A word about possible scams on OzarksFirst.com classifieds.

PET SCAMS:

There have been a number of postings on the Pets & Animals section from people claiming to have exotic birds, yorkies, french bulldogs and other specialty breeds "for adoption".   Most of these ads are easy to spot because they include slick photos and poor grammar. 

They often talk about  "this little girl" when referencing the dog, trying to appeal to the emotion of the buyer.  Almost without exception, all they require is the buyer paying for shipping.  We have learned all of these postings are coming from users who give a location in places like New York, California and other states far from the Ozarks. 

In reality, these ads are posted from overseas ISPs.  They do not offer phone numbers for you to call and talk to anyone directly - requiring correspondence by email only.  And they require that you send shipping costs so they can send you the "adoptive" pet. 

If you agree to this, you'll never see your money again and you certainly won't get the animal.
Administrators at OzarksFirst.com are finding and removing these postings several times a day as soon as we become aware of them.  But  BUYER BEWARE - - these are definately scams, meant to tug at your heartstrings.



SCAMS TARGETING SELLERS:

Additionally, there are scams targeting sellers on our site.  These involve emails coming directly to the seller who posts an item on our classifieds:

Some of the sellers on OzarksFirst.com have had correspondence from a potential buyer, who clearly appears to be trying to pull a scam.  One quick tip-off is the very poor use of English in the emails.  (see below)

The buyer claims to be representing a third party, who makes a counter offer to the original asking price.

If the seller agrees, the buyer then claims the "client" has already written a check for the higher amount and asks the seller to cash the check and send the difference back.  NEVER agree to a sale for over the agreed-upon price with the understanding that you will send back the difference. 

Law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau say this is a common scam, which leaves the seller holding the bag for the entire bad check amount.

Here is the text of one of the emails to an OzarksFirst.com seller - with details of the item and amounts edited out.  (no other edits for spelling or grammar made)  Notice the poor use of English - this is likely an overseas scam artist. 


Hellow *******, we have concluded,
Thanks for your email and update on the bottom price,it was accepted by my clientand he has directed us to issue payment to you. I would need your assurance that the property whose payment we would start processing,is in a good condition as the only view our client had of the ****** was on the internet and this purchase is hinged on his personal judgement of what the property's state and output would be like,in comparison to models of its category. However,he made out a certified cashiers check of ******** before he travelled for a conference,for a previous ******** and its shipment charges etc,but it wasunfortunately sold. The amount on the check he deposited for the ******** is bigger than what should
be paid to you now, so the check is now meant for the total expenses which includes the purchase of your vehecle ,its pick up from its present location and the shipping charges/other necessary shipping arrangements.However he has instructed us to bikery on with this transaction. So when payment gets to you, you're required to deduct the cost of your *********and send the balance of *********to my client shipping agent to enable him offsett shipping charges/arrangements. Once the transaction is concluded, My client shipping agent will be coming for the pick up of the **********from its present location, on an access to a prepaid shipper for shipment,and also conclude other necessary shippingarrangements. So you dont have to bother yourself about the pick up and shipping rrangements, while title papers and other necessary documets will be sent by you via fedex courier . Please Confirm this and provide (1) NAME (2) CONTACT ADDRESS AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER(s) for check payment to be delivered to you via regular mail immediately , please remove the add of the ******** from the internet to avoid complications from other buyers


Thanks for your mail,I received your mail ,it is quite understanding . and clear am lovely to purchese your property, kindly confirm your last asking price of your  ********** with your last and bottom offer let me know where i stand .Hope to hear from you soonest.