Information about Tusk and Hide Safaris Inc. / agent based in USA

Originally Posted by ikeda

Eveleth, Minnesota is located in St. Louis County. If I had been taken by these SOB's, I would be contacting the St. Louis County Attorney's office.
Mark Rubin at, countyattorney@stlouiscountymn.gov, or the head of the criminal division, Gary J Bjorklund at bjorklundg@stlouiscountymn.gov, to file criminal charges against them.
What they are doing is theft. Considering how many have been taken this might fall into a "criminal enterprise" category.

Either that or internet mail fraud. If you guys have receipt's cancelled checks you might get somewhere if everyone pitched in together that would be even better. Agree with Terminator they deserve a thrashing.

I got a response from the St. Louis Sheriff's Office Deputy I spoke with last week. He said he has personally spoken with the Investigator handling this case and forwarded the information I provided on to him.

Awaiting further contact.

ILCAPO

I would like to add my name to your list it is Kwalata Wilderness Kwalata Wilderness - South Africa and my e-mail is Jaco@kwalata.com, I have e-mails as well as an invoice, So called provided by tusk and hide (one never believes that you will get nailed to the wall by another human being until it happens)

Comms between me and dubious Dave.

Hunt 1.

4 hunters for plains game, no preference, at this time on the specific animals so we are making suggestions. 7 -10 days bringing thier own rifles. Im thinking 5-7 animals each. we booked these guys for New zealand last year, cost is not going to be a problem. We can set this up for this year yet.

Hunt 2.
Buffalo Lion combo he also wants gemsbok and eland if available. 1 hunter 1 observer. 7 days. he wants to hunt in sept, Let me know on these and Ill forward the rest as the details come in.
Dave

INVOICE RECEIVED FROM TUSK AND HIDE:

Tusk & Hide Safaris
Po Box 157
Cotton, Minnesota
218-744-0435


Invoice #34333 6/28/2011

Jaco Strauss

Kwalata Wilderness & Adventures
Tel: +27 14 755 4104
Fax: +27 14 755 4249
Mobile: +27 79 500 1942
E-Mail: jaco@kwalata.com

1 Year of advertising on Tuskandhidesafaris.com
Main page ad package including all Game Pages, and the South Africa page for 13 months 1 full page ad , 9 color photos, detail description of services, rates packages, contact information and a website link.

Free in Inclusion into all company newsletters. Including package pricing and availability.

All hunts booked through agent affiliates are at 5% commission.

Total $1250.00

Marketing and promotion materials for the year at $800.00 Includes all brochures and DVD痴 for the duration of the contract.
Total $800.00

Total for 13 months of advertising $2050.00


Call me if you have any questions.


Tusk and Hide痴 guarantee: Tusk and Hide Guarantees that you will book 1 hunt in the first year or the ad runs for free.


Please send any packages you which to market for mid to late 2011 to this Email address. Info@tuskandhidesafaris.com



Bank Wire Details
Wire Transfer Details: Please Email me the WTC Number as soon as you have it.

Account Holder: Lisa Harkins

Account Number: 435025169669
Routing Number:051000017
Swift Code: BOFAUS3N


Office Address: Murphy Point Rd. Eveleth, Minnesota 55734

Ph 218-744-0435

REF: Tusk and Hide Safaris

Bank Info:
Bank of America
3001 White Bear Ave N in St Paul, Minnesota 55109.

MAYBE I WAS A SUCKER OR MY INEXPERIENCE IN DEALING WITH SHADY CARACTERS CAME TO BITE ME IN THE BUTT!!! BUT I AM MORE THAN WILLING TO BUST A KNEE CAP JUST FOR THE SAKE OF IT!!!!!

LISA HARKINS THATS A NAME THAT ALSO CAME UP!

Jaco,

I've forwarded your input to the Deputy with whom I've been in contact asking he forward it to the investigator handling this case. One thing, however. WHEN exactly did this all happen to you? Many of the outfitters herein have stated it's been two to three years ago, and they've been unable to get in touch with these guys. When did this happen to you? When did they take your money?

I'm trying to put together an effective timeline to demonstrate to the authorities that this is an ongoing problem, and not old news. Unlike other 'horror stories' I've read about here on AFRICAHUNTING.COM, rather than poor service / unfulfilled contracts, this particular case seems to be at a whole other level -- complete fraud from the git go.

Being a former cop, I know what these authorities needed to get interested. I got that ball rolling. Now it's a matter of following up. Like I said to others. Feel free to correspond with me here or using the private message mechanism. If you'd like to call, I can share my number therein.

I'm all for helping the police to build a case and take these characters down... HARD!

Your friend in the USA,

Tom

Originally Posted by ILCAPO

Jaco,

I've forwarded your input to the Deputy with whom I've been in contact asking he forward it to the investigator handling this case. One thing, however. WHEN exactly did this all happen to you? Many of the outfitters herein have stated it's been two to three years ago, and they've been unable to get in touch with these guys. When did this happen to you? When did they take your money?

I'm trying to put together an effective timeline to demonstrate to the authorities that this is an ongoing problem, and not old news. Unlike other 'horror stories' I've read about here on AFRICAHUNTING.COM, rather than poor service / unfulfilled contracts, this particular case seems to be at a whole other level -- complete fraud from the git go.

Being a former cop, I know what these authorities needed to get interested. I got that ball rolling. Now it's a matter of following up. Like I said to others. Feel free to correspond with me here or using the private message mechanism. If you'd like to call, I can share my number therein.

I'm all for helping the police to build a case and take these characters down... HARD!

Your friend in the USA,

Tom

Way to go Tom! I hope you can nail these guys that are scamming people!

ILCAPO, it was during this year, i am just out of the office right now and will provide you with the exact date in the morning but I believe that it was aroun May or June 2011, I will be sure to get on it by the morning.

On another note I would like tovthank you for going through all this for all of us that have been taken for a ride, it is highly appreciated and does not go by un noticed....... Thank you.

I'm just doing what I can to get this all going. Ultimately, it will be up to the outfitters who were scammed to help authorities build a case against them. I'm just the go between.

However, if I can encourage the victims of this fraud to take an active part and help guide them in driving the case, then it will be my pleasure.

Thanks for the quick response.

BTW, how much did they take you for in total? I saw two figures; 1,200 and 2,050. And I'm assuming these figures are in American dollars, yes?

I want to go in locked and loaded!

Thank you sorry....... Spelling.

ILCAPO it was $1250 + $800 total $2050 the check was sent to him on the 28th or the 29th of June 2011 by my U.S. representative, I will get him to give me the exact date, he also nailed a company called Buffels pan Safari's about a month earlier will get Johan to post on this.

Getting Johan involved in this, apparently they got shook for about $7000 he processed their Credit card, busy with Johan to get all info from him and correspondence. Will keep you updated.

Jaco,

Thanks for the info and keep it coming. I just received an email from the Sheriff's Deputy directing me to their secure site. I now have secure communications direct email to him on their official site and I'm passing everything you guys give me on to them. He, in turn, passes it on to the investigator.

I would assume the investigator will get in contact with me directly sometime in the not too distant future, but at any rate, eventually, they'll be contacting all of you, I'm sure. Either that, or if they get enough they'll take what they have to the County Attorney's Office and refer the case to higher authority. At any rate, I'll keep you all posted.

So, from what I can see, we have identified at least a half dozen outfitters who have been defrauded thus far. Somehow, my gut tells me this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Cheers,

Tom

Post requested by Pierre van Tonder Big Game Safaris:

Hi Jerome

We were also taken for a ride by a guy with the name of Dave from Destination Wild, also operating Tusks and Hide Safaris. I have asked a lawyer in the US to help but costs involved in tracking him down would be more than what he took from us. Please post this on our behalf on your website.

Thanks
Anneli
Pierre van Tonder Big Game Safaris

These guys are no good. What happens if every one just keeps quiet about it.
I wanted to warn others from making the same mistake.
This site has offered a large amount of help.
Thanks guys.
I will not rest! They must be stopped. Through their action good, honest guys and companies suffer needlessly!!

Hi Guys,

I was taken by "Dave" for $2400...... many conartists out there but he is special... "Dave" was his prefferred name in my case but he seems to have so many I don't know how he rememebers who he is to whom? The number of similar companies he operates under would strongly suggest that conning people is one of his forms of income. Jen, whom I believe is his wife..... is clearly part of the operation as my attempts to contact them have been ignored as been experianced by you all....
Jerome, thank you for your site and efforts in finding Jason Rodriguez, 2438 Murphy Point Rd
Eveleth, Minnesota 55734
USA

I am happy to pursue this should there be sufficient aggrieved parties or not. CO-ordinating it is key and we should each list our individual situation and I will see if I can get a "hunting" lawyer to carry the flag on our behalf on a no recovery no fee basis. The more people we have stating their case, the greater the chance for success. Either way, this deceitful and fraudulent behaviour needs to be highlighted and delivered to the state attorneys office to stop others from getting burnt....

Below is some exchanged emails and comitment/correspondence from the pitiful and desperate fraudster.....

Dave,

I hope this mail finds you well,

I have not received any feedback from you, please advise whether you are indeed receiving this and the previous emails below and advise,

Kind Regards

Hennie Le Roux
Owner
Medbury Pty (Ltd)
Pulse Consulting Pty (Ltd)

Mobile: +27 (0) 829902404
Fax: 0865591990
Skype:hlerouxrsa
Vacation trips to South African delights - fishing, hunting, shooting, big 5 safaris, gamedrives at comfortable lodges at Crown River Safari





From: info@tuskandhidesafaris.com [mailto:info@tuskandhidesafaris.com]
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2011 5:41 AM
To: Hennie
Subject: RE: FW: CRS Contact

Hennie I have enverything ready to go.I have two hunts I need prices for as well, can we finalize tommorow and verify the prices and packages were going to market for this falls newsletter. Ill phone you if your available.

Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless



From: Tusk and Hide Safaris [mailto:info@tuskandhidesafaris.com]
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 9:27 PM
To: Hennie
Subject: Re: FW: CRS Contact

Hennie I need to speak with you by phone. 1-218-428-5341 or give me the number and the best time to call.
I have hunts Im trying to book right now.
Thanks
Dave


On 8/19/2011 2:21 PM, Hennie wrote:
Hi Dave,

Did you receive yesterdays mail?

From: Tusk and Hide Safaris [mailto:info@tuskandhidesafaris.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:20 PM
To: Hennie
Subject: Re: CRS Contact

Hennie are you available today?
Dave




From: Tusk and Hide Safaris [mailto:info@tuskandhidesafaris.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2011 7:18 PM
To: Hennie
Subject: Re: CRS Contact

Hennie I think this would be a good fit, I spoke to Jen at the office
and we will have to have the packages for the newsletter no later than
Friday morning, we didn't talk about it but it will go out on Sunday.
Here's the summary for the ad packages to get set up within our network.
The set up includes a full page business profiles with 10 photos, a
detailed description of your services, rates, location, contact
information, a link to your existing website, and and email address.

Here are your listing options, and remember the bookings from the
website are separate from the agency and are commission free,
so get as much exposure as you can afford.
The link can appear as a Hunting Outfitter on the following Country
pages, South Africa plus any
other countries you have concessions in,(Zimbabwe&Botswana) we list the Countries separate.
There is a one time fee for this
Our Main Page runs $2400.00 and if you take the
full package this gives you featured
member status. (this will include all animals and concessions at no charge) This also
include any printing expenses for shows were attending as well. The
difference in exposure between the 2 pages is quite a bit so once
we make sure we've helped you cover the expense your left with
whatever page your on for the remainder of the year, this could mean the
difference of a few bookings which can add up to quite a bit of money
so if you want the added exposure let me know and we can work something out.
Since it's guaranteed I always say go with what the budget allows for.

Keep in mind that when you are a featured member of this network we
will strive to get your hunts sold out for the year,
so Tusk and Hide guarantees that you will book at least one group
in the 1 year of advertising or the ad runs free.

This package covers the exposure on the website and inclusion in any
newsletter that goes out. Any trips you book from the website is
commission free.

We have 3 booking agents that are working to book trips for you year
round, these agents are only booking for members of
Destination wild and they are only allowed to charge 5% commission on
the bookings, we send them lots of leads so they
are very happy with the arrangement and we make sure they remain
professional at all times, when we get you set up with
us we will have you write an introduction email telling a little about
yourself and your operation, and I will pass that
along to them.
I will be around every day at the office at 1-218-428-5341, you can
call with any questions.

As you already know we have a website dedicated to booking Safaris,
the site is African Hunting Safaris,Consultans, Plains Game, Dangerous Game, you get a free listing
on here as well with the package and we we will have you write the 250
word description describing your operation. were also launching
a new site for big game as well. We also offer wing shooting hunts
if you have those available on www.wingshootingsafaris.com


This package gives you a free opportunity to list your business on any
newsletters we send out for free, and we will represent
you at any show we attend as well, remember anything we book is at 5%,
unless its through the newsletter or website then it's
commission free.
I spoke to Jen at the office and I need all pricing for the
newsletter by Friday, email then to me and she will go ahead and put
your packages
and rates into the newsletter.

We build the profile from your existing site so there will be nothing
to do on your end, except to send me any hunt packages
you want to market for mid to late 2011. Ill be available for
you in the afternoon to answer any questions you might
have.

Thanks for your time, I look forward to working with you. If this looks good for you send me
packages for the newsletter as soon as you can.

Dave

Hi Jaco/Tom

Hennie Le Roux, owner Crown River Safari, I have just posted my sad story to the list. As an PH and outfitter wanting to do honest business in the US this experiance was discouraging. I would be appreciative of any support and wish to add my name to the the list. "Dave" did the trick and I sent $2400 to him in September 2011...my wounds are still fresh Please contact me should you need any further assistance as I will do what I can to ensure others are not bitten....
Many thanks!

Hennie Le Roux

Here is an email that I received from a hunting outfitter in Canada:

Hi Jerome,

I found out the hard way this was a scam back in 2008. They were then operating their Destination Wild website. There pitch to me was the one where they had four clients who were waiting to book a big game hunt, they (DW) choose me to offer it to, but I was not listed on their site so I first had to do that.

I believe the fee was $500.00 to do so. Once paying the fee of course the party fell apart and I booked no clients.

I went on there site and contacted every single "advertiser" they had listed and could not find anyone who had ever booked a hunt (both fishing and hunting and contacted several in Africa).

All I got were horror stories.

I then contacted the police in Eveleth, MN (218-744-7560) and ended up talking to a Detective Hendrickson who was fully aware of this guy Jay
(Jason Rodriguez) and Lisa, Dave, Jeff. They new what he or they were up to and were supposedly in the process of catching him as he was then under investigation by them.

If you like you can post his telephone number 218-780-6728 and maybe someone will call to see if he or someone else is still working on the case. This was his number on November 23, 2008.

After I contacted all his advertisers he very quickly got in contact with me and refunded my money as people started contacting him wondering what was going on and trying to get their money back.

Hope this saves someone else from being conned.

Thank you,
Craig

Thanks Everyone,
We are new members who have also been defrauded for a total of over $8500. The scheme was the same, Jay offering adverts, this time for $2200 to run for one year. If no safaris were booked in that year a full refund would be given. After debit card info was provided, some months later irregular amounts were removed in several unauthorized debits that were not detected immediately due to computer issues in the home office in Zimbabwe. When Jay was contacted, promises were made to repay for the "oversight" of the unauthorized debits and the refund due to no bookings. Two plus years later the excuses continue although contact is very difficult.

Our story seems to indicate the same scheme used in the other cases cited and we continue to pursue every remedy available.
Gary Hay
Mist Mountain Safaris
(American Office)

Hi Ilcapo
thank you ever so much for your help.I was about to start the discussion again.
Eventually with your help we will be able to get them. I have all the information but stood back a bit as Tusk and Hides threatened to badmouth me on the net.
I will inform all the others that had contacted me in this regard.
The sums seem to differ but the story is the same. They try and do most of the bussiness via telephone. I said that I want every thing in writing. Then things sort of slowed down.These guys have to brought to book.It will never stop if they are not. Thanks again for your kind help.

Lost posts...

Originally Posted by mist mountain safaris

I would like to get in contact with anyone still working on this group of scam artists. Our Company was a victim of over $8500 in underfunded Advertising and unauthorized debits from our bank account.

I was preparing to file charges myself but realize a better plan would be to join with others who have had the same crime committed against them.

I would welcome your call at (417)860-5888 or email at ghay@hopechurch.net.

Thank You,
Gary Hay
Mist Mountain Safaris

Originally Posted by Bobpuckett

WOW! Just reading through the 3 pages of this thread and I had no idea as to the Con Artist you guy's have to deal with and the kind of money they rip you off for I hope they get these guys and put them where they belong I know you'll probably never get all your money back but it would be nice to know that bubba is taking care of them in the Big Pen.