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Letdown. Scam listing on BirdsNow.


Lupine

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Yesterday I responded to an ad for a young CAG in San Bernardino on BirdsNow. I will be in that area for several days early next month, and had proposed meeting the bird after her "owner" sent a detailed email about her in broken English as well as tons of photos of her interacting with "him" at home and outdoors (in harness!).

 

It sounded like the owner was excited by my interest and my history with birds, and since the fee was very reasonable and included her cage and accessories, as well as a "manual" he was going to write for me for her personality and care, I was bummed when in a subsequent message it became clear I'd fallen for a Nigerian-type scam.

 

I'd explained that I'd visit her early on my trip and pick her up on my way home if everyone agreed Titi and I were a good match...and suddenly the "owner" was telking me she and her cage would be shippedto me...once I gave my details...from an entirely different state.

 

Chances are slim to none that this isn't a scam.

 

Anyway...potential adoptees, be wary. And I suppose AG veterans, who are accustomed to the con artistry of their feathered kids, are giggling that I am totally in for it when I DO get a Grey if I even remotely fall for a scam ad.

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There are many scams involving parrots because they are a high money item. NEVER send money without being absolute sure that you are dealing with a reputable person. I feel you should always be able to meet the bird first, and be sure of a good relationship. There are a number of honest breeders, etc. out there, who'll ship a bird to a client, sight unseen, and send you a good, healthy bird. But, I would never send money, or offer to take a bird that I cannot meet in person, first.

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Absolutely! It seemed very much out of character for this person to talk about shipping this bird without first meeting ME, after he made it apparent that this Grey had a lot of socialization, and how he wanted to be certain she went to a good home. Sure, there were "red flags" in terms of words he used, but since English is clearly not his native tongue they didn't concern me.

 

There will be plenty of Greys to meet, and I'm in no rush. But I thought my experience is worth sharing.. and even sort of funny in a "Shucks, ya got me" kind of way!

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