Craigslist Snake Scam

[The Night King]

I am a newbie to snakes and BallPython.net but definitely not a new to online, scams. Having bought and sold over 400 items on eBay, and numerous items on craigslist I am very aware of all the nefarious dealings they go on out there in the world. My radar is generally alert and always on the lookout for idiots trying to scam and can pick them out usually very quickly. Craigslist is obviously a very sketchy place and you have to be aware of everything at all times, including who you're dealing with, where you're meeting them, how they're paying...everything - expect the worst etc. That being said I have somehow managed to navigate and successfully avoid any scams and have avoided sending small amounts of money to a Nigerian prince in hopes of large amounts of money being returned to me lol.

That being said this was a new one but I assume there are a lot of pet scams or puppy scams going on so I just wanted everyone to be aware. My daughter and I are actively looking for our first ball python so we looked at a lot of online classifieds as well as craigslist and came across a really pretty pied python.

The ad seem fairly genuine as the person said they were moving and cannot take the snake where they were moving which seemed reasonable and understandable. The first thing I notice is that they asked to be contacted by text or call that they did not leave a number so I responded by email asking for more info about the snake how long they had it, male or female, disposition how was feeding etc.


This was was the response I got:

Keep in mind I try not to be a grammar nerd as I am no Nathaniel Hawthorne but that was the first indication that something was amiss. Clearly this idiot does know how to copy and paste but forgot to proofread and take out all the puppy references. Maybe they were just in a hurry and had other scams to get to I guess?

Hi
These perfect and wonderful python are just 5 Months old. They have taken
all shots and are ready to move to responsible and caring homes. we
have 1 female and 1 male left.they are all registered and micro
chipped.
They are very playful with little children and other pets at home
like dogs cats and monkeys. They would be very wonderful in a loving
and responsible home. Hence they are going out only to responsible and
caring homes . I'll like you to know that all my pups are well
socialize and gets along with kids and other house pets, They have
taken all their vaccines. They are not aggressive. They love to ru and
play with kids,other house pets and animal lovers.

Each python shall be coming with the following things.



Vet Health Examination
Health Certificate
1 Year Health Guarantee
Microchip
Registration papers
Complete Medical Records
Sample Pouch of Fee
python booklet
Toy or Treat
python booklet that will help you to raise the python.
Feel free to get back for any
additional information and pictures.
Kind Regards


I feel fortunate that the snake has been microchip, vaccinated and will come with a toy or treat. I feel like this separates this breeder for most of the breeders that I see online today

Beware everyone

TNK