Kingsnake is aware of these scams, but we have no way to control who emails sellers. Though if scam type ads are placed in the classified sections these can be reported via the usual 'report abuse' manner and the actual ad can be removed and the account of the poster can be banned.



For all sellers, whether you sell on the Kingsnake.com classified section or elsewhere should make yourselves aware of the various 'buyer' scams in circulation. Don't accept certified checks, money orders, cashiers checks etc. for amounts greater than the cost of the animal you are selling. Don't accept pick ups by third party shippers. Use your own shipping methods (ie Delta Airlines, the 'ship your reptile' service etc.) direct to the address of the shipper (or nearest airport). Don't ship animals first, make sure any Money order, personal check etc. clears with your bank first. Double check the ship to address to make sure its authentic and don't be afraid to lose a sale by asking more information or demanding payment done in a certain way (ie via cash, or paypal).



Also keep in mind that many reptiles require CITES papers to leave the country to go to another country. These take time and cost money, so make it clear you won't ship outside the continental US (if seller lives in the US) or out of Canada. (or any other country you live in).



Above all us, use common sense. Do a google search on email scams, or buyer scams. There is a wealth of information on this. Milk people who send you suspicious emails for information. Ask where they are located, refuse to hand over the snake to an outside shipper, that you insist on using your own. That you will only accept US issued (or Us and Canadian issued) Money Orders, certified checks etc. for the exact amount you are selling the snake for, plus cost of shipping and you won't ship till after the money is received and cleared.



Another big red flag on these sorts of emails is the fact they don't say what animal they are asking to buy from you. Its very general...you certainly can send a return asking them to specify what animal they want, as you have multiple animals for sale (whether you do or not). These scam letters all read like form letters... heck, if you are really bored, send them a frozen thawed pinky mouse and claim that was the only ad you had up for and the only one you have left LOL.
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PHLdyPayne

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