Known Scams Sticky?

[Mizzely]

I'm not sure if we already have this, but I was thinking about it after hearing another sad story of a scam today. A fair number of scammers use similar listings, phone numbers, email addresses, etc. (example that I am familiar with, the hyacinth macaws). Perhaps the Avenue would benefit from having a gathering of these known scams to better educate members/guests, with maybe some tips on how to adopt from unknown sources.

Just a thought, it just makes me so sad to see these stories

[AmberMuffinz]

This is a good idea. I don't have much to contribute, but I vote that we should!

[Kathy N]

Do not ever buy fertilized eggs from anyone in Nigeria. This was a big scam for a while. When I worked for FWS I received several phone calls from people who fell for this. There was an ad for very cheap fertilized eggs. An alternative to this was very affordable macaws or greys from Nigeria. I think from this we can pretty safely say don't send money to people in other countries for birds or eggs, sight unseen. Especially when we know said birds require import/export permits.

Also, if money is sent, there is usually a second request for funds. They will say that permits require a fee. The bird requires vaccinations. The airlines have a layover and the bird needs (fill in the blank). At this point, cut your losses. Do not send any more money. There is no bird. They are just milking the situation for the most they can get out of it.

[Roxxie]

They have these on the sugar glider forums. They are the "Buyer Beware" threads and have turned out to be very helpful for many members.

[allison]

Dont send money for shipping. You can pay shipping costs when you pick the bird up. Another scam is someone who will say the bird is free, all you have to do is pay for shipping (even from within the US). They will sometimes give very detailed descriptions about the bird and its personality and sound pretty convincing. Ask to talk with them over the phone and never send money until you do and even then do not pay for the shipping in advanced. Ask for details, which airline, which flight, what time, etc.

[Lauren]

I definitely think it would be a good idea. I've known a few people myself who have almost fallen for the whole "pay for shipping and we'll send you a cockatoo free" scam..

[Cage Cleaner]

I'm not sure what this thread's context is? Are we talking about people posing as breeders that ship birds?

[Mizzely]

I'm not sure what this thread's context is? Are we talking about people posing as breeders that ship birds?

The idea is to gather clues that an ad for a bird is a scam to warn people