Alaskamike
Well-Known Member
Tortoise for sale - scams.
Just a note. For those new folks who are just starting and maybe haven't got your first tortoise.
There are MANY scammers out there looking to take your money and never deliver. If a deal sounds too good to be true - it's a good bet it's a scam.
This is especially true for the rare and expensive - the Galapagos, Aldabras, indian Stars , Adult breeding pairs , etc.
Getting a tortoise off a reptile site where anyone can post ads is risky. Very. Before I found a reputable breeder ( Aldabraman) here in Florida , I contacted a number of people and companies advertising Aldabras.
Many replied and were good solid companies and honest , but several were obvious scams. How do you know the difference?
Here are some clues
- the price is way cheap. Come on , your not getting a tortoise that goes for $1,500 and up anywhere else for $500
- they have no reputable referrals. Names , numbers , of people who will vouch for them.
- they require a wire transfer. Very risky.
- you can't do local pick up. And here is a " trick". If you suspect something fishy , tell them you have a relative close to where they are who will bring them cash , take the tortoise and ship the tortoise to you. If they balk at this it's not legit.
- even if an ad is run on the tortoise forum , there should be some history you can check out. Are they new? Can you look back at their history on the forum? How are they on the phone ?
- the photos of the tortoise are taken from the Internet ( yes I've seen this!)
Here's the thing. When you want a tortoise to become part of your life, the health and sturdiness of that pet is important. Saving a few dollars on the initial purchase is sometimes Not advised. And could leave you empty handed.
Good fortune
Mike
Just a note. For those new folks who are just starting and maybe haven't got your first tortoise.
There are MANY scammers out there looking to take your money and never deliver. If a deal sounds too good to be true - it's a good bet it's a scam.
This is especially true for the rare and expensive - the Galapagos, Aldabras, indian Stars , Adult breeding pairs , etc.
Getting a tortoise off a reptile site where anyone can post ads is risky. Very. Before I found a reputable breeder ( Aldabraman) here in Florida , I contacted a number of people and companies advertising Aldabras.
Many replied and were good solid companies and honest , but several were obvious scams. How do you know the difference?
Here are some clues
- the price is way cheap. Come on , your not getting a tortoise that goes for $1,500 and up anywhere else for $500
- they have no reputable referrals. Names , numbers , of people who will vouch for them.
- they require a wire transfer. Very risky.
- you can't do local pick up. And here is a " trick". If you suspect something fishy , tell them you have a relative close to where they are who will bring them cash , take the tortoise and ship the tortoise to you. If they balk at this it's not legit.
- even if an ad is run on the tortoise forum , there should be some history you can check out. Are they new? Can you look back at their history on the forum? How are they on the phone ?
- the photos of the tortoise are taken from the Internet ( yes I've seen this!)
Here's the thing. When you want a tortoise to become part of your life, the health and sturdiness of that pet is important. Saving a few dollars on the initial purchase is sometimes Not advised. And could leave you empty handed.
Good fortune
Mike