flights
> > > are pretty much open I'm sure I can get a seat.
> I
> > > will probably be there early but you can meet me
> > > there
> > > later.
> > >
> > > I can give you a call once I get on the plane
> and
> > > let
> > > you know when my flight arrives. I will bring my
> > own
> > > box to ship her back with me so you can just put
> > her
> > > in a snake bag and maybe I can meet you in your
> > car
> > > and I can get her in the box and tape her up.
> > >
> > > Can you have Jay give me a call or if you want
> to
> > > thats fine. I would like to go over a few things
> > > over
> > > the phone. Thanks!
> > >
> > > Sam
> > >
> > > --- Jay Merns wrote:
> > >
> > > > Joe went to feed my dads dogs then he's going
> to
> > > > work. Did you make the arrangements to be here
> > > > tomorrow like you said? If so please let us
> know
> > > > when your flight is arriving.
> > > > Thank You
> > > > ps. We need notice to be able to make it to
> the
> > > > airport.
> > > >
> > > > sam leam wrote:
> > > > Joe,
> > > >
> > > > Can you give me a call please? My cell is
> > > > 773-454-0995. Thanks!
> > > >
> > > > Sam
> > > >
> > > > --- Jay Merns wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > This is Joe
> > > > > I saw your emails and see that you can be
> here
> > > > > tomorrow my fiancee took off work to be here
> > to
> > > > meet
> > > > > you. She wants this business handeld asap
> > > because
> > > > > she doesnt like the reptiles. Please let us
> > know
> > > > > when you're gonna be here (tomorrow) we're
> not
> > > > > available after 4pm. Please take care of
> your
> > > end
> > > > > either way.
> > > > > Thank you
> > > > > Ps. I was told to give you feedback through
> > > > > repti-bid as long as this transaction is
> done
> > > > either
> > > > > way by tomorrow I WILL leave Good feedback
> but
> > > we
> > > > > requested payment within 48hrs to keep the
> > BSrs
> > > > > away. PLEASE KEEP THIS TRANSACTION SMOOTH.
> > > > > Thank You Very Much,
> > > > > Joe
> > > > >
> > > > > sam leam wrote:
> > > > > No offense but this is not backwards. When
> you
> > > > make
> > > > > a
> > > > > purchase this large without even seeing a
> > > picture
> > > > or
> > > > > having much details except what she is and
> not
> > > to
> > > > > mention buying from an unknown buyer who is
> > > > wanting
> > > > > payment ASAP, you would tend to be
> suspicious.
> > > > >
> > > > > I can fly out there tomorrow and hand you
> the
> > > > > payment
> > > > > it this would solve anything. You would have
> > > your
> > > > > money by tomorrow and I can see the actual
> > snake I'm
> > > getting.
> > >
> > > I've done business online alot and even got
> > scammed
> > > once and heard to many stories. I'm not going
> > > through
> > > it again. I will do whatever it takes to protect
> > > myself and If you don't agree with it then thats
> > > that.
> > > Put yourself in my shoes and tell me what you
> > would
> > > do if you had $2000 dollars or your hard earned
> > > money
> > > on the line.
> > >
> > > Don't get me wrong because I want that snake. I
> > will
> > > give Joe a call when he wakes up and hopefully
> we
> > > can
> > > smooth things out. Thanks!
> > >
> > > Sam
> > >
> > > --- Jay Merns wrote:
> > >
> > > > This is Joes fiancee......
> > > >
> > > > He is sleeping so Im emailing you back, YOU
> bid
> > > > on the snake that he's selling for a relative
> > and
> > > > YOU won the bid now all of a sudden you want
> all
> > > > this info I understand your concearn but
> > business
> > > is
> > > > business. You want to verify an address but
> > you're
> > > > wanting to send a postal money order. Dont you
> > > think
> > > > the address will be right if you're sending
> the
> > > > money? We have NO WAY to accept credit cards
> we
> > > both
> > > > work normal jobs and theres NOTHING else we
> can
> > > do.
> > > >
> > > > Our address is
> > > > Joe Lyons
> > > > (address removed)

> > > > Please get money sent today because this snake
> > > needs
> > > > to be paid for. Your best bet is to Fly into
> > > > Charleston International airport. I will have
> a
> > > > reciept sent to you when the money is paid.
> This
> > > is
> > > > completely backwards you never give a reciept
> > > BEFORE
> > > > its paid for. This snake is being sold to you
> > from
> > > > Joe for a relative. This snake is a Sharp
> strain
> > > > Albino and is 6 1/2ft long eating Frozen rats.
> > > When
> > > > you provide A tracking # or you send the
> payment
> > > any
> > > > other way you WILL get a detailed reciept.
> > > >
> > > > Please dont take this the wrong way we dont
> > breed
> > > > reptiles or even sell them we're doing this
> for
> > a
> > > > relative and trust me WILL NEVER happen again.
> > Im
> > > > sorry for sounding like this but thats why the
> > > snake
> > > > was only advertised for 5 days and we wanted
> > > payment
> > > > within 48hrs of auction end. You WILL get the
> > > female
> > > > snake and you will get a detailed reciept as
> you
> > > > wanted it when payment is recieved. We are not
> > > scam
> > > > artists just normal people with every day
> lives.
> > > > Please understand and take care of business.
> > heres
> > > > the number to reach Joe (phone number removed) he'll be
> > > asleep
> > > > until about 5-6pm EST. Please send tracking
> > number
> > > > ASAP Thank You VERY MUCH!!!!
> > > >
> > > > sam leam wrote:
> > > > Jay,
> > > >
> > > > I would be more comfortable sending you
> payment
> > > > through credit card either through your
> business



or
> via paypal if you have an account. Either that or I
> can overnight you postal money order.
>
> I heard to many bad things about western union. Give
> me a call when you get the chance. Thanks!
>
> Sam
> 773-454-0995
>
>
> --- Jay Merns wrote:
>
> > I will do all the things requested today. I just
> now
> > got home from work. I need to get a little sleep.
> > When are you planning on sending the western
> union?
> >
> > sam leam wrote:Joe,
> >
> > Can you also right up a receipt for me indicating
> a
> > description of the snake you are selling, should
> > look
> > something like this. PLease sign and date it and
> > email it to me along with the copy of your drivers
> > license and proof of address.
> >
> > Also what is the nearest airport? Thanks!
> >
> > Sam



















Jay,

Sounds good. I would really really appreciate a pic
of her though. I just want to make sure she is a
sharp strain albino and not a kahl strain. If you can
borrow someones camera that would be great.

Does the owner of the snake have any previous pictures
of her? Does he have any info on her at all? This is
a big purchase and I'm sure you will agree that as a
buyer you would like to get as much info as possible.
Thanks!

Sam

cell 773-454-0995
--- Jay Merns <[email protected]> wrote:

> I can and will send the info you need.. As far as a
> picture goes that'll be a little harder. I have to
> work 16hr shifts and can copy all the other info
> thats needed and have it sent to you tomorrow via
> email but cannot do anything about picture at this
> present time. If you're willing to send money via
> western Union then thats fine I WILL have the info
> sent to you by NO LATER than 3pm tomorrow.
> Thank You
>
> sam leam <[email protected]> wrote:
> Joe,
>
> If you can make a copy of your state drivers license
> as well as a copy of something with your address and
> a
> picture of the snake, I can send money to your ASAP.
>
>
> I'm not saying you are a scammer but there are far
> too many people getting scammed these days and I
> need
> to protect myself.
>
> I can send the money western union if you want,
> which
> is federally protected so I would be safe from fraud
> not to mention internet fraud is invistegated by the
> FBI.
>
> I would like to make this as smooth as possible.
> This
> is a really great deal on a female sharp strain
> albino. If you can meet these conditions I would be
> more than happy to send you the money or hand it to
> you. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!
>
> Sam
>
> --- Jay Merns wrote:
>
> > Yes she is and you won the auction. We require
> > payment within 48hrs of auction end. send payment
> to
> >
> > Joe Lyons
> (address removed)
> >
> > We then can set up shipping or pickup but please
> > take care of payment. If you want to pick up we'll
> > have to do it first thing next week I have to work
> > 16hr shifts till sunday or I can have it shipped
> as
> > soon as money arrives. It would be best to
> Overnight
> > the money so shiiping can be done asap. If you
> > overnight the money deduct the money for shipping
> > from the sale price. You WILL NOT be dis-sastified
> > with this specimen. Please take care of payment
> > ASAP. Thank you
> >
> > sam leam wrote:
> > So is this female still up for sale? I havent
> heard
> > from you after our first converstation. Please let
> > me
> > know. Thanks!
> >
> > Sam Leam

 

[DAND]

If it smells like doo doo then chances are it's doo doo

Sounds like you dodged an expensive bullet.

 

[Bill_Leverton]

DANG talk about a major run around Sam I hope you came to the same conclusion I did just from reading this, "Don’t Do it" It sounds like they want your money, and you not being there in person. I’ve had this same scenario just before X-mas last year mine was a Sharp Strain Stripe Tail Albino Boa. I did mostly all that you did asked all the questions and got similar answers. Even flew out to get the snake was met at the airport..... .... now comes the kicker, his wife told me that he was in court, But sent her to pick up the money, and he would deliver the snake to me when he got out of court, I told her here’s the deal, you go back to the court house, and I'll go with you and when all is said and done I'll complete the transaction with your husband .Well long story short she was Hopping and said "I handle at the finances in my household" he handles the rest at that point I was getting fed up and said look If you want this deal to go through Call me @ this number I proceeded to the pay phone and called my Bro to come get me Well needless to say the deal never happened but the upside is I got Drunk and had a great time hanging out with my bro. what is about people in the Carolinas do they think us Yankees are stupid?

 

[StickyTongues]

Could it be the same person?

Sam Leam

 

[Bill_Leverton]

I'm not sure scammers use different names The people I dealt with were a Mike and Lisa Majesties out of Greenville S.C All I had from them was a Yahoo e-mail which now not there and a cell # which ended up being a track phone...... I just hope you blew this deal off MHO

 

[feedersbreeders]

see here is the thing anyone that wants to rip you off can have you male a money order or cashiers check or anything. Any name will do because all they have to do is sign the money order or cashiers check over to them self or a friend or anyoen dumb enough to cash it and all you have is a fake name and or a whole excuse it was my old roommate and he moved out and i have no way of reaching him which techincally not crap they really can do about it then. FYI i went to school for law enforcement