shannon
summit,#2Author of original report
Sat, December 29, 2012
I did not tell of our experience on her to be put down. I did this ti help others not be scammed the same way.I thought I was paying a business. Yes, I see the signs now. I will never gice money to anyone unless we are face to face. I knew someone who had purchased a dog and had it sent by airplane. Lije I said I thought I was ordering the ticket. I realize now. I feel bad enough.... I am just wanting to help others... not be judged. Thanks
Flynrider
Phoenix,#3Consumer Comment
Fri, December 28, 2012
Although it may be difficult to explain to your daughter why you though it would be a good idea, this lesson comes at a relatively cheap price. Many people have lost thousands on this and similar scams.
Basically, you sent an untraceable cash transfer to an unknown person in an East African country and expected that a puppy would show up on your doorstep.
For future reference, anything to do with pets and Cameroon is a scam. Much like Nigeria is the capital of phony fortune scams, Cameroon scammers seem to deal exclusively with pet scams. All they need to do is lift a picture of a cute puppy off the Internet and people will send them money. If you want to see similar reports, go to the search box on this website and enter Cameroon.
Lastly, anytime anyone you don't know wants you to send them money with a Western Union personal transfer, you are being scammed. Those transfers are meant for family and friends. They are completely untraceable and no legitimate business would ever require payment that way.
LD
Dallas,#4Consumer Comment
Thu, December 27, 2012
I'm shocked that you used moneygram to send money to someone with an online ad. You have people all over the place that post fake and phony ads all the time using anything that is popular with Americans, especially cars, electronics and expensive dogs/cats. They all have the same MO meaning that they all have some story, some sad tale about why they can't meet you and that you need to moneygram. This is why craigslist specifically tells people to never ever moneygram. A lot of the folks you are sending the money to use google phone numbers meaning they appear to be local or they use various means to get a local phone number but they are actually overseas so that when you moneygram the money is going to Africa, India, China, etc. You will NEVER see the product.
For instance I was looking to purchase a used car off of craigslist and I saw a very nice car for a really low price. I called the number and they let the phone go right to voicemail. Finally, when I recieved a call back the woman sounded as if she was from a different country. She asked me when did I want to see the vehicle and asked me for my email. Then soon after I get an email from her saying she had an emergency and could not show the car but if I would only moneygram the money she would have her cousin bring me the car or some nonsense like that.
I immediately at that point knew it was a scam. Americans are a main target of these scams. I have friends in Nigeria and the unemployment rate is very high. These young men and women spend hours literally in internet cafes drafting extravagant emails and devising schemes to bilk money from Americans. And its not just Africans but nationals from other poor countries too and even here in the U.S.
I don't feel sorry for you though. Only a FOOL would suddenly start sending money via moneygram in response to an online ad. Who the heck does that BUT A FOOL? Shame on you. I hope your daughter has MORE common sense.