West Virginia and parts of Ohio warned against possible monkey adoption scam

Primate lovers in Ohio and West Virginia are being warned of a possible scam perpetuated by an online company advertising the breeding and selling of exotic monkeys.

The Better Business Bureau serving the Canton Region and Greater West Virginia Area has received numerous complaints against a Canton, Ohio, company called General Monkeys For Adoption.

General Monkeys For Adoption states that they specialize in the breeding and selling of Capuchin, Macaques, Marmoset, Spider, and Squirrel Monkeys.

The photos on their site show they are priced between $500-600. All of the animals are allegedly sold out of a residence on Frederick Avenue SW Canton, Ohio.

According to the Better Business Bureau, General Monkeys For Adoption, is not BBB accredited, and is not registered with the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office and does not have proper licensing to sell exotic animals.

Both complaints on the BBB website alleged that on two separate occasions, consumers sent money to the business as payment for a monkey. Both complaints state that neither customer received an animal or a refund. One customer even says the company allegedly asked to be sent even more money.

According to CantonRep, the bureau contacted the Canton homeowners, who said they had no association with the business and that their address was used without permission. CantonRep also said that General Monkey’s for Adoption did not respond to the bureau when they reached out for comment.

The Better Business Bureau offers ten valuable 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.
• Don’t believe everything you see.
• Double-check that your online purchase is secure before checking out.
• Use extreme caution when dealing with anyone you’ve met online.
• Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it’s 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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.