This is a little write up of a few tips to follow for any of you out there who are new to this trade (and a few reminders to those who aren't). I've been asked more than once and seen a few threads here asking about different breeders/sellers (and usually it is after money has been sent) I usually respond with a few pointers...this is from an email I sent out tonight and while writing it I thought I'd post it here in case anyone had anything to add.

This industry is known for scams and it's too bad that a few (really) rotten
apples have to spoil it for the rest. In the future, before buying from
anyone (or participating in trades) follow some of these guidelines to
prevent being ripped off.

#1. If it sounds too good to be true it most likely is. Basic economics
applies to this trade the same way it does to any other business. No one is
going to sell a Mojave for $5,000 unless it really isn't a Mojave. This
applies to all morphs, hets or whatever. This doesn't mean that behind
closed doors deals aren't struck. But no one is going to advertise that. If
you are wondering what the market price is for a particular animal or morph
check out some of the websites and call around to other breeders and ask.

#2. If the seller is pressuring you to buy now or lose out (i.e.: "I've got
six other guys waiting on you. If you don't buy it today they will."... walk
away. They want you to make a decision without checking up on them.
Sometimes they are legit and there really might be other buyers but most
breeders know that if you are serious about buying an animal they will hold
it for at least a brief period of time for you to get your ducks in a row.

#3. Trust your gut instincts. If you feel like something isn't quite right
about a deal, a seller or whatever walk away. The most you are out is your
time. If at a later point you find out the dealer or breeder is legit you
can always return to see what they have to offer.

#4. Get as much information from the seller as possible. Ask questions about
animal, ask for pictures (the more the better), ask about the seller. Make
sure they are who they say they are by getting a phone number and an
address. P.O. boxes are not a safe bet. After you get all of their
information verify it by calling information (for the phone number) and do a
check on some of the various internet directories for their address. Do a
Google search on their name or business name.

#5. Ask for references. Many people will state in their ads that they have
references available. Ask for them and FOLLOW UP. Contact their references
and see what they have to say about the seller. Red flags in this area would
be if the seller protests saying something like, "I must respect my
customer's privacy." or if all (or most) of the references only have email
addresses for contact information or they all seem to have a web based email
address (hotmail.com, yahoo.com, etc.).

#6. Check out the various BOI's online. That is what they are there for...to
inquire. Use them. If they scammed one person they have most likely scammed
others. Sometimes a person will start a thread with the experience(s)
whether good or bad they have had with a seller...these threads are
generally searchable so all you would have to do is type in their name or
business name into the search boxes on the forum and find the info you are
looking for. At other times, you may have to start your own thread asking
about a seller and wait for responses...give it a week or so. That way
people will have enough time to see it and respond.
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It's actually not that I love or even like snakes. I just hate rodents.