The Perils of Parrot Scams: How to Avoid Them and Protect Your Hard-Earned Money
Discover how to avoid Parrot Scams that can rob you of your savings. In this guide, we'll show you how to spot the warning signs and protect yourself against these fraudulent schemes. Don't let these scams fly under your radar!
As pet owners, we all want nothing but the best for our beloved feathered friends. But with the advent of the internet, parrot scams have become more common than ever before. These scams can come in several forms, from scammers posing as genuine breeders to those claiming to offer exorbitantly discounted prices on rare and exotic parrot species. Fortunately, there are several ways to spot and avoid these scams. In this blog, we’ll share with you some practical tips on how to avoid online parrot scams and protect your valuable money.
1. Look for Contact Options.
The first and most crucial step in avoiding a parrot scam is to carefully review the contact information provided. Reputable breeders typically list several means by which to contact them, such as an email address, phone number, or physical address. If you are unable to find any contact information or the only provided contact option is an email or WhatsAp with no response, the chances are significant that it’s a scam. Always be wary of a bird seller who only agrees to communicate via messaging apps or social media as those are likely not genuine breeders or businesses.
2. Payment Options.
Most scams require upfront payment with CashAp or Zelle. Always avoid these kinds of offers especially when they’re asking for easy payment options like western union or other money transfer apps. Most legitimate breeders offer secure payment options such as through bank transfers or PayPal. If they accept credit cards, ensure that the seller has a secure connection on their website.
3. Watch Out for Really Cheap Prices.
Be aware of bird prices that are significantly lower than usual prices for that given species. If the prices seem too good to be true, then they probably are. If prices are unusually low for a genuine breeder, then chances are high that you’re looking at a scam artist’s operation. One should be aware of these too-good-to-be-true offers, as they might work as only make the average parrot lover regret their bargain.
4. Misnamed Photos.
Another red flag is that the seller offers to send you a parrot, but the photo provided seems incorrect. Often scam artists use a photo lifted from the internet or “google images,” which is not the breed or age of the actual bird they are selling. A genuine breeder will always post photos of the actual bird and provide you with enough photographic evidence and sample photos. They invest their time and efforts to show the actual beauty of the bird they’ve raised and they are therefore proud to share that with their customers.
5. Badly Written Website.
A reputable breeder or shop will always invest their time and resources into giving you the best possible information about the birds they are selling. Hence, their website should be professionally designed and should convey a high level of expertise in their products. A high-quality website means that the breeder is serious and wants to build a long-lasting relationship with their customers. If a website looks like it was quickly put together or has numerous errors, that’s a sign of a scam, and it's imperative to stay away.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you avoid online parrot scams and keep you and your bird happy and healthy. Always do your research, look for recommendations from other pet owners, and rely only on reputable breeders. Always note the red flags of those websites or individual merchants to avoid. Remember, your pet parrot is a valuable addition to your family and deserves the best care you can provide!
