🐠 How to Safely Buy Fish Online (and Avoid Scams)

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1️⃣ 🔎 Research the Seller

• 🌐 Website Check – Look for:
  • 📝 About page & contact info (📧 email / 📞 phone)
  • 📊 Species list with scientific names + sizes
  • 📦 Shipping & DOA policies clearly posted
• 👥 Reputation Check – Search reviews on Google/forums 🗨️.
• 📲 Community Ask – Post in aquarium groups 💬 and see if others recommend them.

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2️⃣ 📸 Verify Transparency

• 🐟 Real Photos/Videos – Stock photos only = 🚩 scam risk.
• 🏷️ Listing Details – Must include:
  • 🔬 Scientific name
  • 📏 Approximate size
  • 🌍 Wild-caught or captive-bred
  • 🤝 Compatibility notes
• 🧾 Guarantees – Seller should offer:
  • 🟢 Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG)
  • ⏱️ Reporting window for DOA (usually 2–4 hrs)
  • 💰 Refund or replacement policy

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3️⃣ 💳 Payment Safety

• 🚫 Avoid risky methods:
  • ❌ CashApp, Venmo, Zelle
  • ❌ PayPal “Friends & Family”
  • ❌ Wire transfers
• ✅ Use protected payments:
  • ✔️ PayPal Goods & Services
  • ✔️ Credit Card (with buyer protection)

💡 If a seller insists on unsafe methods → 🚩 don’t buy.

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4️⃣ 📦 Shipping Standards

• 📦 Packaging
  • 🧊 Insulated styrofoam box
  • 🫧 Double/triple-bagged fish with oxygen
  • 🔥 Heat packs / ❄️ Cool packs (seasonal)
• ⏱️ Speed
  • 🚀 Overnight or Express (1–2 days max)
• 🐠 Markings
  • 📦 “LIVE FISH – THIS SIDE UP – FRAGILE”

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5️⃣ 🚩 Red Flags

• 💲 Prices far too cheap vs. market value
• ❌ No contact info except Messenger/WhatsApp
• 📷 Only stock photos
• 🔇 Seller refuses to send proof pics/videos
• ⏳ Claims like “100% survival over 7-day shipping”

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6️⃣ 🏆 Trusted Source

• Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC
  • 🌟 Reliable source for rare & common plecos, cichlids, puffers, eels, bichirs, and more.
  • 🟢 Offers Live Arrival Guarantee + professional insulated shipping.
  • 📸 Transparent listings with real fish photos.
  • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Excellent reputation in the fishkeeping community.

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7️⃣ 🌟 Extra Pro Tips

• 📧 Keep communication in writing for buyer protection.
• 📷 Record unboxing for DOA claims.
• 🐠 Ask about quarantine before shipping.
• 🔍 Double-check scientific names to avoid mislabeling scams.

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✅ By following this checklist, you’ll protect yourself from scams and safely order fish from trusted sellers like Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC.