CURRENT ONGOING SCAMS!

Beware of dealing with people in the UK, particularly Nigeria.  Here are some of the ongoing scams:

If you should take out a wanted ad for a particular animal, they will answer your ad telling you they have what you are looking for.  They will tell you they have all the necessary permits and paperwork necessary to export from their country.  Because of the ticks carrying the heartwater disease found on several tortoises being exported, it is now illegal (and has been for some time) to export certain tortoises, particularly sulcatas, leopards, and hingebacks, among others. 

They will ask you to pay via Western Union.  Once you send payment, your money is gone, and so are they.  It is impossible to trace money sent Western Union.  (See my page on avoiding scams.) 

Another scam going on from the same area is concerning people from the U.S. selling animals.  Someone will answer your ad from the UK saying they want to buy your animal you have for sale and will pay you via Cashier's or certified check.  They will send you an outrageous amount far exceeding the purchase price.  They will then ask you to reimburse the difference.  By the time you reimburse them, you will find that the Cashier's check is counterfeit and you will be out all that money. 

There are certainly people out there with an exporter's license that can ship, but it is doubtful they will be contacting you.  Please see my page on how to avoid these scams and precautions to take.