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Nigel4less
Guest
I`ll pull out some Bruce Lee: Enter the Dragon :main_laugh:
BENEFIT FOR TONY *****FRAUD*****
- Thread starter Golden Gate Geckos
- Start date
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I`ll pull out some Bruce Lee: Enter the Dragon :main_laugh:
Golden Gate Geckos
Mean Old Gecko Lady
- Messages
- 12,730
- Location
- SF Bay Area
I just don't know what to say. I am so sorry I even posted anything, and feel terrible that this situation almost caused many of us to send geckos and some to actually send money. I refunded all the PayPal donations people made. I still want to thank all of you for being so wonderful, supportive, and generous.
I think the thing that concerns me the most is that now when something happens to one of us and might need help from the community, people will be skeptical and not want to reach out and be generous and caring. I feel so hurt and angry that this person whom I've talked to regularly for 2 years had me so fooled. I feel sick over it.
Another thing that worries me is that if this scam gets put up on the BOI, I will not be able to post over there since I was banned from that website for explaining the truth to a few people who wanted to know why "GeckoForums.net" gets filtered out with *asteriks* whenever it gets typed on the forums there. If it turned into a wolf-pack attack, and somehow I got drug into it, I would not even be able to give any information, much less defend myself!
There are some good reasons I cannot discuss all the details of how Kelli and I discovered that this might have been a scam, but what I can say is that I called all 3 Fire Departments in the area, and none of them had any record of a fire being reported or responded to at the address. So I spoke to one of the Supervisors at the County Fire Marshall's office, and no fire happened there. After asking a lot of questions, I was told that if someone's house burned from an electrical fire and there was that much damage done, the electricity to the home would be shut down and the home condemned as unsafe until it was repaired and inspected. It just didn't make sense. One thing led to another, and the truth unfolded.
I feel like the hands we offered to help just got bitten, and my hand feels like it's been bitten off completely. So please, do not send any geckos or send me any more money.
I think the thing that concerns me the most is that now when something happens to one of us and might need help from the community, people will be skeptical and not want to reach out and be generous and caring. I feel so hurt and angry that this person whom I've talked to regularly for 2 years had me so fooled. I feel sick over it.
Another thing that worries me is that if this scam gets put up on the BOI, I will not be able to post over there since I was banned from that website for explaining the truth to a few people who wanted to know why "GeckoForums.net" gets filtered out with *asteriks* whenever it gets typed on the forums there. If it turned into a wolf-pack attack, and somehow I got drug into it, I would not even be able to give any information, much less defend myself!
There are some good reasons I cannot discuss all the details of how Kelli and I discovered that this might have been a scam, but what I can say is that I called all 3 Fire Departments in the area, and none of them had any record of a fire being reported or responded to at the address. So I spoke to one of the Supervisors at the County Fire Marshall's office, and no fire happened there. After asking a lot of questions, I was told that if someone's house burned from an electrical fire and there was that much damage done, the electricity to the home would be shut down and the home condemned as unsafe until it was repaired and inspected. It just didn't make sense. One thing led to another, and the truth unfolded.
I feel like the hands we offered to help just got bitten, and my hand feels like it's been bitten off completely. So please, do not send any geckos or send me any more money.
- Messages
- 15,363
- Location
- Somerville, MA
I'm sorry it happened too, Marcia, but please don't beat yourself up over it. There's a difference between someone we don't really know needing help and someone we know well from the forums. Even in that case there could be a problem but we will have this episode to reference so people will understand why we are checking.
It was helpful to know the info about how you discovered it was a scam.
This reminds me of something that happened a long time ago on a multiple birth list that I was part of. A woman started posting about how she was pregnant with twins, and then they discovered it was triplets, and still later quads. We all followed her story eagerly and we all grieved with her when the babies were born prematurely and didn't survive. Around this time the list needed a new host and her husband graciously put it on his server at his university. Then we discovered that the whole thing was a hoax and she'd never been pregnant at all. Fortunately they didn't ask for anything, but we all felt very emotionally violated.
I hope these incidents are few and far between and that we can continue to support each other when it's really needed.
Aliza
It was helpful to know the info about how you discovered it was a scam.
This reminds me of something that happened a long time ago on a multiple birth list that I was part of. A woman started posting about how she was pregnant with twins, and then they discovered it was triplets, and still later quads. We all followed her story eagerly and we all grieved with her when the babies were born prematurely and didn't survive. Around this time the list needed a new host and her husband graciously put it on his server at his university. Then we discovered that the whole thing was a hoax and she'd never been pregnant at all. Fortunately they didn't ask for anything, but we all felt very emotionally violated.
I hope these incidents are few and far between and that we can continue to support each other when it's really needed.
Aliza
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PacHerp
Guest
could we close the thread now, maybe? It sounds and looks to be that the rest of this will need to be dealt with privately and on the BOI.
Kelli, can we add some type of 'must read' notification for all members to read about this when they log-in? - or maybe add it at the top of the forums under the HR669 notice? ... just a thought...
Kelli, can we add some type of 'must read' notification for all members to read about this when they log-in? - or maybe add it at the top of the forums under the HR669 notice? ... just a thought...
THE WHISPERER
New Member
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- 2,093
- Location
- California
World Renowned Reptiles
Reptile Man
- Messages
- 38
- Location
- Michigan
I spent a hour going threw my babies, looking for some to help this guy out. He was a complete stranger to me, and yet I thought, what if it had been me. I want to personaly thank Marcia, and Kelli for saving me the heartache, of being the guy who lost geckos, due to a criminal. Good detective work, and Marcia your heart was in the right place from the begining!!!
ariana
New Member
- Messages
- 1,516
- Location
- far side of sanity
i talked to a friend,
was ready to pay a couple hundred and get him some nice geckos...
i talked to him on the phone for 10 minutes!!
ohhh hes sure as hell lucky that i dont live in new york or ********
ppl like that deserve to be tortured..slowly
was ready to pay a couple hundred and get him some nice geckos...
i talked to him on the phone for 10 minutes!!
ohhh hes sure as hell lucky that i dont live in new york or ********
ppl like that deserve to be tortured..slowly
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2bacop
Guest
OMG....I haven't read anything on this lately but at the beginning of this thread I was seriously considering buying a gecko to give to him just because I have felt so much support from this community that I thought I owed it to pay it forward. I even went out yesterday and bought things like calcium, hides and other odds and ends to send. Luckily I work at the store I bought them from so returning them tomorrow will be easy, I'm just glad I read this before sending them.
MOGL just remember that you were only trying to help, and that none of us blame you for anything!!! I hope that the authorities were contacted, because I talked to my prof. this morning (who happens to be the chief of police here) and he said that this is def. a crime and action should be taken. I appluad both Kelli and Marcia for their detective work and their quick actions to notify everyone here on GF and hopefully some people on BOI.
MOGL just remember that you were only trying to help, and that none of us blame you for anything!!! I hope that the authorities were contacted, because I talked to my prof. this morning (who happens to be the chief of police here) and he said that this is def. a crime and action should be taken. I appluad both Kelli and Marcia for their detective work and their quick actions to notify everyone here on GF and hopefully some people on BOI.
fallen_angel
Fallen Angel's Geckos
- Messages
- 7,937
- Location
- Stockton, CA
WOW guys, I had no idea.. I read the post about the supposed fire and everything and felt horrible for him, was even laying down thinking about it the other night, and thinking about sending him something too.. That is PRETTY DAMN BOLD to do, I don't understand how he sleeps at night either!! ******** ahh, better yet, make it ******
I AM SO VERY SORRY that something like this happened
it really makes me sick too
I AM SO VERY SORRY that something like this happened
it really makes me sick too
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Ehatcher
New Member
- Messages
- 898
- Location
- Maryville, TN
So we all know that the whole fire situation isnt true... is the Multiple Sclerosis a scam also?
I know a guy that has MS that is a regular customer at the store I work at. He is great friends with the owners and i have befriended him as well.Not even a year and a half ago he was a physically strong and willed person who could do anything for himself he wanted, and I have seen him progress worse and worse. There are days he has to use a cane to "hobble" into the store. Yet he still goes and works 40+ hours a week at his factory job at DENSO. You can just see how weak he has become, you can seriously see it in his eyes. It breaks my heart.
I hope that this guy isnt faking the illness. It enrages me when people try to use false sickness to benefit from others. When there are people you know dying, losing mobility, or becoming permantly impared from a condition like Cancer, MS, alzheimers, or anything of that nature but yet someone who is fine and dandy claims they are sick with the illness just trying to look for a handout... it is sick. People like this are worthless, they dont deserve air, they deserve to be tortured slowly, shot multiple times, gashed and fed to lions.
Keep in mind, I am NOT saying that the guy really doesnt suffer from MS, Im just stating that it would be a kick it the testicles to anyone who suffers from these diseases and do not ask for a penny or any sympathy. Im sorry if this post offends any one. Mods delete if you wish, but I know someone personally with MS and is having his life ruined and he is only in his mid 40's and it just makes my blood boil with rage.
I know a guy that has MS that is a regular customer at the store I work at. He is great friends with the owners and i have befriended him as well.Not even a year and a half ago he was a physically strong and willed person who could do anything for himself he wanted, and I have seen him progress worse and worse. There are days he has to use a cane to "hobble" into the store. Yet he still goes and works 40+ hours a week at his factory job at DENSO. You can just see how weak he has become, you can seriously see it in his eyes. It breaks my heart.
I hope that this guy isnt faking the illness. It enrages me when people try to use false sickness to benefit from others. When there are people you know dying, losing mobility, or becoming permantly impared from a condition like Cancer, MS, alzheimers, or anything of that nature but yet someone who is fine and dandy claims they are sick with the illness just trying to look for a handout... it is sick. People like this are worthless, they dont deserve air, they deserve to be tortured slowly, shot multiple times, gashed and fed to lions.
Keep in mind, I am NOT saying that the guy really doesnt suffer from MS, Im just stating that it would be a kick it the testicles to anyone who suffers from these diseases and do not ask for a penny or any sympathy. Im sorry if this post offends any one. Mods delete if you wish, but I know someone personally with MS and is having his life ruined and he is only in his mid 40's and it just makes my blood boil with rage.
houseape57
Member
- Messages
- 143
- Location
- Upstate NY
I think what got to me the most is that he private messaged me with all the "bless you, god be with you, bless you". I belong to the Third Order of St. Francis, I am a sister, and to use that kind of hopla in the name of God just makes me sick. Shame on him.
Kathy
Kathy
Mel&Keith
Mod Squad Member
- Messages
- 7,180
- Location
- Pasadena, TX
At least something like this really shows how amazing our community is. Look how many posts are in this thread and the other one about the fire. That's a lot of members showing their support. We are all truly blessed to have each other! It's a shame a thief would try to take advantage of all of us but I think we can all learn from this and keep our same caring and generous attitudes.
herpencounter
Herpencounter.com
- Messages
- 1,712
- Location
- Florida
...
Thats all I have to say.
Thats all I have to say.
thestack510
Rest In Peace jmlslayer
- Messages
- 3,177
Kathy that's what bothered me the most too. We all got duped, but regardless I applaud everyone's efforts. It never hurts to have a GF Love Fest here and there. That's what puts us and fraudulent scum at opposite ends of the spectrum. I guess the GF fire drill was a success in it's own way. The great majority of us didn't even know this guy and we didn't hesitate to extend our hands to him in his supposed time of need. At it's core it was a great show of solidarity.
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Foreverandever
Guest
Ugh...what a turd! I cant stand liars
I'm glad you guys caught on to him :main_thumbsup:
Diablo Blancos, enigmas, etc.. I honestly thought that smelled fishy but didnt want to say anything and get blasted for being rude during someones "time of emotional trauma"
I'm glad you guys caught on to him :main_thumbsup:
Diablo Blancos, enigmas, etc.. I honestly thought that smelled fishy but didnt want to say anything and get blasted for being rude during someones "time of emotional trauma"
This is one of the lowest things I have heard of in years!!!
I and many others here were willing to help you with far more than we can afford in this trying economy. This does indeed show how great this community is, but also shows how some people are not so great(understatement).
Tony how dare you do this to EVERYONE here. You will never get an animal from me at any price!!! And yes, I was thinking of sending JT's back up to you (steaming pissed!!!!)
I and many others here were willing to help you with far more than we can afford in this trying economy. This does indeed show how great this community is, but also shows how some people are not so great(understatement).
Tony how dare you do this to EVERYONE here. You will never get an animal from me at any price!!! And yes, I was thinking of sending JT's back up to you (steaming pissed!!!!)
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Nigel4less
Guest
Paul, does anyone in the Northeast actually know of this guy?
That is absolutely disgusting! Thats what I like to call a low-life. How dare he take advantage or this loving community most of us will damn near give our right arms to help the person above us and this creep bamboozled us all. While angry I am happy that Tony didn't get anything and will most likely never will from this community, if Tony is even his real name.
I found it odd that he left a comment telling me that the post was about him and if I was a breeder but at the time I couldn't connect the two. I feel like such a fool.
I found it odd that he left a comment telling me that the post was about him and if I was a breeder but at the time I couldn't connect the two. I feel like such a fool.
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