I was searching the internet looking to adopt an African Grey Parrot, I have wanted one for a very long time. I came across a classified site (I can't remember which one) where I posted an ad for wanting to adopt an African Grey, and gave my personal email address. Shortly after I submitted the ad I was contacted via email by a John Smith (first red flag, name is too common!), email address [email protected]. The subject was, "Pair of African Greys" and the email stated as follows: "Hi,
I am givng out my pair of male and female African grey to an ever loving home. If you think you can give them that love then let me know. Thanks.
John"
Ok, I work for a company that does background investigations for a living, and I am not stupid but I thought to myself... Hmmm let me see what happens if I respond, maybe I can help others stay away from situations like this. So I responded to him telling him that I would be happy to give his two parrots a very happy home and asked him where he was located. His response to that email was as follows:
"Thanks for the reply. I relocated to Cameroon where I work with the American peace corp organization. Due to my time schedule I have not enough time to give them the care and love they deserve. So I have decided to find a loving home for them back home. I am not out to make money out of them but just to find a home for them.
They are 3yrs old, lovely, their best time been when they are been hand feed or been taken out for a walk. They shalll be coming with their cage in which they have been leaving together, their feeding bowl, toys, and their recent health certificate. So if you think you have the heart for them then get back to me with your full names and mailing address. Hope to hear from you again. Thanks.
John"
I replied saying that it was very noble of him to be in the Peace Corps. Blah blah blah and told him I was very interested in the birds, but as I'm sure he would understand, I was not comfortable giving out my address. I also told him I would be willing to work with whomever might be caring for the birds in his absence, and asked the birds names. He then replied with the names of the birds and explained that he took the birds with him to Cameroon but now has no time for them due to his noble work in the Peach Corps. He then asked for my name and the nearest airport and told me he contacted a company who can ship the birds but it would cost me $250.00. I used a ficticious name and gave the nearest airport. The next email from him, which came 20 minutes after the email response from me giving the airport information is as follows:
"I am just back from the airport. The time here is 7hrs ahead of the time in Central Illnois. The Department of Pets Transport will then contact you by e mail with full details. They were asking for a number that they can reach you. I wish you the best with your new babies and may God bless you for being there for them. Keep me intouch with up to date info of how you are doing with them. Thanks.
John"
Red flag #2, that all happened way too fast. I then sent an email back to him and gave him my work phone number to give to them and asked if they said how long it would take? He responded saying that when they contact me they will let me know, and he was going to forward my phone number to them. Not even 5 minutes after that response I got a call from Cameroon. The man told me that he is waiting for a response to his email to me explaining how to pay the $250.00. I told him I never received that email, so he said he would re-send it. I got the email and he called me again. I explained that I wanted to pay by credit card rather than Western Union which is how the payment was specified in the email. He told me they only accept western union payments. I told him I would not pay that way and thanked him for his time.in the mean time, I got another email from John Smith asking me if they had contacted me yet. I responded with my concerns regarding the Western Union payment and told him the only way I could pay is by credit card.
I haven't heard from either of them again.
I hope at least one person who reads this benefits from it and doesn't get caught up in these horrible scams.
Thank you.
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