Tim McBride

[cassadaga]

This guy contacted us through PMs on this forum yesterday, wanting to trade a piebald ball python for leopard geckos. He joined yesterday, and hadn't posted at all, so we found it pretty fishy. He sent pictures of a piebald ball python in email, and it really looks great. If we could believe this was a legit trade, we'd be really interested.

We checked him out on Fauna, and he seems like a REALLY BAD GUY.

Here's a link.


After we read this on Fauna, we decided to just stop responding to him, but then he sent us this:

Never heard anything back??

Actually, I looked you up on Fauna. You don't have a very good reputation, and we wont be dealing with you.

Hello,

I understand your concern. That was a long time ago. I can provide several recent references. I also would be willing to ship first, allow you to inspect the snake and then you could send the geckos. Once again, there were a lot of circumstances that caused my reputation. It was a real long time ago. I would appreciate it if you allow me a chance. You have nothing to lose.

We posted this so that everyone can be aware of a possible scammer on the forum, and also, hoping to get advice. What would you do?

 

[2bacop]

If he was sending it first, and you had a chance to inspect the snake and make sure it has no health issues, I would do it. He may have a bad reputation but if he is willing to do that to try and prove his reputation wrong, I dont see the harm. Just make sure the snake is really healthy, maybe even get a fecal done on it to check for parasites before sending your geckos.

 

[Ehatcher]

I personally wouldn't go through with the snake unless you were able to meet face to face. Bad reputation is something he earned and he was aware that it would hinder his future business.

Like I said, I, MYSELF, wouldn't go through with the trade. It also made me think it was a bit fishy when he said "You have nothing to lose".

Just go with your gut instinct. He can't do anything to you if you say no. You shouldn't feel bad if you say no either, he has earned a bad rep... thats his problem, not yours.

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

If it were me, and he was willing to ship first, then the only thing it may cost you is shipping. That being the case, and if I was really interested in the Pied BP, I'd lean toward entering into an agreement.

But before you enter into the deal, ask him to send pictures of the snake. Assuming he sends a picture, pay close attention to cleanliness. That's what I'd base my final decission on. If the snake and everything else in the picture looked clean, I think I'd give it a try. If after the snake gets to you, and something looks sour, you still have the option to send it back.

Ultimately, it's your decission. Good Luck!

 

[Ehatcher]

i wouldnt risk it one way or the other. What you recieved a sick snake... sent the sent snake back, but he starts saying YOU got the snake sick and its your fault the snake was in ill health.. i dont know, i just refuse to deal with shady people or people who have been shady in the past