Avoid getting scammed by people selling parrots on the internet, one lady’s story and how you can learn from it.
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jamieleigh and I have a lot of parrots. The picture below, is me. I’m blonde, about 5’4″ and work and train parrots for a living.
Now that you know what I look like, I can tell you more about how to save yourself upwards of $300 and a ton of heartbreak by not buying birds from people who are scamming you out of your money – and using my photos with my own birds to do so. If you see me and my birds in an ad saying the birds are for sale – run the other direction, it’s a scam. And scammers LOVE using my pictures.
Blue throated macaw
First of all, scammers are getting darn good and they’re making tons of fake websites to help them get your money fast. For example, the International Animal Transport Agency website (http://petmover.webs.com/contactus.htm)? It doesn’t really exist. It’s fake. You can’t contact the customer service, they have tons of typos and none of the information given is legit… scammers created it to make you feel like you can actually track your non-existent new pet they didn’t ship.
HOW SCAMMERS FIND YOU:
- You put out an ad on the internet saying you want to buy a parrot.
- Someone else (scammer) puts out a fake ad about selling/giving away a parrot which you respond to.
WEBSITES WE’VE FOUND PARROT SCAMS ON USING OUR PICTURES:
- http://www.hoobly.com/
- http://www.kijiji.com/
- http://www.oodle.com/
Now this doesn’t mean these are bad websites, but it does mean to shop carefully and be able to recognize when people are using our photos for their ads. If you see it, REPORT IT. It’s fraud and it’s illegal. Only buy from verified and trustworthy sellers, those that are will have icons saying so next to their user names.
The latest victim to a parrot selling scam involving my pictures was a nice lady from Canada named Wendy. She put an ad out looking for a cockatiel, and she got a reply from Ann Lewis saying she was out of cockatiels but had some other parrots that might interest Wendy. These parrots happened to be… mine. And Ann? Well she happened to be… me. Or at least she claimed she was me in the photos she sent out to Wendy.
Ann sent Wendy tons of pictures of me with my birds that she stole from this very blog, as well as our Flickr account. I suggest you become VERY familiar with our photos from flickr so that you can help spot new ad scams out there.
After falling in love with our parrot pictures and the hopes of getting one of our birds, Wendy quickly sent Ann the $110 she asked for simply for shipping and nothing else. Ann just wanted to make sure the birds went to a really good home… yeah, right.
Straight from scammer Ann to Wendy:
these birds came with all necessary papers needed,but as the Canadian veterinarian must conduct another test to be sure of their health status,It was done ,all was fine and Medication Papers were accurate ,The test Results shows that this birds are free from such diseases that may attack other Animals like (dogs, Monkeys and Cats E.T.C).So these birds are now ready for shipping and delivery ……………. But it should be noted that this processes cannot be carried out unless the sum of ($110) is paid for the flight ticket .for these birds will come alongside with two of our pet carriers.
FYI, all money transactions were done through Western Union.
But then when it came time to “ship the birds” Ann needed $350 for insurance on the flight. Wendy didn’t have it and let Ann know it. But Ann had an idea – she would pay $200 if Wendy paid $150 and then the birds would get there the NEXT DAY! Wendy was excited, and quickly paid the next $150 to Ann.
DEAR CLIENT,
ACCEPT GREETINGS FROM THE ENTIRE STAFF OF THE PET TIME OF PET MOVERS CARGO BRANCH BANFF / CANMORE. WE HAVE INFORMATION TO DELIVER TWO HYACINTH MACAW PARROTS AT YOUR HOME TODAY. WE ARE SORRY FOR THE WHAT WE ARE TO TELL YOU BUT YOU HAVE TO KNOW THAT VACCINES OF YOUR BIRDS HAVE EXPIATE JUST SOME FEW HOURS A GO AND WE WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THE ANIMAL DOCTORS OF THE CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB SAID THAT THIS BIRDS CAN NOT CONTINUE THE FLIGHT TO YOUR HOME . THIS VACCINES COST $150. THIS VACCINES IS OF YOUR OWN GOOD AS THESE BIRDS CAN BE AFFECTED BY DISEASES THAT CONTAMINATE PETS IN A FLIGHT. SO PLEASE GET BACK TO US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND SEE THAT YOU PAY THIS MONEY SO THAT THESE BIRDS CAN GET THEIR VACCINES WRIGHT AWAY AND BE DELIVERED OK.
SORRY FOR THE THIS BUT WE CAN NOT DO UNDER WISE
Still… no birds. Nothing… and this was $260 later…
Then another email from Ann. This time she needed MORE MONEY for vet checks and bills because she couldn’t send them without getting them checked out. This is when Wendy drew the line and started doing her own research online. That’s when she found MY photos with the birds (who were renamed Vinny and Minny by Ann for ultimate scamming purposes) and contacted me via my email. I told her where she could find our videos, authentic websites and a link to our Flickr… all of which she had found on her own and knew Ann was not legit and she had lost her money for good.
Her new goal? To let ALL OF YOU know about her loss so you don’t face the same.
BEWARE OF THESE SCAMMER EMAIL ADDRESSES:
- interpetdelivers@in.com
- lewisann2009@live.com
TIPS FOR AVOIDING BEING SCAMMED:
When people just want a good home for their bird and will only charge you shipping, BE CAUTIOUS. Demand photos with DATE STAMPS, demand phone calls with the people you’re in contact with, demand to talk to the vet who checks the birds before shipping them. And when it’s international, you HAVE to complete paperwork so don’t believe the sender has it “all taken care of” because they can’t! It’s literally impossible, both parties HAVE to complete paperwork such as import/export permits and go through designated ports of entry. Vets have to check the animals at take off and landing destinations… it’s very in depth so don’t let anyone fool you.
51 comments
Any one hear of sales @ live parrots.com. ? is this a legitimate company ?do not want to get scammed they a nice website
Findaparrotbreeder.com Mr.Parrot Is this a scam?
Beware!! I got scammed by Coloured Feathers Aviary. This guy uses the name Alex Johannes Ph# 254 358-0263. scammed me for $750. for an African Grey that I was interested in. Sent me photos of what I was buying. With the list of all its shots that it has and was ready to find a new home. Then later said that he took to the shipping company to take over from there. Now the shipping company “Impeccable Logistics” sent me an email saying that they need an additional $1,100. for a Temperature Regulator Thermal Electronic Crate so that they could always moderate the temperature of your Parrot while in transit. Here are some reasons they said why your Parrot need a Temperature Regulator Crate. Email… 1: The Delivery crate of your Parrot has to be changed from a Wooden crate to a Temperature Regulator Thermal Electronic Crate. The ventilated crate does not contain potty pet space, water bowl, and food cane. 2: The crate is too small for the relaxation of your Parrot on the flight. Due to the above reason, the crate has to be changed from a Wooden crate to a Temperature Regulator Thermal Electronic Crate. 3: We need a Thermal Electronic crate during this period of shipping because it has a TEMPERATURE REGULATOR which will be regulated according to your Parrot’s body Temperature thereby maintaining constant body temperature (power drive ). 4: It is Hot weather now and the Temperature Regulator Thermal Electronic Crate will keep your bird warm throughout the transportation and delivery process. So you are requested to get one because Without this crate, we are sorry, we will not handle the shipment of your Parrot because should anything happen to the Parrot, we will be held responsible, so get the crate to us. We have the crate here and we can give it on rent or sale. We rent it for $1100.00 But this will apply a caution fee of $1100.00 which is FULLY refundable upon delivery of your Parrot. So if you wish to rent the crate from us, you are required to pay $1100.00 which $1000.00 will be fully refunded to you as the caution fee and the cage taken back to the company. But if you wish to keep the crate, Then you will have to purchase it for $5500 So make your Decision and get back to us so that everything can be handled and your Parrot will be set for the first available flight today to your home. If you rent the crate you must be present at the delivery point to sign and collect the refund of $1100 also let us know if you would want the refunds in cash, or you would want us to deposit it into your account. Next email: PAYMENT METHODS As for Payments we do accept Paypal, ZellePay and ApplePay Payments as they are link with our Bank Cashier Desk 1 Paypal Cashiers Name …. Justin Lee Palmer Paypal ID … Charlesolsen29@gmail.com Payment Option…. Use Friends and Family ONLY Amount …..$1100 Cashier Desk 2 Apple Pay Cashiers Name … Marcos Nicholson ApplePay Number…… 706-912-3746 Amount ……….$1100 Director Impeccable Logistics Martin Murray This message (and any associated files) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential, subject to copyright or constitutes a trade secret. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, copying or distribution of this message, or files associated with this message, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Messages sent to and from us may be monitored. Next email…. Dear Client, Accept Warm regards from Impeccable Logistics. Your Parrot’s delivery is being held by the Vet Department. We got information from our Vet doctor here during the last check before the Parrot’s flight to you . Please see attached results Vaccines were administered to the bird and we had no choice but to take all the pets in our custody to our vet experts for a proper check-up. Here are the lab results and what they recommend for your Parrot as soon as possible. Below is a list of tests, the doctors our vet did and the results were accomplished. Rabies ………………………… … NEGATIVE ………….. No Vaccine Needs Feline Distemper ………….. NEGATIVE …………….. No vaccine Requires Feline Calicivirus ………………. NEGATIVE …………….. No vaccine Requires Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) …………. NEGATIVE …………… No vaccine Requires Feline rhinotracheitis ………………….. NEGATIVE ………………. No vaccine Requires Feces flotation ……………………… NEGATIVE ……………… No vaccine Requires Chlamydia (pneumonitis) ……………………… NEGATIVE ……………… No vaccine There are also specific African Greys health issues linked to their large frame, and then some conditions affect mostly young parrots. Here is an overview of the most common Parrot health problems, including some neurological illnesses that we will cover below. Health Concerns Skeletal issues ● Intervertebral disk disease ● Legs and Feathers dysplasia ● Patellar luxation ● Legg-Calve-Perthes disease ● Osteogenesis imperfecta ● Beak issues Eye problems ● Cataracts ● Glaucoma ● Progressive retinal atrophy ● Vision loss in Double Dapple Eyes Skin issues ● Color dilution alopecia ● Acanthosis nigricans Cardiac diseases ● Degenerative mitral valve disease ● Patent ductus arteriosus Stomach issues ● Food allergies ● Bloat Other prominent health concerns ● Cushing’s syndrome ● Obesity ● Diabetes Requires NEGATIVE parasites ………………Positive …………… missing Anti-stress…………. positive …………… Administered Already. Anti-compression …………… positive …… missing The Vet Director recommends only that the vaccinations be issued To tell you more about vaccines, vaccines stimulate an animal’s immune system, so that the pet is fully prepared and equipped with antibodies against disease and stress. Without proper vaccination, a Birds immune system is not able to withstand the viruses or bacteria, until it is too late. Your Parrot will need only the following vaccinations before the flight can continue because it is fragile after being administered the Rabies Vaccines and Microchip: Anti-Stress And Anti-Compression Total cost requirements: Negative Parasites vaccine: (Fully Refundable) Second -Anti-compression vaccine: (Fully Refundable) Microchip (Fully Refundable) Total fees: $570 USD Then I already knew I got scammed!!! Son of a B****!! I Know, I know, its all my fault. I should have known from the beginning. We were just desperate because we just lost our African Grey after 30 plus years. He past away. I’m more sick to my stomach now that I have fallen into that scam. Any advice on how to get back at them or how to make a claim or scam report. Feel free to contact me.
Have found nothing but scams advertised that I was looking for african grey parrot..beware if anyone asks for apple gift card…run it’s a scam..scam..
So out of all the warnings of these websites, can anyone point me a legit pet site that is trustworthy to buy from them. It seems all the sites I found had the same prices range, same zelle payment, same process which seems to be scams that are reported from reviews.
If you must order online, absolutely use PayPal or another similar service where you can get your money back. No matter what their website or “contract” says, no one is above the law, so they can’t hold you to something illegal. It would be nice to hear of any success stories!
Does anyone know if chirpy Parrots.com is a legitimate website or not
I’m looking to buy a young African grey to tame up if possible I’m a disabled person looking for some company can you guide me in the right direction as most fb sites are scams
I was just scammed by Feathered Pet Emporium. Thought I purchased pair of Mynah birds. Supposedly shipped and then got email from supposed shipper needing $1200.00 for life insurance. So Im out $1700.00. Wish I would have researched this scam before.
Been emailing Julian Greg and Rose Benedita for a black palm and blue hyacinth and needing to know if they are legit
Glamparrots.com tried to scam me. ALMOST sent the money and decided to google the website with the keyword scam. They’ve scammed a lot of people. Thank God I didn’t complete the transaction! Does anyone know where to really buy an Indian ring neck parrot?
Someone just tried to scam me. Claimed to be a breeder of cockatiels. Talked for over an hour on text before I finally smelled bull sh:t. Wanted an etransfer. Wish I could post a picture of the facebook page.
Has anyone heard of owens bird farm in New Jersey
Does anybody know of Lewis parrot farm as I want to know if it’s legit
I think I nearly got scammed on line by a company called Lewis Parrots Farm in Scotland. I did not know it was in Scotland till a applied for one of the African Grey Parrots pictured, as nothing on the site tells you where they are situated, no contact number
Parrotsalfahome.com reported as a scam on perscams.com.wonder if they are too. No money out of my pocket but very disappointed. My senior residents who I was going to introduce my supposed parrot to is excellent therapy for my alzhiemers patients. Shame on them….
Wilson Cardana/Cardanna is using Facebook posts to look for someone who can adopt her African Grey. She links shipment of the parrot with Woof Airlines who will accept Google Play, Amazon or Playsafecard forms of payment. Unfortunately I sent her a few photos of myself with my parrots. Now I wonder if “she” will use my photos!
Anyone heard of Alicia grey parrots? Wondering if they are a scam too
Interesting blog. I was looking at Black Palm Cockatoos and found several sites with prices 20% of what I expected. I booked marked 8 websites I was interested in. When I went back a month later to do more research, every single website no longer existed. I suspect they were all scams. Your words of wisdom makes great sense – especially that if a price is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.
Always check out the shipping carrier too. They create fake websites and the shipping company name may only be a letter off, such as “xchange” instead of "exchange. Also the websites age usually new. You can determine the age of a website domain by using a Domain Age Tool. If you do a search on their phone number it will not have a owner because they are spoofing the number. Their email address can be fake. Be aware there are Fake Email Generators. You can even do this with a GMAIL account. Make sure you use a pay app that is insures against fraud. NEVER EVER use an atm/bank card or a card with a high credit availability. As a matter of fact, just shop local. SHOP LOCAL. Bird Fairs are everywhere a few times a year. GOOGLE A FAIR AND GO IN PERSON. Read up on the fairs and their vendors. When you visit, ask for their health checks. I know this sounds like common sense, but it’s not or you would not be looking up bird scams on the internet.
I just about got scammed I think. The thing that made me not make the purchase is that the seller seemed to get angry when I wanted to check them out. They started texting me why they were not a scam and got angry. I explained it was just a smart business decision. I actually thought the birds were coming from houston but they are coming from cali. I they were a ligit breeder they should not be upset.
So I need help I don’t know if I’m being scammed or not but this person wants 350 for a African grey but it’s still in the egg so its going to be awhile but they want 150…I keep getting the same pictures but no update an the bird itself
We have I believe already been scammed by a place called parrotyard out of California. Hopefully we will be getting money back from Venmo because we used the protection. I have now found a place called passion-dog birds out of Oklahoma. This seller put us more at ease and asked the right questions. However they still want money up front before shipping which I understand but I am still very nervous.
Beware!!! I just got scammed for 1k. Their ig name is @tropicalexoticbirds2 @tropicalbirdsfarm I’m pretty sure they are using someone else pic as their profile pic. But anyways I didn’t realized I got scammed until I did my research after I sent $515 for “insurance” after they said they’re going to ship my bird if I sent that amount. They said we can cancel process if I wanted & they were giving me like an attitude bc “they’re working so hard to register this bird.” I should had seen this as a red flag but I didn’t until after I had an uneasy gut feeling and did my research after. After doing my research… it was on point. I confronted to them and then they blocked me right away. Waiting for my bank to dispute the total amount back to me.
Beware of Africangreyparrotbreeders.com He had a 14wk Lily African Grey parrot saying it was fully weaned , talking, doing tricks etc. For $500 he ships plus has a van from airport go right to your home. He emailed me photos and said shipping was $100. He didn’t ask where it was being shipped to . It did have a phone number that was listed in Montana, I emailed questions which he quickly emailed back and was anxious for sale, but every time I asked him to call he wouldn’t. The bird was beautiful, looked older and with all that the bird did was only $500 beware!!
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