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Questions to ask before you pay a deposit
Deposits are a normal part of reserving a reptile, especially for popular morphs or upcoming clutches. They're also one of the most common places scams happen. A few questions up front can tell you a lot about whether a seller is legitimate.
Never send money before you've seen the animal
Insist on seeing the specific animal you're paying for — in person, or on a live video call where you can ask the seller to move the camera around the enclosure. Photos alone aren't enough; they can be old, reused, or belong to a different animal entirely.
Get the terms in writing
Confirm, in the message thread rather than a phone call or text, exactly what the deposit covers: the amount, what happens if you change your mind, what happens if the animal dies or becomes unavailable before collection, and the expected collection date.
Keeping this in our messaging system means there's a record both sides can refer back to if there's a dispute later.
Ask about husbandry and feeding history
What is the animal currently eating, and when did it last eat? Is it feeding independently? Any known health issues, past or present? A seller who's been keeping thorough records will answer these easily.
Never wire money directly or use untraceable payment methods
Avoid direct bank transfers to someone you've never met, and be wary of any seller who pushes you towards a payment method with no buyer protection. If a deal feels rushed or a seller is pressuring you to pay immediately, slow down.