Primate enthusiasts in Ohio and West Virginia are being alerted to a possible scam involving an online company advertising the breeding and selling of exotic monkeys.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving the Canton Region and Greater West Virginia Area has received numerous complaints against a company based in Canton, Ohio, named General Monkeys For Adoption.
General Monkeys For Adoption claims to specialize in the breeding and selling of Capuchin, Macaques, Marmoset, Spider, and Squirrel Monkeys. The website lists these animals with prices ranging from $500 to $600, and all are purportedly sold from a residence on Frederick Avenue SW in Canton, Ohio.
However, according to the BBB, General Monkeys For Adoption is not BBB accredited, is not registered with the Ohio Secretary of Stateβs Office, and lacks the necessary licensing to sell exotic animals.
The BBB website hosts two complaints in which customers alleged they sent money to the company for a monkey but received neither the animal nor a refund. In one instance, the company reportedly requested additional money from the customer.
CantonRep reported that the BBB contacted the Canton homeowners listed on the site, who denied any connection to the business and stated their address was used without permission. The report also noted that General Monkeys For Adoption did not respond to the BBB’s requests for comment.
The Better Business Bureau provides the following ten tips to avoid scams:
- Never send money via gift card or wire transfer to someone you have never met face-to-face.
- Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails.
- Donβt believe everything you see.
- Double-check that your online purchase is secure before checking out.
- Use extreme caution when dealing with anyone youβve met online.
- Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether itβs over the phone, by email, on social media, or even at your front door.
- Resist the pressure to act immediately.
- Use secure and traceable transactions.
- Whenever possible, work with local businesses.
- Be cautious about what you share on social media.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
