What can you do to prevent getting totally ripped off
  • If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
  • If a deal looks illegal it probably is.
  • Ask them where THEY got it and then check.
  • Ask for a photo of the animal.
  • Ask them to fax you a copy of their drivers license.
  • Ask them for references in the industry.
  • Ask them for local references.
  • Look up their name and address on the internet white pages.
  • Ask for their phone number
  • Ask for references on USENET newsgroups.




Okay so I got ripped off, what do I do now? First determine whether it was just a bad deal or a complete ripoff cause once you start some of this there no turning back....
Make copies of the advertisement on your local hard drive. Try to get a copy of the logfile transcript that shows this users post
Complain to the persons Internet Service Provider that the advertiser is posting fraudulent advertisements and ask the Internet Service Provider to terminate his account for violating it's Terms of Service Agreement
File a complaint at FBI Internet Fraud Complaint Center
File a complaint at ScamBusters
File a complaint on the National Fraud Information Center
File a formal theft complaint with their local law enforcement authorities
File a complaint at the Better Business Bureau
Post a complaint on the pubic USENET forums.
File a formal complaint with the US Postmaster General. (This works best if you sent the person a US Postal Service Money Order). Mail Fraud is a FEDERAL OFFENSE and there are lots of people in PRISON for committing MAIL FRAUD. If you sent your check/money order via US Postal Service to him and he accepted it congrats thats mail fraud.