cameroon monkeys

[paul oglesby]

I have been corresponding with a man claiming to be a retired Vet/pet trainer who is volunteering for "Tropical Research Program/Pets and Animal Welfare Support Services and Rescue Foundation,registered and supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in Cameroon.He claims they are able to offer monkeys for adoption and ship worldwide,except Austrila.

I sent him $750 to cover adoption fees and shipping which he claims was picked up by someone else from the bank and will not send my Capuchin.He says that their "board will send me one if I send another $490-250 adoption fee and 240 shipping-and refund the $750 after the so called investigation is complete! He is e-mailing copies of his license and shipping documentation to prove they can ship to the US tomorrow.I have tried e-mailing the IFAW but havent gotten a response yet! Will try calling them tomorrow though to verify his story but meanwhile I'm out $750!<<Mod Edit: email address removed to protect poster's privacy>>If anyone has suggestions please let me know!;)

[Big Al]

Hi paul , welcome, first thing is not to send anymore money as you will lose this as well ! if the money was sent to him in his name, how did someone else manage to pick it up?? there is not enough information to acertain for sure if this is a a scam but it sure sounds like it! i would be hounding him with questions, like what details can he supply about the investigation?? what is the name and position of the person who is investigating it? who has it been reported to? where is a copy of the report from the bank that states it was picked up? and by whom?
It would seem from the information that you have lost the money, please do not try and send more to get it back as you will lose this as well , if you need more help please supply more details so we can look at it further , thanks " Big Al "

[Frazzle]

I'll add a bit to what BigAl said...

It stinks of scam to me.

Do not rely on any information you receive via email. If the "vet" sent you the email address of the IFAW, it's probably the same scammer using a different email address. Similarly, if he sent you the phone number... it'll no doubt be his own mobile.

Although it's no guarantee, ask for a web site... a real organisation will have one, but scammers hate setting them up because it costs them time and money and we get them closed down quickly. If he does give you a web site, get it checked out by someone from FraudWatchers before you trust it.

Finally, beware of "money=recovery" scams. You may be approached (by email) by someone claiming to be from the Police or some other organisation who will offer to recover your money. This will in fact be the same scammer using yet another free email address. There will inevitably be fees, and you would lose that money as well.

[poirot]

This sounds like the Cameroon Animal Export Scam posted here (http://www.fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?p=9017#post9017)

As Big Al said, do not send them any more money as it will be stolen as well.

And Frazzle is right about the recovery scam. We have had reports that possibly the very same scammers may be using the name: Juppa Crime Department of Cameroon as part of a recovery scam.

Also, there is some evidence that they are aware of Fraudwatchers postings about them and scan these forums, so do not post any private details about yourself. You can reach any support staff via Fraudwatchers private messaging if you wish, or FW's contact form, should you have private questions you wish to ask.

[paul oglesby]

First of all THANKS GUYS! Your support is very refreshing in todays world of fast paced lifestyle! Second I really would like to purchase a Capuchin for my family and continue to mostly only get responses from people in cameroon! Where can I find a person in theUS who dosent want a arm and a leg for one?Also I have been sent a so called license from the orignal person he claims allows his organization to ship monkeys to the USA! But I've been told that it is illeagle to ship monkeys into the USA since 1975,is this true? Thanks again for all your support and guidence!:)

[poirot]

Also I have been sent a so called license from the orignal person he claims allows his organization to ship monkeys to the USA!
--

Anytime you would like to have a document checked, you can contact one of FW's support staff. You should also supply an email or two (With full header) from the person that sent the document.

Considering all the fraud surrounding pet exports from Cameroon, I would avoid that option altogether. I'm not familiar with import regulations but a quick look at the USDA's web site:

http://www.usda.gov/news/animals.htm

in their pdf: http://www.cbp.gov/ImageCache/cgov/content/publications/pets_2epdf/v1/pets.pdf

Page 2, we can read:

--
Monkeys
Monkeys and other primates may be brought into the
United States for scientific, educational, or exhibition
purposes by importers who are registered with the CDC.
However, under no circumstances may they be imported
as pets. Registered importers who wish to import or
export primates for a permitted purpose in accordance
with CDC requirements are also required to obtain clearance
from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The
Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) requires that all primates have permits.

So it looks like you may have to find a pet shop that has a Capuchin for sale. And with these import restrictions, I can imagine that the cost will be accordingly high.

I'm sure the scammers know all about the restrictions as this gives them some protection should a victim try to lodge a complaint. Getting a victim to commit to an illegal act while they are scamming them is always a bonus, from their point of view.

[paul oglesby]

Thanks for the info! I have tried to send you some e-mails but cant quite read the address! please e-mail me the same! thanks so much!

[FW Admin]

Hello Paul; I've sent you an email explaining the addresses to use; I would also say that you can send information to any of our support group who have sent email from a @fraudwatchers.org email address. Please ask if you ever need clarification of who is a FraudWatchers support member.

[poirot]

I also ask one of our members to send you an email.

[poirot]

Beware of an outfit calling themselves the Juppa Crime Department J.C.D. claim they can recover the money stolen by scammers of the Cameroon Animal Export scam. It's simply a recovery scam, probably by the same scammers.

You can read all the details here: (click) (http://www.fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?p=9745)

[Kray2650]

Hi! I would like to say that I have probably been scammed from the very same person. I just sent a total of $840 to someone in Cameroon, and still have received no monkey. He has been calling me telling me it was shipped back to him after he shipped it to me, and that I need to send him more money for shipping again and a new updated health certificate. He did email me some forms, such as the export permit, the health certificate, the insurance receipt, and so forth, but they don't look legit to me, but I am not from Africa. This has been going on for over a week, he calls me at least once a day asking me for money, finally yesterday I told him I would not send him anymore money until I get the monkey, and he agreed to ship it to me, but today no monkey. Then I get a fake email saying its being held in the US for a 30-day Quaratine. I don't know what else to do. Can you look at the dociments that he sent me? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks

[paul oglesby]

Kray,sorry to say but most likley you are out the money just as I am!:oops: There dosent seem to be much recourse being that they are overseas.You can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center for whatever good that will do! At least it might put your mind at ease and if enough people complain maybe they will do something! Good Lu:) ck! paul

[poirot]

Kray,sorry to say but most likley you are out the money just as I am!:oops: There dosent seem to be much recourse being that they are overseas.You can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center for whatever good that will do! At least it might put your mind at ease and if enough people complain maybe they will do something! Good Lu:) ck! paul

I'd like to concur with everything Paul said. And I do encourage you to file a complaint with http://ic3.gov/

I have sent you a private message (PM) so that I can have a look at your documents, but everything you describe points to a scam.

*EDIT I want to add that you should beware of the same Cameroon/Nigeria criminal gang operating the recovery scam. (http://www.fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2698)

[Kray2650]

Thank you so much for the information. I filed a complaint and we will see what that does for me. Thanks a lot!!

Katherine

[Sarah]

Please ask if you ever need clarification of who is a FraudWatchers support member.Hello Paul, the list of support team members can be found here:

http://www.fraudwatchers.org/forums/showgroups.php

[Unregistered]

My wife and I have been looking to purchase a Capuchin monkey and have recieved many emails from scams posted all over the internet. We would like to offer some sound advice when looking for a breeder. First of all there are no monkeys that you can purchase for the cost of shipping. This when you really think about it doesn't make sense. As with any purchase of any item you "get what you pay for". There are many Usda registered breeders and that is the best way to go. They offer support, guarantees and guidance. If you are serious about adding a Capuchion to your family here is our advice" take your time and pay the money" there is no other easy way. If you go with a registered breeder, that has legitimate proof of thier registration, (you must check this properly as some will offer fake papers) you will get what you are looking for. there is no other easy way to obtain a healthy , well mannered monkey. Any registration can be found on the State or provincial website for the breeder. I would like to stress that we are not, nor do we have any affiliation with any breeders but only are concerned for people getting scammed out of hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. We are just an average couple in the search for a Capuchin to add to our family.
I hope this will inform some of you that are looking to purchase a monkey. We have found a site that is in the u.s for a breeder that has great credentials and a kind heart here is the link. you may go to *URL removed by the moderator the breeders name is gail and we have found her to be legitimate helpful and honest. She is expensive but well worth the money.
Lorne and Tonya

[poirot]

Thank you for your post, it is appreciated. I've removed the URL as it may be viewed as an endorsement, which we don't do on FW.

Also, the site you mention may not sell monkeys directly, but it's owned by a person that has sold monkeys in the past under another URL, and for which numerous complaints have been posted.

[jorja183]

I have been speaking to a woman in Cameroun who says she has a monkey for sale. I need to pay $75.00 to get her to me in Canada and then another $75.00 after I get her. I have been suspecting this was a scam, but am not sure. She has used the same names and e-mail address since the beginning. I want to make sure this is not a scam so I have been dragging her on for about 2 months. If she really does have a monkey then I want it and can pay the price she is asking. But before I am making a payment I want to be 100% sure she is legit. So that is why I am here... I would hate to tell her no and lose out on something I have wanted my whole life, but I don't want to pay a scammer. I have names and e-mails and phone numbers if you would like to check it out for me. Thanks and I will write out the names if you will help me check it out

[poirot]

--
But before I am making a payment I want to be 100% sure she is legit.

Hi jorja183 and welcome to Fraudwatchers.

I'm glad you held on and didn't act too quickly. I'll make things real easy for you. I can guarantee you 100% that this is a scam. Not 99.99% but 100%.

These crooks have been advertising Capuchin monkeys for sale or adoption for nearly two years, and have made numerous victims. Not to mention the Yorkies, Bulldogs, Parrots, Parrot eggs, and various items with which they also made numerous victims. I have yet to see a single pet exported from Cameroon. ALL the ones we investigated where scams. There are thousands of sale adds all over the internet.

The discussion on this subject is 10 pages long. Click here (http://fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2458&page=10)to go to the last page (most recent).

If you wish, you can post the email addresses and phone and fax numbers. It will warn others, and you may see them already posted in that thread, selling some different animal.

*Also. It's illegal to import primates into most countries so chances are that it wouldn't have made it past customs.

[krisso]

Are you still communicating with the persons who want to sell the monkey to you?

[Rob]

krisso, may I ask why you're interested in this?

[patrick]

hey guys i live in spain and i located a woman in an advertaisment page that sels capuchino monkeys she sent me pics of her with the monkey and her husband she sent me all her details like her adress etc it all luks pritty legal i have to pay 425 euros thats more a less the same in dollars and the export it here includin transport from the air por to my house but im a bit weary after reading all these expiriences i need advice and wat garantee can i ask her for thanx very much

[Frazzle]

I think you're wise to be wary. There is no way of knowing whether the woman in the photo is the woman who has been emailing you.

The address will be false... how can you verify that?

Capuchin monkeys are an endangered species, and it is illegal to export them. (http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/search-basic)

Capuchin monkey export scams are well-known on the Internet.

So, what you have is a person who you can't identify asking you to send 425 euros as part of a transaction that, even if it weren't fraudulent, would be illegal. And would be treating your future pet like a commodity.

Assuming you really are prepared for the expense and issues of looking after a primate, the obvious thing to me is to look for a monkey that you like, and that likes you, IN SPAIN.

[Unregistered]

hi guys, they have got to italy, internet was full of them for some hours then they disapered, i'm soory for all your experiences but thanks to you i've been saved, i almost fell for it. i'll try and stop them at least here. chris

[ThatGrrl]

Hi there Chris, and welcome to Fraudwatchers. I'm glad you found this site before you lost money to these criminals. If you could post the scammer's name, email address and telephone number here, that would we wonderful, as it would help others who may be searching for information on the same scammers.

Many thanks

TG :)

[KOLEM EMMANUEL]

The message below was posted by the same Cameroon criminals doing the pet scam.

I would have loved to get the contacts of the scammer.I'm a Cameroonian and tend to feel bad when i hear of cameroonians cheating out there.Please call me through +1240 5665591 <--Scammers phone number (voicemail)Or email me through kolem2@gmail.com<--Scammer's email.I will also prefer you come to cameroon so that we look for him.First of all send me his contacts.I will put him under police care.Don't for get to send me your phone number.
Bye and hope to hear from you.
I am a criminal using the name KOLEM EMMANUEL FOMONYUY LATAR
Yaounde-Cameroon
www.orsites.com/wy/ngo <--Fraudulent web site

(This post was made by a scammer)

[poirot]

The reason the criminals posted the above message is to try and get victims to contact them. They then promise they can recover your money. They then re-scam the victims all over again demanding various fees.
This is called the Recovery Scam. Don't fall for it.

Once your money has been picked up by these scums, it can't be recovered.

This is only the latest attempt by these criminals to contact victims on this site. Just by coincidence, a similar message was posted today in the French forum.

[poirot]

This criminal also sells pets using that phone number: (http://www.terrificpets.com/scams/scam.asp?bad=3369&typ=Buyer)
Email: kolem2@netzero.com
Date Caught: 3/12/2007
IP Address: 41.204.77.189
Host Information: 41.204.77.189
Hi Stacey,i have a good Miniature Pinscher.I'm an African breeder But now i, leave in the US.I like you to call +12405665591 or +237 76782866 for dialogue.I will send images open request.
KOLEM EMMANUEL

This scumbag also setup a fake AIDS web site stealing content from other sites, and selling (likely as non-existent as the pets) ANTI RETROVIRAL drugs http://www.orgsites.com/wy/ngo/

PROGRESSIVE YOUTH MOVEMENT
Introducing the HIV/AIDS treatment
FOREWORD: THIS SITE IS A VERY HELPFUL ARTICLE FOR PEOPLE SEARCHING INFORMATION ON HIV/AIDS.BEFORE YOU GO RIGHT DEEP INTO THIS SITE,I WILL LIKE YOU TO KNOW:

1)WHAT IS AIDS?;
2)HOW DO YOU GET AIDS?;
3)WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M HIV POSITIVE?
4)HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M HIV POSITIVE?
5)IS THERE A CURE FOR HIV/AIDS?
THE ABOVE QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED IN THE SUBSIQUENT COLUMNS.
NB//:THIS SITE IS PRIVATE PROPERTY AND SHOULD NOT BE PIRATED THROUGH ANY MEANS.

KOLEM EMMANUEL FOMONYUY LATAR
CAMEROON
YAOUNDE
ETOUG-EBE
kolem2@gmail.com
-------
SOME FEW DRUGS FOUND IN OUR PHARMACIES
download click here to see how to purchase
ANTI RETROVIRALS


text from http://www.orgsites.com/wy/ngo/
was stolen from: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/infections/stds/AIDS.html
and: http://www.museevirtuel.ca/Exhibitions/Medicentre/en/resources/student/bell/descriptions.html

http://www.orgsites.com/wy/ngo/ has been reported to orgsites.com

*Update: Orgsites.com has eliminated this scam web site, for which we are grateful.
.

[PhxRne]

thank you so much for your website, I responded to an ad posted on Phoenix Craigs list for capachins, and the old addage "too good to be true" resounded inside me!
After checking your website and copying the USDA requirements to ship monkeys, I sent a copy along to the lady in Cameroon.
Again thank you for what you are doing!
Ronnie
she is jessicalood@yahoo.com
Hello
Thanks for contacting us,home of adorable monkeys.You are about adopting one of the finest monkeys you will ever see. Remember you are adopting a man made breed and it is very important you adopt a quality well breed monkey which is very energetic and eager to learn.We have very beautiful home raised capuchin
monkeys.Lina the female monkey And Maxi the male.they have been treated with nothing but LOVE and will only go to a good home.They are diaper trained and leash trained and are very loving and wears clothes and likes to lay around and watch TV and take naps with you.They are friendly and have docile temperament. They are up to date on all shots and have never been sick. They sleep with us at night and comes from a home with no children. They come along with a LARGE custom made wardrobe including 15 diaper covers, 15 short sleeved shirts, 12 long sleeve shirts,Six pairs of overalls, 15 pairs of shorts,
2 sweatshirts, Halloween costume, outfit, 12 pairs of pants including jeans and dress pants, 6 pairs of pajamas all her Mazuri monkey chow, treats, biscuits and snacks, diapers and wipes, a 6X6X3 wide powder coated steel cage with two feeding stations and all of the monkey toys. Their parents are on premises . They love playing with other house hold pets and are very good with kids.Lina And Maxi will be adopted at just $320 including shipping to your door .We ship and deliver same day.These monkeys are very use to their names and they smiles each time you call their names and i will not like that their names be changed.They have been raised in our loving environment with lots of love and care that i want them to go only to an approved home or to some one who will
give them the best of love.They will not only be a friend but also a good family companions. If you can get to us as soon as possible, you will be the lucky owner of any of these our cute babies.Their pics are at the bottom of this mail.
We are Located at Apt 436475 Commercial Avenue Douala( Cameroon ) .And also get back to us with your contact number.
Thank you.
Call me at +237-9672-7689 or 00237-9672-7689.