Ballbids.com

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Originally Posted by mr.spooky

Thank you Mr.Wilbanks
jason / mr. spooky

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sorry couldent edit but,,,,,, what Mr. Wilbanks has done is what i would have expected from this comunity,, what he has (and everyone else) done has made me proud to be a member of this comunity.. it might take me a while, but i will save up money and purchase a snake from Mr. Wilbanks at a fair market price, because i for one believe that you get what you put into it. at the end of the day, i can say that i earned this reptile, and dident win it for pennies on the dollar... :salute::salute::salute::salute::snake::snake::snake::salute::salute::bow::bow:: bow:
spooky

from FAUNA:
If you have been following this whole mess, please call this number and report ballbids for selling/using exotic animals in an auction setting with out a license.
This is the number for the Kentucky fish and wildlife.
There is a live dispatch operator that answers she will ask where they are located : Louisville Kentucky
What is the business called : Ballbids.com
what is the nature of their business: they are auctioning exotic snakes out of Kentucky. When asked to provide proof that they are following the federal exotic animal law in regards to auctioning they state that they do not need one as they are licensed out of Florida.
__________________________________________________ ________________________That is how my call went.
The dispatch was very interested in that and said that an agent will most likely get back to me. If enough people call and report them I think that they will have to cease and desist.

Call 800-25-ALERT to Report a Law Violation

Please pass this on!!

If you have been following this whole mess, please call this number and report ballbids for selling/using exotic animals in an auction setting with out a license.
This is the number for the Kentucky fish and wildlife.
There is a live dispatch operator that answers she will ask where they are located : Louisville Kentucky
What is the business called : Ballbids.com
what is the nature of their business: they are auctioning exotic snakes out of Kentucky. When asked to provide proof that they are following the federal exotic animal law in regards to auctioning they state that they do not need one as they are licensed out of Florida.
__________________________________________________ ________________________That is how my call went.
The dispatch was very interested in that and said that an agent will most likely get back to me. If enough people call and report them I think that they will have to cease and desist.

Call 800-25-ALERT to Report a Law Violation

Please pass this on!!

hahaha yuo beat me to sharing my post!! thats awsome though, word of mouth is so fast!!...

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Originally Posted by mr.spooky

from FAUNA:
If you have been following this whole mess, please call this number and report ballbids for selling/using exotic animals in an auction setting with out a license.
This is the number for the Kentucky fish and wildlife.
There is a live dispatch operator that answers she will ask where they are located : Louisville Kentucky
What is the business called : Ballbids.com
what is the nature of their business: they are auctioning exotic snakes out of Kentucky. When asked to provide proof that they are following the federal exotic animal law in regards to auctioning they state that they do not need one as they are licensed out of Florida.
__________________________________________________ ________________________That is how my call went.
The dispatch was very interested in that and said that an agent will most likely get back to me. If enough people call and report them I think that they will have to cease and desist.

Call 800-25-ALERT to Report a Law Violation

Please pass this on!!

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I would be interested in knowing how many people call the hotline......:D

I so glad to read Mike's post. This has to be a big eye opener for ballbid supporters!!!

Ya when you're supposed "supplier" has an issue with your "business" and wants nothing to do with you.......
Ya boys you've got a problem.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

Glad to hear Mike won't be selling anymore!

This has given me a new idea. Anyone who would like to buy an amazingly normal normal ball python for ten dollars, just pm me. Tell me your name, address, birthdate, ssn, as well as your shoe size. For every number you type, add $10. For ever letter typed add another $3.50. Note that I will charge $25.00 for the pm. Shipping will be $175 to anywhere in the US. On top if this I will have to charge you $50.00 for having to type this on an iPhone.

I think my business plan has GREAT potential hahaha!

I know I am but a peon to Mike Wilbanks, but I was one who had a harsh statement about their affiliation with ballbids (which I still stand behind for whoever does decide to be affiliated with them after knowing the truth about ballbids) but I certainly will eat my words back after seeing how he is handling the situation while over seas. Glad you posted and let us hear it straight from the horses mouth. :salute:

I think its best to keep this thread on the top until these clowns leave :gj:

Please you can all help if you call the report line I posted. it is the Kentucky fish and wildlife federal div. They are interested in this case and the more people that report the faster they can make it important. Its very easy. They will ask a few questions and here is what you need to know.
The business is ballbids.com
They are operating out of Louisville Kentucky
They are auctioning exotic ball pythons presumably with out the proper license. The "company" states that they are exempt from needing that license to operate their business.

They will ask for your name and number in case the agents need any more info. Please please call. It only takes a few sec.

Call 800-25-ALERT to Report a Law Violation

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

I don't think it's a scam, I actually think it's genius. If these snakes are really given away, how is it a scam? A scam is someone who robs you of your money by pretending to offer something you want. If you read the FAQ and how it works you fully understand everything. I can't guarantee that a lot of those auctions won't make it to retial price and that not even the buyer will spend that in bidding points. If you setup a system to know exactly how much you're spending each bid, you can come out winning.

And props to the guy who's doing it all. While the bidder may end up paying $5.35 for a snake, he made .55 x 535. Whose fault is that? The bidders. Nothing illegal there. So if you're going to get all pissy for paying $5.35 for a snake while the guy giving it to you made approx $270 off everyone bidding, then you're just a hater for not thinking of it first. Because I'll tell you what, if I would have thought of this first, I would have done it too.

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There is so much wrong its not even funny. Auctions work because the sellers only make money when an item is sold. This system removes the incentive for actually selling the items. You can easily setup fake accounts that can place bogus bids going to keep the timer going until you make the money you want to make. If you don't make the money you want you just create a fake user name who won the snake and no one is the wiser. For that matter many sites then turn around and take forever to ship your winning item. Why? Because they can take the money they made on the auction to buy the item they were selling then send it out to you once they get it.

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Originally Posted by Egapal

There is so much wrong its not even funny. Auctions work because the sellers only make money when an item is sold. This system removes the incentive for actually selling the items. You can easily setup fake accounts that can place bogus bids going to keep the timer going until you make the money you want to make. If you don't make the money you want you just create a fake user name who won the snake and no one is the wiser. For that matter many sites then turn around and take forever to ship your winning item. Why? Because they can take the money they made on the auction to buy the item they were selling then send it out to you once they get it.

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Which is what it seems they are doing. That and they do not have the proper licenses nor quarantine process, by their own admission. Adding a snake from them to your collection could potentially wipe out your hobby. Not to mention that they are extremely unprofessional, and have been caught STOPPING the clock and resetting the time because of glitches. Also there is proof that they may have been the winner of 4 of their big items. That is also illegal and sketchy. If any other penny auctions did this the same issues would arise. So you might as well just send them your money if you think they are that great.These guys are not peddling laptops and x boxes, these are live animals, exotic as well and there are strict federal laws that they must follow that they are not.

they are in Jefferson County when reporting to the number

is there any news asto how far the law has gotten involved?
thanks
spooky

They are breaking a local ordinance, despite whatever license loop hole they are hiding in, the Kentucky states attorneys are aware and the metro animal control is checking up on it.

The Kentucky local ordinance for Jefferson County.

§ 91.096 OFFERING ANIMAL AS PRIZE OR AWARD.

(A) No person shall offer any live animal as a prize or award in connection with any raffle, protest, demonstration, promotion, or as an incentive to participate in any game, promotion, or otherwise.


I will share updates as I get them.

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Originally Posted by mr.spooky

is there any news asto how far the law has gotten involved?
thanks
spooky

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None that I know of yet Spooky.
To add something, there "programmer" Marty added some comments which were deleted, stating that "it's business to have a license and do it somewhere else" basically self incriminating ballbids and admitting they don't abide by state of Kentucky laws. Sadly it got deleted some tine within the last 3 hours. I'd love to know, did anyone get a picture?

At the rate that they are deleting things from their site...you'd think there would be a rather massive collection of screen shots by now...taken by people who want to capture all this incriminating evidence. If you see it...better screen shot it...because it'll probably disappear next time you refresh. :rolleyes:

Instead...I keep reading, "So and so said this, but it was deleted." I'm no ballbids supporter, but that kind of hearsay doesn't help anyone.

Get screen shots, people.

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Originally Posted by mr.spooky

is there any news asto how far the law has gotten involved?
thanks
spooky

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see my post below yours, there is an officer assigned to it and he is working with the states attorneys.
The officer said they were getting ready to make a visit.

I will update as I get them.

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Originally Posted by JLC

At the rate that they are deleting things from their site...you'd think there would be a rather massive collection of screen shots by now...taken by people who want to capture all this incriminating evidence. If you see it...better screen shot it...because it'll probably disappear next time you refresh. :rolleyes:

Instead...I keep reading, "So and so said this, but it was deleted." I'm no ballbids supporter, but that kind of hearsay doesn't help anyone.

Get screen shots, people.

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I would, but all I have is my little phone. :( mostly I try to help with the "debates" LOL.

BTW, I love your avatar makes me every time I see It! :P

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Originally Posted by Egapal

There is so much wrong its not even funny. Auctions work because the sellers only make money when an item is sold. This system removes the incentive for actually selling the items. You can easily setup fake accounts that can place bogus bids going to keep the timer going until you make the money you want to make. If you don't make the money you want you just create a fake user name who won the snake and no one is the wiser. For that matter many sites then turn around and take forever to ship your winning item. Why? Because they can take the money they made on the auction to buy the item they were selling then send it out to you once they get it.

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Everything you said start with the fake accounts all the way to the end is true. But my point is that what they are doing, CONSIDERING THE BIDDERS KNOW WHATS UP, is ok. If people don't want to bid cus they don't want to gamble their money, it's easy... don't bid. Now in my defense, I am not a Ballbids supporter, I was just stating that what they are doing is OK in my eyes and long as everything is honest. Idc if they charge people to bid, that just hating if you ask me.

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

Everything you said start with the fake accounts all the way to the end is true. But my point is that what they are doing, CONSIDERING THE BIDDERS KNOW WHATS UP, is ok. If people don't want to bid cus they don't want to gamble their money, it's easy... don't bid. Now in my defense, I am not a Ballbids supporter, I was just stating that what they are doing is OK in my eyes and long as everything is honest. Idc if they charge people to bid, that just hating if you ask me.

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Actually they are breaking a law.

Jefferson County Louisville Kentucky states:

§ 91.096 OFFERING ANIMAL AS PRIZE OR AWARD.

(A) No person shall offer any live animal as a prize or award in connection with any raffle, protest, demonstration, promotion, or as an incentive to participate in any game, promotion, or otherwise.

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

Everything you said start with the fake accounts all the way to the end is true. But my point is that what they are doing, CONSIDERING THE BIDDERS KNOW WHATS UP, is ok. If people don't want to bid cus they don't want to gamble their money, it's easy... don't bid. Now in my defense, I am not a Ballbids supporter, I was just stating that what they are doing is OK in my eyes and long as everything is honest. Idc if they charge people to bid, that just hating if you ask me.

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There's more to it than it just being another auction site. It's a blight on our hobby. MAYBE it would have worked with the right brains behind it, but these yahoo's are not ready for prime time. It's amazing to me the amount of trust some people are willing to throw them, all for the allure of getting a ball python morph on the cheap.

I have the following shots I took last night:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8...tslicenses.png
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3...oesntapply.png

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Originally Posted by Tarawr88

I have the following shots I took last night:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8...tslicenses.png
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3...oesntapply.png

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please take this to their FBpage and post it!
spooky

" Good Afternoon BallBid.com Fans!
As you all know, last week we started our business and found we were experiencing some technical issues, which we are still working on. Additionally, we found that we had a group of people in the reptile community that were vehemently opposed to our specific business model. In their written posts on our page and other forums they made accusations we feel are without merit. Their primary concern appeared to be their belief that our way of business would take away their customers and lessen the value of the morph industry. We disagree entirely and believe that we will be offering a new and exceptionally entrepreneurial approach to the morph industry, subsequently benefiting both the breeders and the recipients. We will still be available to our fans on our Facebook page where we will keep you advised on how quickly we can get the company maintenance issues repaired. It shouldn't be very long! We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused by our maintenance problems last week. We really tried to get this right the first time by launching last week but I guess in our new and technologically advanced business, we will again pioneer, this time with the slogan; "the second time is a charm!" We will still be looking forward to those YouTube unboxing Videos! Thanks again for your patience!

Zack and Avi "

(normal human translation)...
Hello ballbids.com suckers.
Last week we attempted to bring a new and innovative method of scamming to the reptile hobby. Time and time again, we ended up either eating our own footware, or in most cases, suffering gunshot wounds to our feet. This was not our fault, in fact we attempted to cover as much up as we could but unfortunately members of a certain forum appear to have IQ's larger than our target audiences. Still come on Facebook so we can attempt some kind of propaganda in order to squeeze as much as we can out of you, before it really hits the fan.

Zack & Avi

Sent from my phone, to the Internet, to your screen.

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Originally Posted by mr.spooky

please take this to their FBpage and post it!
spooky

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Unfortunately, I can't-- they banned me. LOL

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Originally Posted by JLC

At the rate that they are deleting things from their site...you'd think there would be a rather massive collection of screen shots by now...taken by people who want to capture all this incriminating evidence. If you see it...better screen shot it...because it'll probably disappear next time you refresh. :rolleyes:

Instead...I keep reading, "So and so said this, but it was deleted." I'm no ballbids supporter, but that kind of hearsay doesn't help anyone.

Get screen shots, people.

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I would Judy but Zachy has me blocked since this all started :8:.I dont know why he would block me of all people though :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Dawn Michelle

Actually they are breaking a law.

Jefferson County Louisville Kentucky states:

§ 91.096 OFFERING ANIMAL AS PRIZE OR AWARD.

(A) No person shall offer any live animal as a prize or award in connection with any raffle, protest, demonstration, promotion, or as an incentive to participate in any game, promotion, or otherwise.

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Never said what they were doing was legal....

And either way this doesn't support or deny my statements. Although it is relevant to the whole subject, it's not relevant to what I said.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

There's more to it than it just being another auction site. It's a blight on our hobby. MAYBE it would have worked with the right brains behind it, but these yahoo's are not ready for prime time. It's amazing to me the amount of trust some people are willing to throw them, all for the allure of getting a ball python morph on the cheap.

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I don't disagree with you here. My defense is that nothing they're doing is technically wrong.

I just got off the phone with dispatch for that 1-800-25-ALERT number and the officer on duty has informed me that if they are in fact auctioning off live animals without a license they will be shut down and punished to the full extent of the law. Also he said they can't doing anything about the scam thing.

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

I don't disagree with you here. My defense is that nothing they're doing is technically wrong.

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ok but your saying that everything they are doing is honest? Except breaking the law and the lies about their licenses? Advertising fake sold reptiles with fake prices on them? That is all dishonest and false to get people to play their game, I mean why not just say hey we are going to try the penny bid auctions out with snakes. Technically, false advertising is wrong, lies are wrong, Breaking the law is wrong. Really there isn't alot that is right about what they are trying to do. I'm not talking about the Penny auction structure itself cause even though I see it as a scam that is a separate issue from all the rest. Im not trying to pick a fight at all, I just wanted to make my reasons as clear as you made yours...:)

It is so obviously a scam! Nobody is getting any snakes for pennies on the dollar! How can you not see that? Plus they are in direct violation of at least one federal law and at least one state law!

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Originally Posted by evan385

I just got off the phone with dispatch for that 1-800-25-ALERT number and the officer on duty has informed me that if they are in fact auctioning off live animals without a license they will be shut down and punished to the full extent of the law. Also he said they can't doing anything about the scam thing.

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Yes and they referred me through the gambit of resources, I ended up at the State Attorney's Criminal division, and I have an officer that is in contact with me overseeing the investigation. Federal doesn't cover snakes, but the local has the ball, and they are breaking a major no no law. The site is down now and even though Zack says its to do maintenance, I think they got a visit today from Jefferson county, though I haven't got conformation yet, I will post when I do.

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Originally Posted by Dawn Michelle

Yes and they referred me through the gambit of resources, I ended up at the State Attorney's Criminal division, and I have an officer that is in contact with me overseeing the investigation. Federal doesn't cover snakes, but the local has the ball, and they are breaking a major no no law. The site is down now and even though Zack says its to do maintenance, I think they got a visit today from Jefferson county, though I haven't got conformation yet, I will post when I do.

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Thank you! I really hope they got shut down! Keep us informed! :D

Apparently, ballbids just gave everyone who bid a refund. Trying to clean up their tracks?

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by satomi325

Apparently, ballbids just gave everyone who bid a refund. Trying to clean up their tracks?

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

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or forced to make good so they don't get prosecuted

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Originally Posted by satomi325

Apparently, ballbids just gave everyone who bid a refund. Trying to clean up their tracks?

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

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Ahahaha! I wonder what lame/hilarious/pathetic excuse they're going to tell their "loyal customers"....

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Originally Posted by CLSpider

Ahahaha! I wonder what lame/hilarious/pathetic excuse they're going to tell their "loyal customers"....

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Who knows, but it's going to be funny if they try to spin some of their "the dog ate my homework" type excuses with law enforcement. :D

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Originally Posted by Dawn Michelle

or forced to make good so they don't get prosecuted

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Does seem like a odd timing... would this include the original 4 snakes?

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Originally Posted by zeion97

Does seem like a odd timing... would this include the original 4 snakes?

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Yes they are giving everyone who participated a full refund including the winners of the snakes, but the winners are still getting the snakes as gifts. This is a forced move people, I'm sure of it.

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Originally Posted by Dawn Michelle

Yes they are giving everyone who participated a full refund including the winners of the snakes, but the winners are still getting the snakes as gifts. This is a forced move people, I'm sure of it.

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Good...maybe.. for all we know all.of these auctions could still be set up. I am hoping not, which would mean instead of making money, they would have lost money.. If however the snakes were there's, it would mean they would "break even" which could mean a uprising again......this can't happen Again, I have people asking me even at work "what's happening" And I'm getting Is bad responses and more people saying we shouldn't own Reptiles...

Good job though everyone....

Sorry my wording was bad. Lol..

Zach my boy is your scam world crushing down in front of your little eyes? :8::8::8: My advice to you DONT TRY THIS CRAP AGAIN.Now everyone is aware of you we will NEVER forget it and thats a promise :D

They went off saying the Law dont pertain to them since their registered in FL. But FL residence require a ClassIII licenses to sell and one to possess pythons.

So either way their screwed

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

They went off saying the Law dont pertain to them since their registered in FL. But FL residence require a ClassIII licenses to sell and one to possess pythons.

So either way their screwed

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I saw that as well on their facebook wall. I don't know Florida law (although I'm glad people like you are apprised), but it's beyond absurd to think that the laws of Kentucky don't apply to one's business simply because you've registered or incorporated in another state. I'm glad people were issued refunds, and it's been extremely gratifying to see this entire business spiral out within a week, but it's also unfortunate that this poorly executed and ill-conceived project was tied to the reptile industry in the first place.

ah well, at least there's the schadenfreude to help digest the entire experience.

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Originally Posted by Dawn Michelle

Yes they are giving everyone who participated a full refund including the winners of the snakes, but the winners are still getting the snakes as gifts. This is a forced move people, I'm sure of it.

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Yes yes yes!! :rofl::rofl::rofl::banana::banana::banana:
Sorry Zack you are done!

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Originally Posted by evan385

Yes yes yes!! :rofl::rofl::rofl::banana::banana::banana:
Sorry Zack you are done!

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Do you know Zack personally? If not, why are you taking cracks at him personally? I'm not sticking up for him at all. Though, we should be glad the ill minded business is no longer operating and not looking like a mob out to attack a persons character. There are some people on here who have reason to feel strongly about zachs demise as they have had bad dealings with him personally. Lets keep our image semi-decent here. Just saying.

I agree. I started Say No to Ballbids to stop them as a company. I have not or will not bash them as people. I do hope Zack learns from this experience and make things right. Also hopes that he learns that making money over the welfare of the snakes is a bad idea.

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Originally Posted by twistedtails

Do you know Zack personally? If not, why are you taking cracks at him personally? I'm not sticking up for him at all. Though, we should be glad the ill minded business is no longer operating and not looking like a mob out to attack a persons character. There are some people on here who have reason to feel strongly about zachs demise as they have had bad dealings with him personally. Lets keep our image semi-decent here. Just saying.

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Hm.. I went to go look at the facebook page and it seems it took me straight here? That was weird.

edit: got to it finally, but round about.

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Originally Posted by zeion97

Does seem like a odd timing... would this include the original 4 snakes?

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Yes apparently they have given back the money even to the winners and "gifted" them the snakes. This is from an email they sent out, from one of the people that had money refunded.

Here is my theory. Just a theory, based on my intel......

They might have been contacted and asked if they were aware they were violating a local law, to which of course they would have said "why, no we were unaware" TO which something along the lines of "well in order to avoid legal fees and prosecution you need to refund all money and including the "winners" of your illegal game. Giving the snakes as gifts, IF they even had real winners would be a try and cover your ass move to avoid getting sued by the winners.