202-524-1179
Complaint 335212 Details

Responded to Craigslist posting for 2 kittens; Maria Castelo ([email protected]) had listed 2 Maine Coon kittens as available (listed on the Dansville, VA craigslist, but with a address showing they were located just outside DC). I researched the name to see whether she had a legitimate business, but nothing came up (positive or negative). She emailed pictures of the kittens and info about them, stating she needed a good home for them quickly. They were offered for free, just shipping costs. After said she was actually in Houston and would ship; shipping arrangements were made via Animailers which requested immediate payment of $525 via Western Union. Email was received with the alleged shipping info; from [email protected]; a West African-accented man called shortly after demanding immediate payment via Western Union. He called from 774-377-4577 (but claimed to be in Houston, though the number came up as a MA number). I refused and researched Animailers and noted that it has been used as the name for scam shippers previously; I contacted the company via info listed on their website and they had no record of such a transaction. I did not pay, but want to ensure the attempted fraud was recorded to prevent others from being defrauded.