I must first say that all of the people I have done business with on this forum have been professional and trustworthy.
With the exception of one transaction about a month ago. I contacted a forum member(now banned) and we came to the agreement on the price of a snake. I sent the money using Paypal and quickly found out I had been scammed and the snake in question had been sold months before. In fact the seller said he had no snakes. I filed a claim with paypal and was informed today that my money was being returned to me by Paypal.
If I had sent a cash, personal check or store bought money order I would be out my money. My only recourse would have been filing a civil action in the courts. Since both parties involved live a great distance apart this would have been an expensive legal action.
Paypal offered protection for my purchased since it was based on my Visa debit card.
Another safe payment option is a U.S. Postal money order which is protected by the government.
I encourage all members to only deal in secure methods of payment.
I never thought I would get scammed but it happened.
Protect your tranactions by keeping records on all contacts between you and a seller. Keep copies of all money transactions.
I thank all the other people I have dealt with for being honest and trustworthy people. Bless you.