SCAM Is a Four Letter Word
I do not use this word a lot, but I HATE Scammers. These are the lowest form or cowards and thieves. So I thought I would share some facts that I know about the scamming business, why they exist, and why we can’t get rid of them.
First things first, why do I hate them…Well, because they prey on vulnerable people, they steal their money, and in a ripple affect they steal my business, photos, identity, reputation, and time. I am speaking for myself as a breeder in this blog, but most of my breeder friends (and there are LOTS of reputable breeders here in the USA) would agree with me on this, it takes so much of my time trying to convince people I am real. I get 60-80 messages about my Cattery, or kittens everyday. Don’t get me wrong, I love the busy part of this, and I love interacting and communicating with my clients and friends, but what I don’t like is wasting my time trying to convince you that I am in fact a reputable breeder. I am more than willing to do this, but it would be so much easier to get right to the point of business. I could be spending that time with my kittens and family. They steal my business by robbing vulnerable people of their hard earned money, that they could have spent on a legitimate kitten from a legitimate breeder.
These scammers are relentless. They create entire websites, Facebook pages and groups, and even have Instagram and TikTok accounts. They are constantly reinventing and disguising their true identities, while stealing mine and my colleagues. They use our photos, names, and even web addresses to fool you. They look very legitimate from the outside, but there are easy ways to tell if you know what to look for. So it’s very important to educate your self so you do not fall victim to their games. They are constantly sending private/direct messages to buyers telling them about their how they obtained their new kitten, what a great experience it was, and are even nice enough to send you a link to the Group/Page/Website for you to see for yourself. These sites usually have Rehome or Adoption in the name (red flag). Then they have “kittens” priced WAY below market value (biggest red flag!!!!) They tell you to send a deposit, or a gift card, or something of that nature. Then they disappear, POOF….deposit lost and no kitten. If they don’t disappear, they ask for more money for bogus reasons…document fee, vaccination fee, insurance…I have heard it all.
Why do they exist? Because it’s lucrative, because people keep them in business, because it’s easy pickings preying on someone excited and emotional about the prospect of the “Great Deal”. These scammers almost never originate in USA. That is why they need the money in a gift card or some other form of payment. We breeders have been tirelessly trying to fight them off, but they show-up on every post on every platform in disguise as a friend. We need your help! Please if you want to purchase a Maine Coon, and the deal sounds too good to be true, IT IS!! There is no such thing as a cheap Maine Coon. They are an expensive breed. If you find a great deal, ask me or one of my colleagues! We can let you know if they are legitimate or not. Do not pull the trigger until you have done your due diligence by requesting to video chat with the breeder, ask for their veterinarian information, ask for references. Any legitimate breeder will have no problem doing any of these things. If they hesitate, or flat out refuse….RUN!!
You, the client, and us, the breeders, are the key to lessening the affect these scammers have on us. Through education from us, and patience from you, we can have a positive affect on this new culture. I wish you all a very wonder second half of your Summer, and we always wish you the warmest regards from Zia Maine Coons.