Craigslist Snake Scam

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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

---

Oh my! It's almost like they did a 'Find and Replace' w/ the word 'Dog' and replaced w/ 'Python'. Bunch of idiots.....

wow...
can you report listings like that on CL?? that's a total scam or a complete idiot, and both make me fear for any animals involved in this. :(

Yup, then after you say that sounds great when can we meet. Then they already moved but will ship for free, as long as you send them x amount, because they want it to go to a good home.

I was getting annoyed with this when I got my dog, every one I contacted had a story of the dog needing to be shipped. I'm sorry but I kinda want to meet the dog before I buy it, so even if you weren't scamming, I'm still not interested.

I mean this guy has no limits when it comes to his scam efforts lol. I feel like I should pay more for a pied that's potty trained lol. I really want to ask him if this scam ever works but sadly I am sure it does. This guys is a grade A moron and I hope he gets bit by a snake at some point lol




His latest email:


Hello thanks for your reply they are potty
trained and house broken, They eat 3 times daily so you have to feed
them in that order. Also they will come with a hand book that is going
to direct you on feeding. They eat most food stuffs; they will come
with some of their stuffs. They are calm and
behave well. You will need to pay for the shipping cost i just
relocated to
BOSTON because of my new job that is very demanding
and I cannot give the pythons the love and care the deserve that is
why am giving them out for adoption .
i just got in contact with the
delivery agency and was told the shipping fees for one python is $400
for one and $750 for both So i will like to know if you want one or
the two .They will be shipped with the
following:
1 A 200 series travel kennel (20" L x 15" Wx10" H), Airline approved.....
2. Health certificate and avid micro-chip form...
3. Updated and current shot and worming records.
For I to set up the Shipping and delivery arrangements at the
Transportation agency They will need your
FULL NAMES...........?
CITY.......................?
STATE..................?
PHONE NUMBER...?
HOME ADDRESS....?
POSTAL CODE...?
Please get back with these details so that we can proceed with this
transaction. So this is how the transaction will proceed, when you get
back with you shipping information. I will take the python to the
shipping company alongside his documents and register him for the next
available flight to your location under your names and address. When
they are through with everything, they will contact you through email
or phone, on how you are going to make the payment
and when the python will be shipped and delivered to your house .
That means you will be paying the money for shipping directly to the
shipping company and not to me . The shipping company provides home
delivery that means the python can be shipped to your airport and later
delivered to your house . So get back with

this details let us proceed with the shipping .
I am waiting for you reply



I almost want to reply:

"OMG OMG BOSTON??? I'M GOING TO BE IN BOSTON THIS WEEK FOR THE NATIONAL VENEMOUS REPTILE EXPO AT MOZAMBIQUE BLVD!!! CAN WE MEET AT ILL PICK THEM UP AND AVOID THE DELIVERY FEE??? PLEASE NOTE ILL HAVE LIVE GABOON VIPERS IN MY VAN BUT I PROMISE THEY PLAY NICELY."

Link to ad:

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/p...323802985.html

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Night King

Link to ad:

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/p...323802985.html

---

DUDE SAME AD IS POSTED HERE IN CHICAGO
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/p...323878595.html

EDIT: should i contact them, too??

EDIT 2: reverse image search shows this person has been trying this for a while all over the place. here's a number the person posted on a classifieds site in Canada: 4038131245. link to the Canada posting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Night King

Hello thanks for your reply they are pottytrained and house broken, They eat 3 times daily so you have to feed
them in that order. Also they will come with a hand book that is going
to direct you on feeding. They eat most food stuffs; they will come
with some of their stuffs.

---

:rofl:

I want to know how many people have monkeys in their household where it has become necessary to inform the buyer that their dog like pythons are good with them?!

That's a common scam and different animals are substituted. Seen it for pythons, boas, monitors, tegus...

Just report the ad as a scam and move on.