Cautions When Buying Rare Species — How to Avoid Fakes & Scams

Rare species and unusual morphs are enticing collectibles. However, their high prices also increase the risk of fraud and counterfeit encounters. This article explains key points to watch for when purchasing rare species and how to identify fakes and scams.

Common Troubles When Purchasing Rare Species

Morph and Variety Fraud

The most common problem is misrepresentation of morph or variety names. Cases of common varieties being sold at inflated prices under rare morph names are persistent. In the reptile world, for example, ordinary color variations may be labeled as rare morphs and sold at several times the normal price.

Photo Manipulation and Theft

Some sellers use photos taken by others without permission, listing non-existent animals for sale. Over-editing saturation and contrast to make animals appear more vibrant than they actually are is also common.

Wild-Caught Laundering

Some sellers pass off species regulated under CITES as "CB (captive bred)" when they are actually wild-caught. Circulating illegally captured wild specimens as captive-bred is a serious crime.

Phantom Listings

Fraudulent listings where the seller does not actually possess the animal, collects payment, and disappears. Rare species trigger the psychology of "if I don't buy now, I'll never get another chance," impairing rational judgment.

Checkpoints for Identifying Fakes

Verify Price Reasonableness

Rare species priced significantly below market rates are a red flag. Reasons a rare species might be cheap include: it is fake, it has health problems, or it is stolen. Conversely, prices significantly above market should also raise questions about whether they are artificially inflated simply because the animal is labeled "rare."

Comparing prices across multiple trusted breeders and shops to develop market sense is the best defense.

Test the Seller's Expertise

Geniune breeders have deep knowledge about their species and morphs. Try asking these questions:

What is this animal's genotype? Can you show photos of the parents? What are the distinguishing features of this morph versus similar ones? Do you have breeding records or a pedigree?