Cameroon Pet animal export scam

I was trying to buy an Electus Parrot here in Switzerland. I found an ad on a local site, called the number and found out it was in Cameroon. The man wanted 100 euros for the bird and I should send the money per Western Union. I didn't want to send the money in advance so he proposed that I do the transfer and when the bird is here with me, I give him the transfer informatios, so that he could take the money. And so did I. (lucky me, 'cause I still can cancel the transfer!).
On the first call, he asked me to send him by e-mail my home address for the delivery and the next airport near me.

Here are our e-mails:

----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: birdshomeplace@hotmail.com
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 3:57 PM
Subject: Parrots


Hi,

My address is:

xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Switzerland

The next airport is the Zurich International Airport.

I'll be waiting for the pictures.

Thanks a lot,

xxxxxxxx xxxxxx
----------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 4:39 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots



hi
thanks for the mail and welcome to birdshomeplace.
good we have the complete address,we are just going to do the booking of the flight now.
so that as soon as you pay for the birds we just pay for the flight and you will have all the details so as to be indoors to recieve the birds and sign all documents with our breeding home.
here are the pictures of the macaws we have and some brief details about this specie of parrots.

the flight from cameroon to swiss will take just 8-10 hours and we will deliver the birds toyour home directly from the airport.
so if you can do the payments now,you can have the birds by tomorrow morning.
the earliest flight for today will live by 11pm cameroon time.


The Macaw's are extremely intelligent and can be a very talented talker. This species have a strong personality and should be given a lot of attention and freedom. One should provide a large cage plus a stand or play area where a macaw can exercise. This species has a loud voice and can be quite vocal at times. Macaws are quite social and are very friendly with people,kids and other homepets. if socialized well at a young age.
An since all our babies are socialized at young age you will just have the best of them.
so please you will have to get back soon for the payment details.
all payments will be done to our breeding home financial secretary.

can we also have your contacts?

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699.
------------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 4:55 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots



hi
here are the pictures of the green winged macaw and the noble macaws.
below is the price list for all the macaws including the transportation and delivery fees to your home as well as thiercages.

Blue & Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna)- €250.00

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)- €400.00

Green-Winged Macaw (Ara chloroptera)- €300.00

Hahn's Macaw (Diopsittaca n. nobilis)- €100.00

Hyacinth Macaw- €450.00

Noble Macaw- (Diopsittaca n. cuamensis)- €150.00



so please get back soon.

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699
--------------------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 4:45 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots


Hi, Pascal

I'd like to have the Scarlet Macaw. What price can you make for me?
I'd need your bank account information to send the money (bank wire
transfer).

Thanks a lot,

xxxxxxxxxxx

-----------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:07 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots



hi
thanks for the mail.
you will be making the payments to our financial secretary with the folowing address
you will have to send the money through western union or moner gram transfer services since they are fast and safe,this way we can pick up now and pay for the flight.

NAMES........................VIDZEM GHISLAIN
ADDRESS....................FINANCIAL SECRETARY BHP.
123 EMIA
COUNTRY....................CAMEROON
CITY.........................YAOUNDE
TEL.............................00237-9956-8091
TEST QUESTION..........TO WHO?
ANSWER.....................xxxxxxxxxxxx


SENDERS NAMES........????????????????
MTCN.........................????????????????

please after you dothe payments,you get back to me with all the transfer details and the MTCN control number.
this way wecan pay for the flight now and you have all the details of the flight and you will have to make sure you are home to recieve the scarlet baby.

my regards
manager birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699
--------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 4:59 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots


Hi,

I think I look for another kind of parrot 'cause the scarlet is too
expensive for me...

Thanks, Pascal

xxxxxxxxxx
----------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:18 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots



Hi
please what doyou think you can offer for the scarlet?this is the best specie of parrot you can find in the world.
We will really love to give you one of these birds for wecan understand you really want the birds but you are not upto amount.

so please get back with a proposal of your price in euro €.

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699.
-----------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxx
To: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:13 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots


Hi,

I can't buy the scarlet baby 'cause, as I wrote befor, it's too expensive
for me. What kind of parrots do you have for about 100 euros?

Thanks,

xxxxxxxxxx
---------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:23 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots



hi
what you can have for €120.00 now is the amazon or the noble/hans macaws.

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699
---------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:23 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots


Hi,

As I wrote, I can pay about 100 euros for one bird ('cause to send money
costs about 45 euros here in Switzerland)... If it's too less for a macaw,
you can tell me if it's enough for an electus or something like it...

Thanks,

xxxxxxxxx
--------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:27 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots



hi
please i have to get to the airport now todosome shippings to spain.
so please i will appreciate if you can give us a call.

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699.
----------------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:29 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots



hi
€100.00 can be ok for the electus,noble/hans macaw and the amazon.

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699.
------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 8:04 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots



hi
thanks for the mail and sorry i was not there to respond fast.
€100.00 will be ok for the following
electus
amazon
hans and noble macaws.

so since it is already late here,you will just have to do the payments tomorrow morning
and as soon as you do the payments you just get back to us with the details so that we can pay for the firt available flight for tomorrow morning as we have made the booking already.

so please remember to get back with your choice from the three species given you.
please can we have your contact number?

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699
--------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: pascal sammuel
To: xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2007 9:50 AM
Subject: RE: Parrots


hi
good morning.
please we are just waiting for your response.
we need your contact number also.
my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699
-------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: "pascal sammuel" <birdshomeplace@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2007 3:51 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots


Hi,

We decided to have a male electus parrot. We're sending the money (100
euros) per Western Union on Monday, ok?!
After that I'll send you the transfer details.

Thanks a lot,

xxxxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: pascal sammuel
To: xxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2007 2:43 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots


hi
thanks for the mail and happy sunday.
good we have your contact number all all your details and the flight has already been booked.
so we will just wait for your mail tomorrow after the payments with all the details.
my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699.
------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: pascal sammuel
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 9:18 AM
Subject: RE: Parrots


hi
good morning all is now set for the male electus to leave for your home today.
so please get back soon.
my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699
----------------------------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: pascal sammuel
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 1:34 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots


Hi,

I wanted to send the money today but I was warned by the Western Union. They said that they heard that your company doesn't send the birds after the payment. Because of this I'm not going to buy it with you.

Thanks anyway,

xxxxxxxxxxxx

------------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: pascal sammuel
To: xxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 4:26 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots


hi
thanks for the mail.
please there is some thing which we will like to know from you,what exactly did they tell you about this company?
we are just f'rom delivery the birds i told you the last time in spain.
there are all references available for you to check.
i mean i don't really know how to about you saying that we don't deliver after payments.
firstly,we where just helping you to get these birds for a 100 and since you are now accusing us to be what i don't think we will ever be,please go ahead and look for your birds else where or if you wish get back for all the references where they will testify for us.

there is also one think we will like to propsoe top you,
you can pay the money to our financial secretary and you keep all the transfer details and you will then release the details only after the delivery at your home.
this way you are sure to have the bird before payments are released.

Or again we can put you in contact with the airline through which we do all our transportation and delivery for to make all arrangements with them so that you are sure to have your bird with them.

But if you still think that we are such like they said at the western union office then please note that this is one of the best avian homes here in africa.

we will give you a call later

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699
-------------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxx
To: pascal sammuel
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 3:25 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots


Hi,

I talked to my friend and he decided to buy the male electus with you. He's the one who's gonna send the money per Western Union and, as you said, when the bird is here, then we give you the transfer informations. He's gong to send it today.
I apologize if you felt offended but you must understand us: we go to transfer the money and the man at the Western Union office says that he knows this name and that already happened that the person sent the money to him but didn't receive the bird! That made us really scared.
So, we'll be waiting for the electus and I'll give you the transfer informations from my friend as soon as the bird is here.

I thank you again for everything,

xxxxxxxxxxx

----------------------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: pascal sammuel
To: xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 4:15 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots


hi
thanks for the mail.
as soon as you do the payments you lets us know so that we can carry on with the transportation and delivery of the bird to your home.
as soon as you inform us about the transfer we will just pay for the flight and you will have all the details so that uyou are indoors to recieve the bird where you will have to sign some documents with our companay after the delivery and where you will also give us all the transfer details.
please we will like you once more give us the complete home address.
my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon.-
---------------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: pascal sammuel
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 2:49 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots


Hi,

My friend already made the payment on his name (the bird is for him).
The delivery address is:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
Switzerland

Thanks,

xxxxxxxxxx
--------------------------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: pascal sammuel
To: xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 4:11 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots and flight details.


hi
thanks for the here is an except of the flight details from the airport so please you have to respect it and be in to recieve the bird tomorrow morning.
so please after the reception tomorrow you will the give the delivery agent all the transfer details for us to be able to pick up the money.
my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699.

NSLMALEND INTERNATION AIRLINES CAMEROON.
FLIGHT NUMBER NYU785 -----------(this flight number doesn't exist!!!)-----------

FLIGHT DETAILS.

DEPARTING FROM CAMEROON TO DENMARK.

DEPARTING NSIMALEND INT.AIRPORT
YAOUNDE,CAMEROON.
AIRLINE GLOBALPET TRANSPORT CAMEROON

DATE 31 OCTOBER 07

TIME 23:30 PM

TRANSIT. TRANSIT THROUGH CHALLE DE GAULLE
FRANCE.
ARRIVAL CHALLE DE GUALLE INT. AIRPORT
PARIS,FRANCE.

DATE 31 OCTOBER 07

TIME 4:00AM

DEPARTING CHALLE DE GAULLE INT AIRPORT
PARIS,FRANCE

TIME 4:45AM

ARRIVAL ZURICH INTERNATION AIRPORT
SWITZERLAND



HI MADAM HERE IS A COPY OF THE FLIGHT DETAILS FROM THE CAMEROON AIRLINES WITH A FLIGHT USING GLOBAL ANIMAL TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE DELIVERY OF A MALE PARROT TO YOUR HOME WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS.


xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxx
Switzerland
Telxxxxxxxxxxxxx



SO PLEASE YOU HAVE TO MAKE EVERY POSSIBLE MEANS TO FOLLOW THE PROGRAM FOR THEY ARE SOME DOCUMENTS TO SIGN AFTER THE DELIVERY TO CONFIRM RECEPTION.

WE WISH YOU THE BEST.

MANAGEMENT.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxx
To: pascal sammuel
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 2:08 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots and flight details.


Hi,

It's already 14:00 in Switzerland. You said they would deliver the bird this morning but I'm still waiting.... What time is the bird supposed to be here by me?

Thanks,

xxxxxxxx

P.S.: I have the flight number but I don't have the telephone number from the airline...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------





I waited the whole day! Then I decided to call them again. He said that he was trying to contact me all the time, 'cause there was a problem on the airport: the bird needs an insurance for 300 euros and without that it can't leave the airport!!!!!!!!!!!! (hahahaha... Good joke!!!).
I tried to make him clear that that's not my problem. That's his problem, or from the transport company, anybody's problem, but not mine!!!!!
He said that the poor bird will stay in the airport as long as it takes until I pay the 300 euros (he tried to make me feel sorry for the bird!) and I said that for my part the parrot could live happily ever after on the airport from Paris 'cause I was not going to give him any money!!!!! I reminded him that, on our first call, he said that the 100 euros were for the parrot inclusive transport and documents!
He said the money would not be for him, but for the Cameroon Airlines! I insisted that I would not pay it, doesn't matter to who!
He said I could call the Cameroon Airlines at the number 0023796247768 and they would explain me all. I was on my computer and googled this number while I was talking to him and found it on 3 ads:

AFRICAN GREY PARROTS FOR SALE, , Aguadilla, Yard Depot, For sale
us.anuncioo.com/.../for-sale/house-and-garden/puerto-rico/aguadilla/african-grey-parrots-for-sale-1026189

BABY CAPUCHIN MONKEYS FOR SALE - Animals/Pets : Other
www.saads.co.za/viewad.asp?id=50440334578100240

PARROTS FOR ADOPTION - Animals/Pets : Aviary / Birds
http://www.saads.co.za/view_print.as...39944140100240

As I confronted him with this saying that this number was not at all from the airlines but from some ads that I found on internet selling animals, he answered: You're are a funny person!!! And If you don't pay the 300 euros we go to the court!!!!! (hahahaha!!! Another good joke!!!)

I laughed and told him to do it!!!!! He didn't expect my reaction and tried to change the subject telling me to call the "Cameroon Airlines" on this number.

I was so curious about how they go ahead with the scam that I called them. First of all, the guy answered with a "Hello" (what doesn't happen in a big company). I asked if he was from the Cameroon Airlines and he said yes; I said that this is not the number from the Cameroon Airlines in Cameroon; then he said "actually we're the Global Animal Transport"; I asked "Global Animal Transport or Global Pet Transport?", he answered "Global Pet Transport"; as I said that I know that Global Pet Transport is a fake company, he fastly said "No, we're the Global Animal Transport"... (I had to hold myself to don't laugh)
I said "Ok, let's go to the point, what's the problem with the bird?". He told me what the other already said to me and that I should pay for the insurance so that the parrot would be able to continue its journey. I explained him that this is his problem, or maybe from the Birds Home Place but not mine! He said the 300 euros are refundable and that after the bird is by me, I would receive the money back. I told him "if it's refundable as you say, your company, or the other one, could pay for it and take it back after! Export documents are not my problem! The Queen of England would pay for it before I do!!!! EVERYBODY BUT ME!!!!! I don't trust them and because of it I'm not gonna send any money!". He said that I already trusted them when I sent the 100 euros and I could trust them again!!!! (hohohoho...) I said: "I didn't give them the 100 euros! They would need the number, the name and the password to take it from Western Union and I'm not gonna give it to them 'til the bird is here! I'm not that stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
So, he said I should talk to the breeder (Birds Home Place), and I said "I already talked to them and they said I should talk to you. I'm not going to call anybody anymore, if he wants he can send me an e-mail." He said he would talk to the breeder then.

So, I received 2 days later this e-mail:



----- Original Message -----
From: pascal sammuel
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2007 12:51 PM
Subject: RE: Parrots and flight details.


hi
good day.sorry for i could not call nor mail you as we were experiencing some serious net work problems here in cameroon.
so what did the airport authorities --------(hahahahaha! 3rd. good joke)-------- told you for they called me yesterday informaing me thet the bird will be shipped back sinec i had not respected the last date they gave me.
so please all i want to know now is,are you ready to pay for the refundable insurance fee of the bird which is €300.00?
if you are not still sure about it you can still can the airport and you pay the money to them where they will stand as the middle person between us.
if not please you then inform us so that we can then know what to do.this bird has been there now for close to 4 days and we are billed for each day the bird is there. -----------(I wanted to answer: then pay yourself the fu** "insurance"... It's refundable you a**hole... It would be cheaper!!!)----------------------
so please get back soon.

my regards
manager
birdshomeplace
cameroon
00237-7490-9699.

------------------------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: pascal sammuel
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2007 4:48 PM
Subject: Re: Parrots and flight details.


Hi,

You gave me a number (from Cameroon) saying that was from Cameroon Airlines, but the man on the other side of the line first said he was from the airlines, after he said he was from Global Animal Transport and then after he was from Global Pet Transport! After I talked to him, I tried to call the Cameroon Airlines on the airport Charles de Gaulle, but was too late and nobody answered the phone.
If the 300 euros are refundable, your company could pay it and receive it back after, as it happened because of a mistake of yours (or from the transport company). I don't know who is supposed to take care of all the documents for the export of an animal, but, for sure, not me (the buyer)!
The 100 euros for the bird will be on Western Union until Monday, after that we cancel the transfer.
Mail me to tell what you decided.

Regards,

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

-------------------------------------------------------------

I know that's a *Removed scam but I'm waiting for the e-mail to see how it goes on... My money they will never see, as I will never see the bird!!!!
I reported the ad that I answered to the webmaster of epets.ch, where I found it and I hope I could help warning somebody!!!!

Greets,

Sam

[Rob]

Thanks Sam, your post is much appreciated.

[poirot]

Great description on how they operate, and how easy these thieves lie to match the situation, however badly.

One thing you should know is that they can withdraw the money without the MTCN number or the Question & Answer. it's the reason they use that trick of telling their victim to withhold those details until they have delivery of the animal. Many victims have lost their money that way.

Hi, Poirot

The scammer could not pick up the money, 'cause my friend did everything on his name (which the scammer has no idea) and in the way the Western Union said it would be safer. He already went there and took his money back.
Now we experienced this, we're gonna pay muuuuuch more attention on the ads in internet!
Bad experiences can also have a good side...

[poirot]

You're right, the scammers need the name of the sender and the amount sent. You threw them a curve ball when your friend sent it using his name.

I've had a number of victims in France stating that their Western Union agent gave them bad information such as the money could not be picked up without the MTCN number. They lost their money.

My advice is to not rely entirely on what you are told by employees of any money transfer companies, and any suggestions coming from someone in a West African country regarding money transfer procedures is likely a trap. In fact, the mere suggestion that you use Western Union or Money Gram to transfer money to West Africa for an Internet purchase is a clue that you are likely being scammed.

Here below 1 sucker wanted to cheat me, its so good that I could find your web page.
Thank YOU!!!
These are what I have:

Hello

There might just be some kind of mix up or
another problem.Someone interested in the birds might have been
dissatisfied one way or the other and might have written anything about me.
I am no scam and as we proceed i be able to prove that to you.

Reach me through +237-7702-3328 anytime in the day.

What gender of my bird are you interested in,boy or girl?

Kind Regards

@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi

Thanx for email, but your email in scammer list and phone number is not reachable.
Sorry if I misunderstand you. May be you will proof your id somehow?

Kind

gray suntherland <graysuntherland@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hello,

Thanks for the mail regarding my Hyacinth Macaw (Terry and Tessa) that i am giving out for adoption ,they are 1year 7 months old .They have been well taken care of. They are full of beautiful feathers, their beaks and feathers are nicely groomed and nails are trimmed. Their wings are clipped to make them tamer. They are well manured and none stressed. They are not feather pickers. They have been well raised from birth away from their mother so they are not use to flying.The female is a fertile egg lying female. The price includes cage, left over food, and all toys. The reason they are for sale is because my current living situation does not allow for her. I feel they will be better taken care of with someone who can give them more attention. I would prefer adopt them to a breeder or bird lover, who has more than one parrot, or someone who is devoted. They are mid size birds and require some space. Their cage dimensions are 3' X 3'1/2' X 2' and they sit on a wheeled platform about 1 foot high. Its easy to clean and good for a bird of their size. They love it.I am located in Garden Grove Victoria (Cameroon) and i would like to know these information below from you since i don't know your level of pet care;

Have you ever adopted a pet before?
Do you have kids?
When are you ready to have this birds delivered?

Do get back to me when you are ready.

Thanks and waiting

Call me at 011237- 7702-33-28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello,

Its very interesting for me and I would keep, care of them. I will give you full information about me after your email. Please give all information about macaws.
My location is

Kind,

[poirot]

+237- 77023328 is a mobile and graysuntherland@yahoo.com is indeed on a scam list.

For those who may be tempted to confront the criminals by mentioning these post on Fraudwatchers, I advise against it. All it would do is educate the thieves who would then change name, email address and phone number, and the next victim will not be so lucky.

Thanks Dino for posting these additional details.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I was just scammed by a lady using the name phille_forton@yahoo.com she made it seem so genuine. she told me she was working with the christian missionary in wum cameroon and that her babies were in need of a home... i paid money that i just will never get back. please dont buy anything without calling someone in the states first i wish i would have researched just a little harder then i would i have saved my money.....

I have been talking to a Lady online named Carol Annel that gave me that email address as a reference! With a bogus phone number! Do not buy a puppy online unless its local to you and you can go see the puppies!

[ThatGrrl]

Thanks for the update, unregistered1

Actually, I report the scammers e-mail addresses to their hosting services for fraud. Without fail, the account is cancelled by the service. Remember, some of these scumbags place dozens, if not a hundred adds using the same e-mail address. If they loose the account, those adds become useless and they have to start over. If they were scamming someone, that person could be saved from loosing their money by the scammer being c ut off. Shoot, started doing this with scammers posting to Craigslist, others joined in, and now it's hard to find the Cameroon Pet Export Adds there. Have to go trolling other places on the internet to find the jerks.

[misssakura]

So yes, I'm so incredibly angry right now, I just had to share it and I figured the most people would see it here. My cat has been missing for a month and tonight as I was working I got an e-mail replying to an advert I'd put up on petsonthenet which is a new zealand ad listing for lost pets. They said that they'd just come back from the home of a lady who had our cat and I should get in contact with her. So they gave an address, and I thanked them and contacted this lady. We were very excited but cautious...we hadn't heard anything for a month, we wanted it to be true but it almost seemed too good to be true.

Soon it became apparent that something wasn't quite right. The person we contacted didn't leave any phone number, and the english was somewhat off. Not only that but it was a really bizarre name that wasn't listed in the New Zealand white pages. I decided to use trusty old google to find out who this person was. They said that they worked for an international courier company and a man had been apprehended trying to smuggle our cat out of the country.

The first link I found was somebody else who had a missing pet and had been contacted by this person. Instantly I knew my suspicions were correct. The e-mails I was getting back from these people didn't correspond to the physical address listed for the company in New Zealand. Not only that but previously this person had apprehended a pet going across the channel from France to Britain.

A little more digging and I hit the jackpot, this thread. Not only that but my e-mails were getting more and more dodgy, they said they had taken pets but the 'manager' of their unit wouldn't let them send the pictures. Uhhuh. Trying to dig out more information we sent a fake address to them to find out how much money they wanted us to send for the 'safe return' of our pet.

We got a reply saying that they had 'sent the pet' to the airport, and now they asked me to send another email this time to airbusinessmail (a free email account) to confirm the address.

These people are scum. Absolute scum. They prey on people who have lost beloved pets, people desperate to hear any news. I'll share the e-mails I received here, please please please tell everybody you know about this, post it in as many forums as you can. Don't let these people prey on our sad situation..or the sad situations of others.

I must admit I'm a little nervous, these people know my name, my email address, my rough location...plus they can search for me in white pages. However, I'm not entirely sure what they could do, since I have no money in New Zealand, they chose a bad person to scam

Hi

I am call Frank.I meet the pet with one lady call Lyod when i was going to our center.She was trying to trace the owner of the pet.I got her email address as lyodcas@yahoo.com Write to her it may be of help.

from Lyold Catle <lyodcas@yahoo.com>
Hi
The pet is with me.Be calm everything is .I work with the
Cameron
import unit.I discovered this pet from a man.It seems he was
trying to
smuggle these pet to Cameron but you have chance everything is ok
now.So
how can i hand it to you? or you will come over here to the
cam custom
unit

from Lyold Catle <lyodcas@yahoo.com>
We will need a detail description of it from you to be sure you are really the owner.And where you thing it got missing if possible a picture of it from you.We can agree with that then that will be no problem because we will send it to you as soon as possible.Thanks
Cam custom

This is the camunit main office.So which address shall we use to send the pet.
We have already been notified by the camunit worker Lyod.
All the vet checkings are intact and will come along to you.
We have taken it's pictures but the custom unit manager have refussed the pet picture on air.
But have doubt we have seen the rectifications you've seen.
We are waiting for the address
Thanks
Camcustom offices
#ln24638 locow
Bamenda cameroon.

from Camimports Imporrts <camimports@yahoo.com>
The pet is at that the head office and the cam manger had earlier refused the puting of pets picture on air.We are sorry.We need an address to send it to you.
Thanks
Camcustom unit.

From: Camimports Imporrts <camimports@yahoo.com>
Date: Nov 11, 2007 2:11 AM
Subject: Re: Missing companion animal


The manager have just leave to the airport.The companion animal will be with you by
tomorrow.We already have all the reservations at the airport so the
kick off will be possible.
This is the airport email address camairway@airportbusinessmail.com
it will be good you forward the address to the airport. Although the
manager went with it.

Thanks
camcustom unit.

I may start another thread for this so that people are aware of this issue....

[poirot]

Thank you misssakura for posting these details and helping others avoid these thieves.

lyodcas@yahoo.com is being used in scams here selling Maltese puppies and here in French on another victim such as yourself who lost her pet

camimports@yahoo.com and camairway@airportbusinessmail.com are other email addresses they use as part of their pet scam.

These scumbags have been doing this despicable fraud for years, not surprising when you consider that it's the same human waste that where advertising non-existent AIDS drugs in another scam, and have setup some fake orphanage web sites etc..,

I wouldn't worry too much as these cowards are in West Africa. If they call, simply hang up, and don't respond to their emails.

[FW Admin]

airportbusinessmail.com is owned by Cygnus Publishing; the account has been reported giving them a link to the post. Hopefully it will be shut down very quickly.

i was about to get a yorkie online till i came to this website they were asking for $200 for the shipping i had a feeling something wasn't right. Every time i tried to ask questions he would keep answering once you send the money you will get all the information. When i called the number listed the wife picked up and the guy grabbed the phone very quickly which seemed suspicious. Heres the information of the person they wanted me to send the money gram to and how their email went:

WELCOME TO SWISSAIR CUSTOMER SERVICES MARYLAND BRANCH(USA)
This Puppy will come with all necessary papers needed, But as the U.S veterinarians must conduct another tests to be sure of its health, So the Puppy is now ready for shipment. But it should be noted that this shipment cannot be carried out unless the fee for the shipment of ($200) is paid for the shipment of this Puppy Which will come alongside with one of our pet carriers.This payment is to be done to the Headquarter of the company which is in Cameroon, WHICH IS THE HEAD QUARTERS OF THE ANIMAL MOVING SERVICE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING CARE OF THE PUPPY DURING THE JOURNEY AND THE HOME DELIVERY OF THE PUPPY TO THE ADDRESS WHICH YOU GAVE THE SELLER.YOU ARE REQUESTED TO PAY THE TOTAL FUND VIA WAL-MART MONEY GRAM AS WE HAVE THIS UNIT IN THE AIRPORT RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH TRANSACTIONS, TO THE DIRECTOR OF AIR SWISS ANIMAL MOVING SERVICES CAMEROON USING THIS ADDRESS;
NAME.............NJOM SWATZ NFOR
COUNTRY..........CAMEROON
CITY.............LIMBE
ZIP CODE.........00237
ADDRESS...........1458 STREET 4 AVENUE WAVES

NB: When you are paying this fee,you will need a test question.Make it to be;
TEST QUESTION: TO WHO
ANSWER: TO

This payment should be made as soon as possible, So as to Ship this puppy early enough. If this fee is not provided, this Puppy will not be dispatched from the detention of the company and will spend more for the daily feeding until the Director confirms the payment of the ($200) Kindly E-mail Us immediately as the payment is made with full money Transfer details, IMMEDIATELY YOU MAKE YOUR PAYMENTS.If the money is not paid on time the flight will be changed.You can also reach us on 011-237-75823189.As soon as your done with the payment,kindly email us with all the money transfer details information like the sender's names and reference numbers. As soon as our director confirm the payment, we are going to forward you with the complete puppy flight details on how our pet carrier will be delivery the puppy right at your door step and every thing else.
Thanks

the email went like this:

pets breeder <pets_breeder2000@yahoo.com> wrote:
hello
nice reading from you again, well am presently at Maryland in Abell so i will be shiping the puppies fro you without any problems so hope you will be okay with that.they babies are up to dateon their shots and dewormed so you dont't realy have any problem with that okay.there are all 14 weeks old,vet check,potty and well trained,she will be coming with 2 years health guarantee. here are some pictures below on this message.
kindly get back to me if your okay.
My Regards

pets breeder <pets_breeder2000@yahoo.com> wrote:
hello
nice reading from you again .well is alright with all what you said because is also good to know more about me ok.well also i want you to understand that the money you will be paying for the delivery of the puppy will be paid directly to the delivery agency your self ok not to me.so no need for me full names since the money will be paid directly to the delivery agency.i have also spoke with thme about the delivery of the puppy today and we both come to an arregment but they need me to come along side with all your full contact information as i requested from you.
also if you want still want me names,Miss Stephanie Johnson Cole,Maryland,Abell, Abell Address: 500 Campus Drive Suite 220 Florham Park.
please get back to me with all does information i requested from you.
immediately i get the information, i will drive to the delivery agency with it including the baby and they shal contact you on how you will be making the payment to them.
thanks and waiting

pets breeder <pets_breeder2000@yahoo.com> wrote:
hello
nice reading from you again .well is alright with all what you said because is also good to know more about me ok.well also i want you to understand that the money you will be paying for the delivery of the puppy will be paid directly to the delivery agency your self ok not to me.so no need for me full names since the money will be paid directly to the delivery agency.i have also spoke with thme about the delivery of the puppy today and we both come to an arregment but they need me to come along side with all your full contact information as i requested from you.
also if you want still want me names,Miss Stephanie Johnson Cole,Maryland,Abell, Abell Address: 500 Campus Drive Suite 220 Florham Park.
please get back to me with all does information i requested from you.
immediately i get the information, i will drive to the delivery agency with it including the baby and they shal contact you on how you will be making the payment to them.
thanks and waiting

I'm so glad i came upon this site before actually going and sending the money i just had a really bad feeling about this. I would feel horrible if i just spent $200 of my money on something i wouldn't receive.

[misssakura]

Luckily my mother speaks french so I was able to post on the forum with the french lady who had lost her dog and warn others not to get their hopes up. I got this this morning in my inbox:

We are waiting on you.
- Show quoted text -

Which I must say made me laugh a little...waiting on me? Hand and foot? Oh guys, you sure know how to apologise.

What good for nothings.

[staceysue86]

Here is the message I recieved back from gina_onlinehome@yahoo.com

HELLO, I AM VERY GLAD TO READ FROM YOU SO SOON.TINA AND LINA ARE VERY GOOD PET,THAT WILL LIKE TO DO AS YOU WILL SAY,THEY LISTENS TO COMMAND AND ,THEY ALSO LIKE TO WALK AND PLAY TOO WITH KIDS AND OTHER PETS.THEY LOVE TO SLEEP WITH PEOPLE AND ALSO LOVE TO BE CARRIED IN THE HANDS.THEY ARE SWEET LOVING AND THEY WILL MAKE A GREAT COMPANION AND I ASSURE YOU THAT THEY WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART WITH LOVE. I KNOW THAT TINA AND LINA WILL BE VERY GLAD TO CHANGE A HOME.THE REASON THAT I WILL LIKE TO ADOPT TINA AND LINA OUT IS BECAUSE OF MY WORKING CONDITIONS,MY WORKING HOURS ARE TOO MUCH FOR ME AND I HAVE NO TIME FOR HER ,ALSO THE WEATHER AND CLIMATIC CONDITION HERE IN MY LOCATION IS NOT GOOD FOR THEM LIVING WHICH MIGHT MAKE HER SICK AND I DON'T WANT THEM TO SUFFER AND ALSO I WANT THEM EVER HAPPY.SO I JUST WISH YOU WILL GIVE THEM A GOOD,CARING AND LOVING HOME.I WILL SHIP TINA AND LINA TO YOU FROM CAMEROON AND WILL TAKE 9HOURS TO GET TO YOUR LOCATION.AND ALL THAT YOU WILL PAY IS THE SHIPPING FARE.AND I ASSURE YOU THAT AS SOON AS YOU DO THAT,I WILL IMMEDIATELY BOOK HER FLIGHT AND SHIP THEM TO YOU OK.I WILL ALSO NEED TO KNOW YOUR SHIPPING INFORMATION,INFO FULL NAMES..... PHONE#...... CITY/STATE....... NEAREST AIRPORT TO YOUR HOME...... HOUSE/STREET#....... I SHALL BE HAPPY IF YOU PROVIDE THIS INFO,SO WE CAN PROCEED IN PREPARING THEM TRAVELING PAPERS,AS FOR THE SHIPPING COST TO THE U.S .IT WILL COST YOU $170 AND YOU SHALL TAKE CARE OF THAT WHILE I SHALL TAKE CARE OF THEIR PAPER WORK AND CAGE TO TRAVEL WITH.I WILL ALSO LIKE YOU TO KNOW THAT THE SHALL BE DELIVERED TO YOU RIGHT AT YOUR HOME.ALL I HOPE IS THAT YOU TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF THEM.IF YOU CAN PROMISE YOU WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEM I WILL GIVE THEM TO YOU FOR FREE OKAY. I WAIT TO READ FROM YOU.ASAP THANKS. GOD BLESS.

I looked online and found a bunch of scam letters with the same info in the e-mail...

[staceysue86]

Here is another e-mail scam I recieved...from bassy_williams@yahoo.com


Hello,

Thanks for your response and your interest in my lovely baby, i am so excited that my baby is joining a new good family, her name Sophie, she really like toys so much,but here i can understand your feeling toward my baby why we are asking for the information is that when the puppy have been delivered to your airport they we now locate your address and deliver it to your house door step so incase they can still also contact you by phone so you don't need to be skepitel and'Everything is negotiable Except the truth and every lies as a price'' so i can't tarnish my name all because of money, also i am not giving out my baby all because of money all i want for her is just a godfearing and caring home and i assure you that she will make you and your family proud, so all you need to do now is to get back to me with all your contact information such as YOUR NEAREST AIRPORT CLOSE TO YOU? YOUR CONTACT HOME ADDRESS? YOUR FULL NAME? AND YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER ASWELL, you make sure you don't make any mistakes sending me your infor, so that i can get it accross to the shipping agent incharge of the baby shippment, i will be glad to read from you Asap.


Thank you and god bless...

Bwhahahahahhaha

http://friends.swirve.com/userprofile.php?u=Williams

I replied to an ad in the online classifieds about a Yorkie that supposedly needed a new home. I gave my name and phone number, but I started to get an odd feeling when this person who's supposed to be American or Canadian has such god-awful grammar, and furthermore it was in the local section, so why would she need to ship the puppy? And, who the heck takes their dog that they don't plan to keep with them to their missionary post in Camaroon and then ships the pet the supposedly love back across the ocean??? It all stopped making sense pretty quick, so I said hey, I'll pay the shipping directly to the airline and then once the dog arrives I'll pay you. 'She' replied that it was no problem, and gave me an email address to contact for the shipping. Ok, I've shipped enough things to know that it's not that simple for inanimate objects to be shipped, so I am sure shipping a live dog is not that simple, and besides, a real person would not trust me to pay COD any more than I trust them with a prepayment. So...

I googled the microchip # from the ad & found it belongs to a Yorkie named Dottie, NOT Missy, under whose picture I read VERBATIM the description my supposed African missionary gave me for the fictitious homeless Missy. Then I though for a few minutes longer and felt like a jerk for hoping to get a pure-bred Yorkie for free, especially upon realizing that A PERSON PLANNING TO WORK AS A MISSIONARY IN AFRICA WOULD NOT HAVE A 3-4 MONTH OLD PUPPY THEY NEEDED TO FIND A HOME FOR! If you plan to go on a mission, why the heck would you get a brand-new puppy?????

So, never forget, there's no such thing as something for nothing, and if it seems too good to be true, its a scam. DON'T SEND ANYONE MONEY VIA WESTERN UNION, ETC.A USE PAYPAL, AND ONLY WITH VERIFIED USERS. That way, you can get your money back if you don't get the goods. And there is no good reason why a legitimate person can't use PayPal; it's free to join and they can forward the service fees to their customer by including them in the price.

Originally Posted by FW Admin

airportbusinessmail.com is owned by Cygnus Publishing; the account has been reported giving them a link to the post. Hopefully it will be shut down very quickly.

Thank you for contacting about this account being used for nefarious purposes. The camairway@airportbusinessmail.com account has been removed from our system.

Cygnus Business Media