Cameroon Pet animal export scam

[dodobird]

Most of the ads I see will be listed for 30 days at least so I do not think it would have to be a everyday event to post these warnings. Maybe someone else will read it and do the same.

New ads get posted everyday by the dozen by the scammers and some of them are up for up to one year. For you to remain on top of a category would mean posting at least once a day EVERY day of the year. I still don't think it's a bad idea, as any idea to fight scam is good. But I've found with time that the only truly effetive way to fight scam is through education.

You seem to take the time to answer to almost all the emails here. so why not be proactive and do it on other sites? Sorry that this sounds rude. I am not trying to be a jerk. Just trying to help others before they get taken.

I understand that you're not trying to be rude. But as all the support members of this site, I'm a volunteer that also dedicates free time to other antifraud sites as well. There are so many types of scam and new ones come up everyday. I too would love to save everyone before they get taken, but with the quantity of scams on the net nowadays, this is physically impossible. I've chosen to dedicate most of my time towards education, which I repeat, is the only effective way to fight this.

For us, having just one person Google for information on a scam format posted here is a personal success. And as people from around the world are becoming more internet savvy, they're also learning to search more for the information they need.

[jeanette1972]

hi all the scams still going i replied to one that claims to have two rottweiler puppies this is the conversation i had.
Hello Dear,
Thanks so much for the mail and interest regarding the puppies we
have ..We have one male and one female puppies now available and they
are 12 weeks old, they have very good temperament with kids and other
pets,very playful love to play around with toys and kids,they are
health guaranteed and KC registered.....they are up to date on all
their shots and dewormings and they will be coming along side with
their health papers and vet records....... First i wish to let you
know that we are given these puppies out because my mum just died.
She is located in Isle of Man and all of us are there now ...She was
the owner of this cute little babies.. Since she is now late , We can't
keep the puppies here in such condition because each time we see them
, we keep thinking of her .So we want to given them out to a lovely
and caring home ,where they can be treated as such and keep us up
dated on monthly progress.These puppies will be coming from Isle of Man.. But if you would be able to come over here for the pick up ,we
shall be very great full, but if you can't come , we can make
arrangements for home delivery service and they will get the puppy
delivered at your doorstep.Below are just some few question we asked..
Where are you located?
Do you have any kids ?
Have you ever own a pet before ?
Why this breed of puppy before?
Why are you interested on this breed?
How soon do you need the puppies over?
Which sex are you interested on?
Sorry for all the question , but we just want to be sure that the
puppies are going to the right home and they will be having all the
love and attention they need .We are given them out for £200 just for
the delivery and that's all If still interested , contact us back
for more details of the puppies and picture. this my contact number 07031826817 pls do give me a call now , Thanks .

i very stupid of me gave details then got pictures of the dog , to be told the dog was coming next day if i made payment this is the address
ADDRESS TO USE FOR THE POST OFFICE MONEYGRAM TRANSFER

NAMES----------------------EBOA RAYHOFFMAN


COUNTRY-------------------CAMEROON ( CMR )

CITY---------------------------DOUALA

POST OR ZIP CODE-------00237

You need a test question before sending money to this account.

TEST QUESTION-------------------TO WHOM?

ANSWER------------------------------MY BABY.

DO GIVE US A CALL BEFORE MAKING PAYMENT !!!!!!!!!

then i clicked so i asked for more details like bank account and home address this is what i got
Hello,
Thanks for getting back to me ok, and pls am very sorry for the late reply ok, when i get there this morning to register the puppy for it to be home delivered down to your home this morning they aks us to go to the post office and make the payment via moneygram at the post office for the registration of the puppy place ok, and cameroon they said all payment are being directed to their sub head quarter which cameroon ok, so you have nothing to worry about ok, because i trust the company ok, and they are going to deliver your puppy today as soon as payment is been made over to them ok, below are my details ,
21 new road,laxey,
isle of man,
im4 7bd.

of course no such address
so i emailed the courier and this is what i got
DEAR CLIENT,
YOU ARE WELCOME ONCE SMALL TO OUR PETS TRANSPORTATION FAMILY.REGARDING THE PAYMENT FOR THE DELIVERY OF YOUR PUPPY,ALL YOU NEED TO DO NOW IS GET A PEN AND COPY DOWN OUR DIRECTOR'S PAYMENT ADDRESS AS BELOW;


ADDRESS TO USE FOR THE POST OFFICE MONEYGRAM TRANSFER

NAMES----------------------EBOA RAYHOFFMAN


COUNTRY-------------------CAMEROON ( CMR )

CITY---------------------------DOUALA

POST OR ZIP CODE-------00237

You need a test question before sending money to this account.

TEST QUESTION-------------------TO WHOM?

ANSWER------------------------------MY BABY.

DO GIVE US A CALL BEFORE MAKING PAYMENT !!!!!!!!!


TAKE IT TO YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE AND WHILE THERE,TELL THE CASHIER THERE THAT YOU WANT TO SEND MONEY USING THE MONEY GRAM SERVICE .THEY WILL ISSUE TO YOU A SENDER FORM WHICH YOU WILL FILL THE FORM USING THE PAYMENT ADDRESS YOU COPIED.HAND THE FILLED FORM TO THE CASHIER AND INRETURN THE CASHIER WILL ISSUE TO YOU A PAYMENT RECEIPT TO PROVE THAT YOU HAVE MADE THE PAYMENT WHICH YOU WILL NEED TO RING US IMMEDIATELY FOR CONFIRMATION AND DELIVERY OF YOUR PUPPY .

THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING

STAY TO ENJOY OUR SERVICES

MANAGER

CONTACT NUMBER 07023049874


as you can see another mobile number , while iam typing this iam still in contact the other numbers given were
07031890170
07023030984
07031826817
the same man with an american accent try for yourself and ask for a different person each time , they say yes thats me how you doing
is there any point taking this to the police ?????? will they catch them and put them out of business????? tell me what you think as i am still in contact right now with them

[jeanette1972]

dr_smith1985@live.com
this is the guy yous want to type into your search page and you will see his adds

[jeanette1972]

Hi becks697,

Thanks for taking the time to post these details. Would you please post the email address these scammers were using as well? :)


the scamers use this email address dr_smith1985@live.com type it into google and see how many puppies he has up for scam and notice its the same mobile number but all in different locations
hope you find this usefull

[Mycroft]

is there any point taking this to the police ?????? will they catch them and put them out of business????? tell me what you think as i am still in contact right now with them
I'm afraid not. The scammer will likely be working anonymously from a Cameroonian Internet cafe. There's almost nothing the UK police could do even if they had the resources to follow up every 419 scam.
Numbers starting 070 or 4470 aren't mobile numbers, but free UK numbers that redirect calls to another phone anywhere in the world.
The only ray of hope is that Cameroon seems to be clamping down on scammers.
http://www.africanews.com/site/list_message/29426
Early days yet though , and 22 Cameroonian scammers is only a drop in the ocean.

[dodobird]

But then again, not taking the time to report it to the police helps to keep the real scamming numbers away. It is already widely known that only an infinite percentage of victims actually do file a report. A direct consequence is that no government will give scamming their full attention as long as victims remain quiet.

[jeanette1972]

hi again got another scammer for yous to watch out for

this guy wasnt on the same web-site as dr smith he was in another site and said he was in stirling so i emailed him and said i was in glasgow and if he still had the puppies could i come for a look with the view to taking a puppis home . this is the guys details
tonybanks4@aol.com
this man is another puppie scammer he sent me this last night


Hi there,
Thanks for the mail and the interest in my baby puppies.they are both male and female.they are still available and ready to go Spectacular pure breed KC registered with all shots,vaccines and vet records updated.In placing my puppies out for adoption,I am looking for reasonable,knowledgeable and cautious person who can offer them tenderness,nursery with lots of love kisses and hugs..They are up for Re-homing and am giving them out for £220 each including their delivery charges with papers.These adorable,cute and gorgeous puppies are 12 weeks old now and would be the perfect match for you.they will be the best playmate you've ever dream of.With their great personality and good temperaments with kids and other pets,they would be the one to steal your soul.they would be coming along with their vet records,and all their KC registration papers attached to their package with lots of play toys.You have nothing to worry about because i will also enclose their hand book and feeding menu to their package ok.Promise me that you would shower him/her with lots of TLC. And i would never like that my baby should end up in a shelter or rescue.,feel free to mail me.If you are willing to get him/her,please e-mail me asap so that i would stop all other contacts .If you have any more question to ask i will answer you truthfully and faithfully...I would like to ask you some few questions if you do not mind.

1* Whats your name?
2* where do you live in Alice Springs?
3* Do you often go out with your pets?
4* Have you a puppy or any pet before?If a puppy then which breed?
5* IS your current pet use to other pets and vet checked also?
6* Do you have a vet? What about your family and kids?
7* Do people at your environ cherish pups?
8* When are you ready for a puppy?
9* Can you please tell me more you know about pets and this breed especially?
10* Will you be able to spoil the baby(s) with much love and care?

Sorry for asking a lot we just want to make sure our puppy(s) are safe where he or she is going.
Awaiting your kind response.....

tony banks.

you can see the similarities here except he uses the word ok less often

this is what i sent him back;

hi where are you located as i want to see the puppies first
iam still waiting on a reply back

[Batman_PT]

Hi everyone!

Same here, I almost got scammed by these same guys.
My wife and I we're interested in receive 2 english bulldog puppies, and we're catched by this scum!

They called me from Cameroon (+237 97324572) and ask a payment by e-mail, from skyline cargo pet movers (the_pet_express@email.com) as you can see (image):

http://torero.no.sapo.pt/imagens/scam.jpg

This is who they wanted me to send money to:

Nomes: AKIENEK LOVETT
código postale: 00237
Endereço: 13 Avenue Maclaire,
Cidade: YAOUNDE
País: Cameroon
Valor: €300

They have talking with my wife by e-mail (dfabien25@yahoo.fr), but when they've called from Cameroon and talk to me, i realize this was very strange.

Then I started looking around online about the company and this site popped up.

Hope i can help you guys in the future with this.
;)Best luck for all of you, and many thanks for you help!

[Tiffy]

I thought it was pretty hilairous when the emailer said he was in Cameroon.
My only reply was: As in AFRICA?

Here is the email for the record:

--- On Tue, 7/27/10, dr hysene <dr.hysene02@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: dr hysene <dr.hysene02@yahoo.com>
Subject: RE:Bengal Kitten
To: Me
Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 6:30 PM


hanks for contacting regarding my Kittens.Our babies are still available for adoption into any home willing to spoil them with the best of love and care.The male is called Cason and the female is Brenda .Both Kittens are 11 Weeks old at the moment and are expected to be 4.5 lbs when grown up.My babies are AKC Registered,Checked every week ends by our Vet doctor and shall be going into their new home with all health papers,a health guarantee,all playing toys and clothings,Kitten beds,feeding menu and all other accessories since i shall not be needing them when they get to their new home.I prefer both Kittens going into the same house since they are already used to each other but getting just one Kitten will be no problem OK.My Kittens are Potty and Home trained,Well socialized and they love to be treated with so much love,care and attention so if you are sure of providing them with that,then i can say your house i best for them.They love to play very much and they understand some basic commands and they are also very willing to learn more.My reason for giving them out for adoption is because i will soon be moving into a new apartment were pets are not allowed so i am left with no option than finding a new home that will treat them like the Prince and Princess which they really are.It will only cost you $140 for the transfer of ownership document of one kitten from my names to your names so if you will be taking both,it will cost $280 OK and that's all you shall be spending to get both Kittens.I am interested in knowing how their new home will look like so more information and if possible pictures of your home will be highly appreciated .Thanks

--- On Wed, 7/28/10,


From: Me
Subject: RE:Bengal Kitten
To: "dr hysene" <dr.hysene02@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 3:11 PM


We may be interested. We have a brand new home in CA.
Would we be able to come visit the kittens? Are you in san Diego?

--- On Wed, 7/28/10, dr hysene <dr.hysene02@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hello,
So nice reading from you once again regarding my kittens.With the information you have provided,i can see that will be spoiled rotten with everything when they get to your house..I feed them daily with a combination of Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken & Rice puppy Food mixed with Bil-Jac kitten food...I mix this two foods at three Scoops Pro Plan to two scoops Bil-Jac.....I have found out that Scooby and Bailey does extremely well with this combination.I also feed my kittens twice a day with a mixture of the kibble and Pedigree canned kitten food warmed in the microwave.All other foods which are not named will be included in their feeding menu since both kittens will be coming to your house with all their health papers,a health guarantee,all playing toys and clothings,kitten beds,feeding menu and all other accessories since i shall not be needing them when they get to their new home . so all i need from you is for you to assure me a good and loving home for the kittens nothing more than that . so for us to proceed so since you want both kittens it would cost you the sum of $280 . so if you are ok then i would love you to give me the following so we can as well proceed .


Your complete names
Your State/City/Zip code
Your House and Street Address
Your Cell Phone Number
Closest airport to your house

When i get these information and the $280 for their transfer of ownership documents,i will immediately go to the Ministry of livestock here and have the ownership papers changed to your names OK.From there,i shall be taking the kittens to the airport and make sure i register them on the next available flight heading to your location. because it would take a 6 hours non stressful flight from my location to which is Cameroon to your location .Once i am through with the arrangements,i will send you copies of the transfer of ownership documents and also the flight information for you to know the departure and arrival time of the kittens at your house.The airport door step delivery agents shall be responsible for the delivery of the kittens right to your house.Remember that if you want just one kitten,you will be spending just $140 OK.I am so happy and please promise me you will send me pictures and updates monthly once you get the kittens.Thanks and waiting your quick reply with the information so i can proceed

[kaz1973]

I was nearly scammed today, i was getting two teacup yorkshire terriers for the kids and when i was trying to me the man to see the dogs and pay him he told me I couldnt that I had to send the money to Cameroon..BEWARE HE IS A SCAMMER AND A SICK ONE AT THAT!!!! I had told my kids that they were getting a dog and they were all excited....Someone has to do something to people like this!!! The email address used was alisongilbey@live.com and the phone number he used was 00447031833822 BEWARE!!!!!!!:x:x

[estrela]

Hi all
there still at it using the same old story send me flight money and insurance money etc,we will send your invisible dog on an invisible plane from our invisible airport,
2 days ago 28th july 2010,add for two estrela puppies on muamat.com add number A4671755, free had to pay flights etc,add said dublin yet they are on the isle off man as they sent me a phone number which i had to use a uk international code to connect,money to be paid to account in cameroon,
Answer me this... if a stranger offered you a pup in the street and said pay me now and i,l go and get him would you pay up, NO you would,nt well these scams are the same thing,blocking emails only stalls them as they set up another and try again,the name off this scammer be it real or not is MARI ONASH,PHONE 0703 1867594,isle of man,email add is marionash_21@hotmail.com,if in doubt mention scam in an email to the seller and see if you get a reply,please please please don,t part with your hard earned money before seeing the pup and papers if in doubt buy local its a lot safer.hope this helps your pocket and not these internet robbers,thanks for reading hope it helps.

[Curious Nelly]

estrela,
Thanks for posting the above information

marionash_21@hotmail.com

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=marionash_21%40hotmail.com&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

[liko]

Thanks for this site :) We tried to look for Russian Blue kittens and we have found the ad on gumtree.ie about kittens adoption. We were thrilled that someone is willing to give such cats to adoption but it lighted very dimmm but red light inside my brain ;) Nevertheless, I decided to follow the ad, the cats were supposed to be located in Dublin. Below you can see the history of conversation with the scammer Telma Vicoire:


Hello,
Thanks for the interest in adopting my kittens.
The last kittens left available has the following details:

Sex: 2 male and 2 female
Specie: Russian Blue kittens
Age: 12 weeks old
Temperament: Inquisitive and very friendly.
Health Problems: n/a
Living Conditions: any
Grooming: Moderate grooming.
Recognition: CFA registered
FIV and FeLV: Negative
DNA, PKD: negative
Trained: well trained,home trained and potty trained.
Health Condition: excellent in health condition,vet
checked,registered and confirmed health guarantee.
Sociability: well socialized with kids and other home pets.

My name is Telma
Where are you located?
Do you have a vet?
have you ever had a pet before?
Does your home favors pet?
Which sex, do you prefer?
Also, i am willing to offer a maximum of two kittens(male and female), to any interested home.

I want you to note that , i am not selling these kittens but offering for adoption. I want the best for the kittens, so looking for a pets loving and caring home.
Please, can you tell me more about yourself?
If interested, hoping to read from you.
Thanks
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello :)

Thank you for answer!

<removed> We both work at < removed> so our work time is not regulated as such so we will have a lot of time for our pupil. We both come form pet-loving homes (both had cats before - 4 of them actually ;)

We are interested in this particular pedigree because we are looking for a friendly, companionship loving and short furred cat. Sex does not matter too much, we could decide during the visit, if you of course decide in our favor :)

Vet is located in <removed>

We have large garden and there are no dogs in the neighborhood.

If you like I can send you few photos taken in <removed> :)

If you decide we could pay you a visit this bank holiday (Monday) - with new and shiny motorway it will take no time to reach Dublin ;)

Could you please explain all this abbreviations above? I presume that they are feline illnesses but want to be sure ;)

Thats all for now,

Please do not hesitate to contact us!

best regards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello,
Thanks for the love you have for the male and female Russian Blue kittens.
I am very willing to offer you these male and female kittens left.
-To me pets are like children and hence i can not selling the kittens.
I name the male kittens: Calidor
And the female kittens: Cleo
I am offering Calidor and Cleo as a gift.
I want some one who can devote time to take care of the kittens.
I am located in London (the red light is a little bit brighter now - it was supposed to be located in Dublin :) ) and i will be traveling soon so i truly want a
loving home for Calidor and Cleo.
The present situation is that you are located a little far away from
me but i can send you the kittens via a pets delivery agency and you
pay for the delivery cost.
From my inquires, the delivery cost for London to your home address is
200 EURO for the two kittens to be transported and delivered.
The delivery cost for just for one is 100 EURO.
The kittens will be delivered directly at your home address.
The data, i will need from you are:

Your full names
Your full home address
Your area postal code
Your contact telephone number.

The kittens will be delivered with all vet check certificate,pedigree
papers and all other necessary documents.
You can view kitten's pictures on the attachment.
If all is confirmed, hoping to read from you.
Thanks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Telma,

I'm very pleased to hear that you are willing to give those lovely creatures to us to love and care for :) I'm little surprised that you live in London as the location stated in the ad was Dublin...

As for transportation: We can only pay for it during the collection (in the depot presumably? can you show the transportation company website?). Are the kittens chipped as well? (minuscule electronic marker implanted under skin, it is required by Irish law that all cats and dogs have it). Can they be transported abroad without quarantine? Won't kittens need a pet passport for transportation?

We could take both Calidor and Cleo :)

I look forward to hearing from you again!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello,

sorry for the late reply.

With regards to your questions:


We can only pay for it during the collection (in the depot presumably?

I will Inquires this from the pets delivery agency with my lawyer in the morning.


can you show the transportation company website?)
I will send you all details of the pets transportation company once i conclude with my lawyer, since we will go and send both kittens together.


Are the kittens chipped as well?
Yes, They are.


Can they be transported abroad without quarantine?

The agency will tag them on a quarantine free bases, since they are quarantine free for three months.

Won't kittens need a pet passport for transportation?

Yes, they have.

I will send the two kittens tomorrow morning with all documents.
I have already procure the certificate of transfer of ownership, for the two kittens, to your name and the adoption document with my lawyer today. Also my vet doctor have already confirmed that the kittens, are approved for traveling tomorrow.

I will send the two kittens together with some little food reserves and a food menu, so you can start feeding the kittens with, before making any changes.

I will update you with all news necessary once i send the babies tomorrow morning.

Thanks
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soooo everything so perfect! Documents and all :>

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hello(our names),

Thanks for the love, you people have for CALIDOR & CLEO.
I will send the two kittens tomorrow morning.
All has been prepared and my vet doctor has confirmed that the kittens are ready to travel.
The kittens will be delivered at your home address.
Tomorrow morning, once i register the two kittens, i will update you with regards to the exact arrival time.
Thanks
Good night
Telma, Calidor & Cleo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello,
i have already registered the two kittens for delivery.
registration number is : STL 11450-55/LT/01.
The agency confirmed that, they will deliver the kittens today.
That they will contact you with regards to the delivery schedule and
payment terms.
please, have they contacted you?
When will the kittens arrive?

Also, you can contact the agency at;
email: petsair_trans_agencia@europe.com
tel: 0044-701-113-4252 -0044- 701-116- 3501

Please, once the kittens arrives, kindly send me some pictures.
i will keep in contact.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

At this stage I was half certain it is a scam. Everything was in hurry , the domain of the company email is not the company name, their site is done by a newborn :D and hard to find on the Internet,no contact information about the company can be found!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Telma,

I'm not sure if you have read one of our first emails about payments.

We do not know each other, we have absolutely no contact to you apart the email, and you supposed to be located in Dublin according the advertisement. As the agency you appointed for transportation has a very strange custom of requesting money to be sent to some Cameroonian account, we can only agree for cash or credit card payment. Other options are out of the question. Sorry for this but 200 euro is a lot and we want to be absolutely sure that it is not a scam.

Please contact the agency and ask if such payment is possible.


yours sincerely


No reply whatsoever :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the email I got from this "Pets Transportation Company" :D


DEAR CLIENT,
Since our agency bank account is presently under auditorium and this process will go on for 14 working days, we do accept payment, only via Western Union post office and or Moneygram post office, since we have a unit with this services, at our head quarter and sub-head quarter.

You have to make the payment of the € 200 as soon as possible, so that we can have enough time, to process the flight papers of your Male and Female Russioan Blue kittens and buy the flight tickets for immediate delivery at your home address in IRELAND.

You have to make this payment, via western union post office, using the details, of our director of budget partition and control, who is presently, at our new constructive site in Cameroon.

You have to make the payment immediately.

The details of our director(western union account details), you will need to use in making the payment reads as:

PAYMENT ADDRESS
NAME:.................................AKO ADOLF TANG.
COUNTRY:......................CAMEROON
POSTAL CODE:..............00237
STATE:......................DOUALA
CITY:..........................LITTORAL
QUESTION:.................NEW?
ANSWER:...................PEACE
AMOUNT:...................€ 200

Go to any of these nearby western union post offices:

<removed locale identifiers>

Once you arrive at the post office,,
a). Go to the Cashier desk and ask for a wire transfer slip..
b). Fill the transfer slip with your details and that of our director.
c). submit and make the payment.
d). Once the payment is validated, the western union staff will issue you a payment receipt.
e). Check in the receipt and reply with the MTCN(It is the reference number which it is 10 digits) and sender's name..

We wish to deliver you Male and Female Russioan Blue kittens today, so you should make the payment as soon as possible. we demand an urgent respond from you, with the payment done, once you receive this email.

Stay safe and enjoy our services.
we will always be faithful to you our client.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

And this stimulated me to look for frauds with this company in name, account or country name :) And that's how I found this site :D

Hope this will help in the future... Do you know how to chase this legally? I mean, is there any way to give their details to (police).

best regards


Please do not post any personal inormation or identifier details as this is a public post

[Curious Nelly]

Hello Liko,

Thanks for posting all those scam details. It may help somebody who is doing a search to find your information and be able to avoid being scammed.

You would be wasting your time trying to chase down these thieves. To answer your question, yes, you can report the scams. You will need to retrieve the email header (not on the face of the email) to know exactly who to report to and to get pertinent information.

It is good to report any physical threats to a police unit by all means. However, they don't ordinarily have the manpower to chase after the scammers. Reports should go to government entities.

[dodobird]

Hi Liko!

Thanks for answering my question! Can you please publish as well all the email addresses these scammers used? We like to give them due publicity.

As Curious Nelly stated, the chance of tracking them down and getting them prosecuted are next to none. As you've seen from the payment information, these scammers most often operate out of Cameroon. This makes the cost of investigating extremely high and prosecution isn't even guaranteed, Cameroon being one of Africa's most corrupt countries.

Posting the information about these scammers as you have done is the most effective way of helping others to avoid the scams. Thank you for taking the time to do this. :)

[Gayathri]

lucy123moore@yahoo.com

melaniecar50@hotmail.com

Both of the above are pet bird scammers.

graziellagoretti@live.com is a pet dog scammer who claims to be from Oman/London. (She says both)

[liko]

Nelly already found my post but I will post them as well here:

http://www.pdts.webs.com

http://www.petransag.page.tl

And the e-mails used for the scam:

telmavictoire@yahoo.com

email: petsair_trans_agencia@europe.com
tel: 0044-701-113-4252 -0044- 701-116- 3501 <--- numbers probably fake, I didn't bother to check them...

I hope this will help :)

[Curious Nelly]

phone numbers
tel: 0044-701-113-4252
0044- 701-116- 3501
Forwarding numbers
http://fraudwatchers.org/forums/view.php?pg=fw_personal_nos

telmavictoire@yahoo.com
[41.204.85.47] = Cameroon

[liko]

Congratulations, our post is now visible in Google :)

http://www.google.ie/#hl=pl&source=hp&q=telmavictoire&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=59a42ebc40f739ee

[Nyla]

Yes I agree that it would be a big task to post warning ads, but any amount would help. We can't just say its too hard and not even try. I read a lot of anger and frustration from people here and they feel like there is nothing they can do and this is something. So maybe a dozen people is a big under estimate for what might be needed. What if 100 people do it? How many people are on this site?

Most of the ads I see will be listed for 30 days at least so I do not think it would have to be a everyday event to post these warnings. Maybe someone else will read it and do the same.

This is one of the dozen I have posted. http://www.gotpetsonline.com/cgi-bin/Eware/view_ads.cgi?fcad_id=86538

Funny thing is it is the first ad on this web site that is full of cameroon scammers.

You seem to take the time to answer to almost all the emails here. so why not be proactive and do it on other sites? Sorry that this sounds rude. I am not trying to be a jerk. Just trying to help others before they get taken.

Well, there are several factors to consider.

Something's always better than nothing, but there are anywhere from 150 to 400 breeds of dog, let's go with the minimum of 150, as recognized by one of the kennel clubs. Now, multiply that by the number of free classified ad sites out there, plus forums where these scammers post, and you're going to be in for a full time job to make much of a dent. It would still be a full time job even if you limit yourself to the ten most popular breeds used by these scammers. That doesn't even touch the scammers who claim to be able to sell you purebred kittens or "exotic" pets like monkeys and the dozens, if not hundreds, of new "free ad" sites that pop up each month. Even rinky-dink hometown newspapers and local television stations offer a free classified section. I've actually seen scam ads in the under-$50 free classifieds in my small, hometown paper. The print edition, not online.

We cover a pretty wide range of scams here. We're ("we" being the ones who have Admin, Mod, or Support under our usernames) all unpaid volunteers, most of whom also have full time jobs and other interests and charity/volunteer work on our plates. We have to pick our battles and educate people in the most efficient way possible as our time and resources allow. Most of the people who join here do so to participate in a short-lived discussion or to have a question answered and then may only revisit when there is something new of interest or they need to find the answer to a particular question. The majority of people on this site aren't looking to make fighting scammers a long-term hobby or volunteer effort. It's easy to overestimate how dedicated volunteers to post warning ads will be, even if it's only a once a month commitment. Copying and pasting the same warning ads tends to get a bit boring. That's one of the draws of volunteering here, for me. I enjoy actually getting to interact with other users. Yes, we have some pre-canned responses for FAQs, but there's some mental stimulation and feedback here that I wouldn't get posting the same warning ads on a regular basis. Personally, I don't think I would stick with it very long, but that's just me.

There's also the possibility that you'll find yourself violating the Terms of Use for the site. Some sites might not take kindly to spamming their sites with non-ads, even if well-intentioned.

It's great to be proactive, but it would take a lot more effort to get the same potential impact. One posting and interaction with a user here might lead to a few hundred other searchers seeing the same warning and maybe being encouraged to tell others about that scam and point them here as an information resource for a dozen types of scams. A single ad on a classified site would definitely educate that one person about that one kind of scam, but not necessarily as many people or give them the tools to educate themselves on how to idenitfy other scams that may not involve pets. Putting a link to a fraud education site would broaden the education, but that raises the specter of "spamming" again. Well-intentioned, but even well-intentioned spamming of other sites can make us look a tad too much like the scammers.

[CorpsesX]

Hello everyone,
Unfortunately I was caught by this scam.
I made the payment on 04 August.
I'm from Brazil and supposedly cats estarim Porto (Portugal).
The story was the same.
No luck, but I hope my case will help someone not to fall into this scam.
The worst I'll have to find another kitten for my family.

Below the e-mails(note that is in portuguese, but not brazilian portuguese).
Part 1

"Olá,
Obrigado pelo interesse em adotar meus gatinhos.
Os gatinhos passado deixou disponível tem os seguintes detalhes:

Sexo: 2 machos e 2 fêmeas
Espécie: Russo gatinhos azul
Idade: 12 semanas de idade
Temperamento: curiosa e muito amigável.
Problemas de saúde: n / a
Condições de Vida: qualquer
Grooming: limpeza moderada.
Reconhecimento: CFA registrado
FIV e FeLV: Negativo
DNA, PKD: negativo
Treinado: bem treinados, formados casa e potty treinados.
Condição de saúde: excelente estado de saúde, veterinário
verificadas, registadas e confirmadas garantia de saúde.
Sociabilidade: bem socializados com crianças e animais de estimação em casa outra.

Meu nome é Joelle
Onde você está?
Você tem um veterinário?
você já teve um animal de estimação antes?
A sua casa favorece animal de estimação?
Que o sexo, você prefere?
Além disso, estou disposto a oferecer um máximo de dois gatinhos (macho e fêmea), para qualquer casa interessadas.

Eu quero que você note que, eu não estou vendendo esses filhotes, mas a oferta para adopção. Eu quero o melhor para os gatinhos, para animais de estimação à procura de um amar e cuidar de casa.
Por favor, você pode me dizer mais sobre si mesmo?
Se estiver interessado, esperando para ler de você.
Obrigado"

part 2 (with this, came photos)

"Olá,
Obrigado pelo amor, você tem para o macho e femea russo gatinhos azul.
Eu estou disposto, para oferecer a você, esses gatinhos macho e fêmea esquerda.
-Para mim, animais de estimação são como crianças, então eu não estou vendendo os gatinhos.
I nome dos gatinho macho: Calidor
E os gatinha femea : Cleo
Eu estou oferecendo Calidor e Cleo como um dom.
Eu quero alguém que possa dedicar tempo para cuidar dos gatinhos.
Eu fico situado no Porto, e eu estarei viajando em breve, assim que eu realmente quero um lar amoroso para, Calidor e Cleo.
A situação actual é que, se encontra um pouco longe me, mas posso enviar-lhe os gatinhos, através de uma agência de entrega animais de estimação, e você paga
para o custo de entrega.
De minha pergunta, o custo de entrega a partir do Porto, a sua morada é R $ 500 para os dois gatinhos, para ser transportados e entregues. O custo de entrega de apenas um gatinho é 250BRL.
Os gatinhos, serão entregues diretamente em seu endereço residencial.
Os dados, eu preciso de você são:

Seu nome completo
Seu endereço de casa cheia
Sua área de código postal
Seu número de telefone de contato.

Os gatinhos serão entregues, com todos os certificados de verificação veterinário, pedigree
documentos e todos os outros documentos necessários.
Você pode ver fotos do gatinho sobre a penhora.
Se tudo for confirmado, esperando para ler de você.
Obrigado"

Part 3

"Olá,
Obrigado pelo amor, você tem para Calidor,
Vou adquirir o certificado de transferência de propriedade para o gatinho e hoje o certificado de aprovação.
Então eu vou enviar o gatinho na segunda-feira.
Vou enviar o gatinho, juntamente com algumas reservas pouca comida e um menu de comida, assim você pode iniciar a alimentação com o gatinho, antes de fazer quaisquer alterações.
A entrega será feita no seu endereço de casa e vai ser confortável e segura.
Uma vez que estou com os documentos, vou atualizá-lo com notícias sobre a entrega.
Obrigado"


Soo, more luck for another people.

Thanks

[liko]

You are being too pessimistic... Putting a warning in ad or on the other sites is not a spam. You can alway contact owner/admin and tell him/her what would you like to do and only person with dirty thing on one's mind will have something against.

Look at it from another angle: are signs and billboards on the roads considered as spam? You don't want to see them but they are there warning and informing you :)

[Curious Nelly]

CorpsesX

Thanks for taking the time to post the scam details above. Unfortunately, not much can be done in regards to your post as we are not able to contact you.

Please consider registering as a member.

The non-english formats are not a problem.

[Shuecraft]

You are being too pessimistic

No Nyla is not, you are being far too optimistic.

Putting a warning in ad or on the other sites is not a spam.

Yes it is. You go ahead and read the long terms and conditions of the website in question, and you will find that you are dead wrong.

You can alway contact owner/admin and tell him/her what would you like to do and only person with dirty thing on one's mind will have something against.

Wrong. The owner will tell you to take a hike, and rightly so. Spamming a legitimate website is an attack on the website. Go ask the owner of Craigslist how the community respond to warning ads.

are signs and billboards on the roads considered as spam? You don't want to see them but they are there warning and informing you :)

Calling a roadsign/billboard 'spam' (an internet term) is nonesence and your argument is flawed anyway.

Road signs are information for road users that are DESIGNED TO BE THERE. Billboards are for advertising which is DESIGNED TO BE THERE. I'll take your silly argument further and say this. If YOU decided to put up your own roadsign, the local authorities would remove it by force and fine you heavily. There ya go that action would be "anti-spam" wouldn't it?

Go think about it a bit more.

I guarantee that if you spam any website with warnings you WILL eventually get banned, possibly reported to the authorities. There are reporting routes for bad advertisements, try using them instead of becoming part of the problem. ;)

[Marina Classens]

I think I have been scammed with the adoption of 2 Rottweiller puppies from Cameroon. I have paid for the transport of the puppies as well as 'crates'. The pups were supposed to be shipped to Johannesburg in South Africa but for some reason went via the UK (Newcastle Airport does not accept animals)
The 'courier' company Nation Worldwide Pet Delivery advised this morning that I have to pay a further amount of R4600.00 for vaccinations if I want the puppies released.

[Nyla]

You are being too pessimistic... Putting a warning in ad or on the other sites is not a spam. You can alway contact owner/admin and tell him/her what would you like to do and only person with dirty thing on one's mind will have something against.

Then, get to it. I only google 19,300,000 hits for "free online classifieds". If you do 50 postings a day, it will only take you about 1700 years to get one ad on each site. Report back when you're finished. Make sure you clear it with the site owners first, though. You wouldn't want all that hard work to be flagged as spam and removed. (Some sites automatically remove any ad flagged as spam. Gee, I hope the scammers don't catch on to the fact that they can remove your warning with one click...) If the ads expire after 30 days, you might want to recruit some help.

Look at it from another angle: are signs and billboards on the roads considered as spam? You don't want to see them but they are there warning and informing you :)

No, they aren't spam, but that's like comparing apples and oranges. Free online classified sites are, essentially, private property that the owners open up for a specific use. The person or company that owns them sets the terms of use and can make any rules they like. You must submit a permit application to erect a billboard on public land and the sign must meet certain criteria. Signs on private property must also follow certain guidelines, like not being placed within X number of feet of the roadway or street.

You would not be a welcome person if you decided to use your neighbor's yard, without their permission, to advertise YOUR yard sale, for example, or even to erect a helpful public notice. They would be well within their rights to take the sign down and, for example, have you barred from trespassing on their property.

Are the chances slim? Yes. After all, they don't remove scam ads very often. However, I wouldn't want a site I was associated with spammed all over the internet. I make it a point to deliberately avoid any commercial site that advertises by forum post. I would automatically relegate any non-profit/informational site to the "suspect" category if they actually thought cluttering up someone else's site with posts that don't conform to the purpose of the site was a good idea. At the very least, I would think they were clueless about basic internet etiquette. That's about as, for lack of a better word, tacky, as someone coming to my yard and sticking up yard sale signs on my trees. Without asking. If the site wants to warn about scams, that's their business how they do it. Most of them already have information about avoiding scams, if people would just bother to click it and read it before reading the ads.

For example, if we had someone posting messages here about, say, a diabetes information site, we would remove the postings. Nothing wrong with a good site with information about dealing with diabetes or spreading the word about diabetes, but that's not why we pay the hosting fees and maintain the forums. Regardless of the intent, most users don't like searching through a lot of unrelated content.

[Nyla]

I think I have been scammed with the adoption of 2 Rottweiller puppies from Cameroon.

You've been scammed. There is no way anyone can legally ship you an animal of any kind from Cameroon. Frankly, the animal export regulations are so tight, you couldn't even ship a free dog from Cameroon.

[dodobird]

Hello everyone,
Unfortunately I was caught by this scam.
I made the payment on 04 August.
I'm from Brazil and supposedly cats estarim Porto (Portugal).
The story was the same.
No luck, but I hope my case will help someone not to fall into this scam.
The worst I'll have to find another kitten for my family.


Hello CorpsesX,

I'm sorry you were scammed. Can you please post the email addresses of your scammers, any telephone numbers they gave you, as well as the name of the person who received the Western Union payment. This is all information that people Google for and may help another to avoid these criminals. :)

[liko]

Shuecraft:

You are a little bit too aggressive in your argumentation but I get your point. So look at billboard: is it kind of visual spam?I didn't ordered this commercials but driving along I will be forced to watch them!

I wonder, would it be a good thing to place such warnings as ads on websites :) They could lead to anti-scam websites and forum, and if you are lucky admin can let you place such ad for free :)

Doing anything is far more efficient than discarding any ideas in a manner you did my friend and complain...

[liko]

Nyla:

Look at the power of Google :) Since I have posted this scam attempt here, every time you type in Google "Russian Blue Kittens" you will get link to my post and only a literately STUPID person would ignore it... You don't have to put many warnings, it is enough to use all available instruments and post warning on few but frequented sites/forums and Mr Google Crawler will do the hard work for ya :)

[rubbernecken33]

I was just in the process of what I thought was adopting a west highland terrire pup. Not so, I was communicating by email Kate asked me some questions, I then sent the answers and she then said the transport company would be in contact with me. She never responded to another email, got me a little suspicious, transport company called me this am asking if I recieved their email I then replyed no and this continured on for a while. In the meantime I did some research on the web for scams and this site gave me all I needed, as well I checked the area code that this transport company said they were calling from PEI Canada, well it turns out they were calling from Texas. I was not scammed for any money thank goodness. These people send out a standard letter stating that they are going to Finland with helpx and can't keep their pets. I have received another email from someone else giving me the same speel. Nasty Nasty

[Shuecraft]

Shuecraft:

You are a little bit too aggressive in your argumentation but I get your point.

If you don't like open and frank discussion, don't post notions about spamming legitimate websites. No matter how well intentioned the notion, it is still spamming, and it is wrong.

I wonder, would it be a good thing to place such warnings as ads on websites :) They could lead to anti-scam websites and forum, and if you are lucky admin can let you place such ad for free :)

So what's this about now? Posting an advertisement, or getting space on a website to create a permanent warning? The website owner is quite capable of displaying warnings against frauds if they so choose, which most do anyway, why should they allow you to do their job?

Doing anything is far more efficient than discarding any ideas in a manner you did my friend and complain...

I discard your argument about spamming ads on websites, because it is silly, unworkable, and against the terms of the websites themselves.

Look at the power of Google :) Since I have posted this scam attempt here, every time you type in Google "Russian Blue Kittens" you will get link to my post

And so? These postings stay here permanently, they are indexed by search engines for people to find. Spamming advertisements on a website "to make a point" will last only as long as the spam exists on the page. Once it gets deleted any indexing in a search engine will also get deleted. It is pointless, stupid, a waste of effort... and in the end ABUSE!

But you know what, you seem so keen to get yourself blacklisted... go right ahead... knock yourself out... go spam some innocent free ad website with idiotic messages... see how long you last.

Keep me posted on your endevours, you'll find me over at CyberCrimeOps.COM under the name of Biggles... yeah, another anti-fraud website administrator.

Enjoy. ;)

[Shuecraft]

I was just in the process of what I thought was adopting a west highland terrire pup. Not so, I was communicating by email Kate asked me some questions, I then sent the answers and she then said the transport company would be in contact with me. She never responded to another email, got me a little suspicious, transport company called me this am asking if I recieved their email I then replyed no and this continured on for a while. In the meantime I did some research on the web for scams and this site gave me all I needed, as well I checked the area code that this transport company said they were calling from PEI Canada, well it turns out they were calling from Texas. I was not scammed for any money thank goodness. These people send out a standard letter stating that they are going to Finland with helpx and can't keep their pets. I have received another email from someone else giving me the same speel. Nasty Nasty

It's a standard format they use with most everyone. Always they want to deliver because for some reason they won't let you visit the animal. Never pay for an animal you have never visited... they are all scams. :thumbup1:

[liko]

If you don't like open and frank discussion,
Enjoy. ;)

Ohh I will :P Don't get exited, you can get a heart attack ;)

The indexing is great thing, what I was thinking about is just post warnings on forums which are used for posting classifieds. This won't be against the rules for sure and relay on keyword indexed by Google can help whole bunch of ppl before they are scammed.

[Shuecraft]

what I was thinking about is just post warnings on forums which are used for posting classifieds. This won't be against the rules for sure and relay on keyword indexed by Google can help whole bunch of ppl before they are scammed.

Now you've changed your story yet again? We've gone from posting advertisements as warnings, to obtaining ad space on websites to post warnings and now you want to post on "forums which are used for posting classifieds" -- Jeez guy, make yer flaming mind up we are going dizzy watching you spin around wasting your own time. :P

Come to think of it... "forums which are used for posting classifieds" -- Go on, give an example of one of these... :whistling

[Curious Nelly]

Hi ilko,

If I am understanding your post correctly, it appears that you want to post scam warnings at the classified sites where the pet scams are.

We have a thread somewhere about this-don't remember where, but, although that is a terrific idea, it is extremely time consuming and there is no guarantee as to how long those post will remain on the site.

Better yet is the old addage about those bad boy emails....Don't delete it...Post it first. Posts here go to the internet and in to a lot of other sites.

Post Post Post :)

[CorpsesX]

Hello CorpsesX,

I'm sorry you were scammed. Can you please post the email addresses of your scammers, any telephone numbers they gave you, as well as the name of the person who received the Western Union payment. This is all information that people Google for and may help another to avoid these criminals. :)

Hello,
Unfortunately it happened.
The next time I'll take more care.

Here are the emails and account information that they passed.
Advertiser: Joelle - email: joellegrace84@yahoo.com

The account of the Western Union:
NOMBRE:..................................WILLIAM TAMBI
PAIS:...................................CAMARÕES
CODIGO POSTAL:....................00237
ESTADO:...................................LITTORAL
CIUDAD:..................................................... ..DOUALA
PREGUNTA:......................................FELIZ
RESPUESTA :............................................COLORE
CANTIDAD:...........................................250BRL


Today they sent me another email asking for more money:
Look at the e-mail
ps: I change my real name by "here was my name" and my real addreess for "my addrees"

COUNTRY-COUNTRY
STATE-STATE PETS TRANSPORTERS AGENCY.
Caro Cliente,
Já terminado com o processamento dos documentos de vôo para o seu Macho Gatinho Azul Russo (CALIDOR), e depois de dar a este relatório da Comissão de Aviação, vamos avançar de imediato com a entrega do animais de gatinho em seu endereço residencial em Brasil(my adrress).

Você deve ler cuidadosamente a mensagem abaixo para melhor compreensão.

O Departamento de Controle de aviação em Nova Lorque / Sud Americano traz para você o seguinte a sua atenção:
O relatório é a seguinte,

1. Na sequência das normas nacionais e da Comissão Internacional da Aviação e regulamentos em vigor no Serviço de Transporte e 12 º sub seção 2, ".... a vida de todos os animais serem transportados de um estado para outro ou de um país para outro, deve ser totalmente seguro por um Seguro de Cooperação com o estado de origem contra qualquer eventualidade imprevista.

2. Na sequência de um compromisso entre a Aviação Nova Lorque / Sud Americano Reclamação Comissão e da Europa financeiro da Comissão, concluiu-se que ".. a vida de todos os animais serem transportados de um país para outro ou de um estado para outro deve ser segurada e essa taxa de seguro varia de uma espécie animal para outro, dependendo Valor Financeiro do animais.

3. Também queremos que você saiba, de acordo com o Nova Lorque / Sud Americano Determinação do Preço da Comissão, o preço médio para esta loja animais (MACHO GATINHO AZUL RUSSO) é de € 2600.

A partir do exposto, a taxa de seguro de vida você é suposto para pagar o seu pacote é de 670 BRL.

Então você está a pagar 670 BRL de seguro de vida de depósito para o seu macho Gatinho Azul Russo. Esta Reembolsável seguro de vida depósito vai cobrir o seu Macho Gatinho Azul Russo contra qualquer eventualidade imprevistos ao longo da viagem entre a Europa / Sud Americo e sua casa (my addrees information).

NB: Isso é completamente seguro de depósito reembolsável no momento da entrega do seu animal de estimação. O reembolso será feito apenas para "here was my name" depois de ter assinado documentos que o receptor necessários com os animais de estimação especial e portador de animais para o seu animal de estimação (Sra. Gilberto Santos De Beu) .

A taxa do seguro será devolvido apenas para "here was my name", porque estes são os nomes que temos em nossos registros.

Está a fazer os pagamentos do seguro de depósito reembolsável usando o mesmo endereço que você fez para o pagamento da taxa de entrega para o Macho Gatinho Azul Russo que foi usado para servir o seu propósito.

Você tem que ter certeza de que um documento de identificação válido, seja ele sua carta de condução ou qualquer outro documento de identificação que leva o seu nome completo, "here was my name". Isso ocorre porque o Macho Gatinho Azul Russo e da restituição de seguro completo de 670 BRL, será dada apenas para os legítimos proprietários ("here was my name").

Sua resposta urgente a respeito do pagamento do seguro de depósito reembolsável será altamente apreciada, pois, já transformado os papéis de vôo para o seu Macho Gatinho Azul Russo.

Este Gatinho vai ser aprovado pela comissão de controle da aviação Europa Animais para entrega em sua casa somente depois que receber o documento de seguro para o Animias de Macho Gatinho Azul Russo.

Gentilmente nos enviar os números de referência (MTCN), os nomes do remetente e utilização de senha na fiação o dinheiro assim que o pagamento seja feito. Imediatamente o seguro de depósito é confirmar, o número de rastreamento, bem como o recibo do voo para assegurar uma garantia de 100% para a operação será enviado para você.

Uma vez que temos os detalhes do pagamento, vamos entregar o seu Macho Gatinho Azul Russo às 16:30 Horas .

desfrute do nosso serviço de transporte aéreo do Reino Unido ramo de serviços móveis de estimação
Secretário; Chris Goldon

PETS_TRANS_AGENCIA@EUROPE.COM
0044-701-113-4252
FILIAL DO INTERNATIONAL DE EUROPA.
ANYTHING * ANYWHERE * ON TIME *
* MULTI CA"

Do not know if you understand Portuguese, but here they ask for more money for the payment of an alleged insurance.
I answered the email with payment information before it had done before I knew it was a coup.
So I changed the MTCN and value to pretend to be a new payment.

Let's see what they will respond.

Then post here the result.

note: I did register for the site of you.
Note2: following a probable link with accounts used: http://www.cybercrimeops.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18662&page=5

[CorpsesX]

Hi again.
A message to confirm my registration.
I've sent another post, but when i wasn't registered, so it will be visible when admin accept this.

[dodobird]

Hello CorpsesX,

Thank you for posting the extra details, they are important. The "insurance" is another stage of the scam. Once this paid, they would have come back to tell you the cat has died, opening the door to a recovery scam.

[stanwilliams]

Shucraft,

I also think it's a terrific idea to post scam warnings on classifieds sites, especially the sites that allow comments on the advert.

Why do you care if others post scam warnings? <removed by the moderator>

[dodobird]

Hello Stanwilliams,

Shuecraft, along with 3 of us, is simply pointing out that posting this type of comment on ads is practically impossible to do while attempting to maintain these posts on top of each category. And this, just because of the incredible amount of petscams being advertized by the scammers themselves everyday.

Should you or any other wish to go ahead and do so, feel free. We're not here to tell you what to do, but to share the experience of antifraud acquired over years of hard work.

This may be a great idea, as it will give you a direct "hands on" experience that will allow you to see the sense in what we have been trying to explain to no avail.

[liko]

I wonder about one common thing in all those scams...Why the hell they use only Yahho?? Does that prove their service is the most vulnerable??Or maybe Yahoo doesn't really care about who is using their service?:shocked:

Next question: is there any way to block an "account" (or whatever they have in Western Union) of a given scammer?

[liko]

Hello Stanwilliams,

Shuecraft, along with 3 of us, is simply pointing out that posting this type of comment on ads is practically impossible to do while attempting to maintain these posts on top of each category. And this, just because of the incredible amount of petscams being advertized by the scammers themselves everyday.

Should you or any other wish to go ahead and do so, feel free. We're not here to tell you what to do, but to share the experience of antifraud acquired over years of hard work.

This may be a great idea, as it will give you a direct "hands on" experience that will allow you to see the sense in what we have been trying to explain to no avail.

It is not really necessary to have such posts on the top as indexing will pick them up anyways. Good example is my example - post on page 54 is indexed by Google. So in my opinion one is enough per forum, but containing all the important keywords :)

[dodobird]

Liko, maybe there's something I'm not getting. Can you please post an example of what you would post on this ad site?

[Aussie]

Hello all

Well I had been ill and was feeling a little low and decided I wanted a shih tzu, I ended up searching the net for hours and came accross the site Muamut, thats where it began, I found the dog and no need to go into the story of their pathetic reasons for selling a pet as you already know but I didnt get suspicious untill the e-mail from the delivery agency came, I wrote back and told them I know this is a scam followed by a article I found on google on Cameroon pet scams that I cut and pasted to him.

I then felt hurt and sad for anyone out there that may have paid them money so I decided to make several e-mail addresses just as they do and searched the site for a parrot, monkey, dog and cat, well that site is full of the cameroon people because each reply I got back were all a similar style letter, I played them for a while looking like I was going to pay but dragged the e-mail out asking all sorts of questions, one got upset and said the pet has been at the agency and he now has to pay more money, another one I told I had paid and he kept writing asking for the MTC after several days.

I gave him a fake one with only 9 digits as I know you need 10, he wrote back several times saying I missed a digit, in the end I told them all the same line..... my money I paid is fake just like your pet and delivery agency and bad english, they dont even understand quarentine or insurance, anyway muanat doesnt do much when you complain as the e-mail of the scammer always change so I thought the best I could do is annoy them and waste their time and give them hope like they give us about a pet.

Oh I also noticed that if you put your mouse over the pictures they have on the delivery agency e-mail that it will come up with the sites they stole them from.

Thank you for reading... have a great day !!

[Shuecraft]

I also think it's a terrific idea to post scam warnings on classifieds sites, especially the sites that allow comments on the advert.

If an advertisement allows comments then yes, it has been designed to allow comments, so that's fine. Posting an actual advertisement on an ad site is an abuse of that sites terms & conditions, it is also pointless because the ad will either be deleted by the admins (as spam), or it will be removed after a period of days automatically.

As Dodobird has pointed out, the pet scammers post many ads multiple times on ad sites. Any 'spam ad warning' will be pushed down the list making it unlikely to be seen by anyone. The indexing by a search engine is only useful if people go ahead and look and then read. Clearly people don't read the warnings that have been placed on the ad site in the first place, else we would not have so many victims of a very simple scam.

My opinion of spam of any type is very low, and as a website owner and operator, I am passionate about ensuring that spam is never used as a tool to inform. No matter how well intentioned, it is still spam and creates more work for operators of the website in question.

Finding ways to inform people so it gets into their noggin is difficult, which is why sites like this exist. You cannot educate people by force, it won't work.

If you really go ahead and spam a website with ads as warnings, don't be surprised at the responses by the operators of the websites that you are abusing.

Find another way.

I rest my case.

[stanwilliams]

Shuecraft,

I've written to many sites regarding specific ads that I know are scams. Rarely do I ever get a response and the scam ads remain on the site.

Doesn't the webmaster or site administrator have a responsibility to remove the scam once it is discovered?

[Shuecraft]

That's my experience too, but it depends on the site.

Example; Craigslist abuse is a useless avenue, I have written many times and never a single reply or any action. Clicking the flag links does not allow you to say "hey its a fraud" and multiple clicks are needed before an ad is removed. Others take action quickly, some are automated removals, some simply don't give a hoot. Some allow you to enter a text reply for a moderator so you can actually say "It's an Africa fraud", some you can't send any kind of report at all.

There is no consitency across those types of sites, but most are pretty crap at self-administration.

[Curious Nelly]

They love lots of proof and especially the email header if you can get it or have it. :)

[Guest]

Hey guys, so for the past couple of days, I've been emailing back and forth with these supposed scammers. Everything mentioned here is evident in this woman's emails, broken english, questions about home environment, the works, but she did send me a scanned I.D. of her's (driver's license). She claimed to be from QUEBEC, CANADA. I live in Toronto. She said she's not from Cameroon, but she's there for volunteer work... very sketchy. But anyhow, I came upon this site and soon found myself cussing her off. She responded with this:

Hi xxxx,


I dint expect to receive such a mail from you . that is what maybe happening here but I am not a Cameroonian. I even earlier sent you my Canadian driving license . I understand you very well but I want you to know that I'm a God fearing and responsible woman with good reputation and I can't never tarnish my reputation just because of $250.
When we started, I mention to you that if it could have been possible or if you have the time you can come and pick up the servals at the orphanage where I am currently working just because I wanted to avoid all this . Why I suggest that we should use a delivery agency is because of the distance and it will be cheaper and easier .

I am a christian and a very honest woman I don't see any reason why i should be doing a thing like this . what I have always wanted was a very good and caring home for my babies and that is why I wanted to give Max to you because from your mails, I you have made me to understand that you can take proper care of him in your home.

I lived in Quebec Canada before relocating here in Bafoussam-Cameroon for voluntary work at the orphanage. We take care of the children in the orphanage here . Am really not interested in either giving them to anyone here because the people leaving in this country put very less interest on pets, So, I preferred a family from my country (Canada) which will take proper care of my babies.

I am not exerting any pressure on you or forcing you to adopt him OK. I only trusted your caring and very concerned qualities and that is why I was bent on making Max adopted and shipped to you. I am not like forcing you to believe me, but I'm only trying to make you understand that I'm not the type of person you are thinking, and I also want to assure you that you will receive him in your home.

I know that some people may be taking an advantage of other people , trying to purchase a pet oversees , but i want yu know that not everybody is the same .

Always try to give a chance to some people in life because those you may turn them dawn are the one that could make it up to you .

I assure that if you can a find a place in your heart to give me chance and trust , I promise and swear in the name God almighty that you will receive him in your home in a very safe health good condition. It's a promise.
I will be traveling to Haiti by this coming weekend and i will be there for some time before retuning to my country , (Canada ) If you can give me the chance to visit you in Toronto when I am back , I will be very happy

Her name is Anne Marcoux apparently... would you guys say she's one of the scamming pricks? I asked her to mail me pictures of her with the cat. I'm excited to see what she'll come up with.