"MnJ" Snake, Tortoise, Reptile Rescue - VA ???

Do any herpers out there in DC/Maryland/Virginia know what this business with "MnJ" Reptile Rescue is all about? This person/people is overloading the local craigslists for months and months with ads claiming that they are a non-profit reptile rescue (even though they cannot spell the words in their posts correctly) and are frequently asking for donations of supplies, tanks, and cages.

A handful of times would not usually raise any red flags, but these posts are appearing literally 20 times a day.

Nobody seems to have ever heard of an "MnJ". Anyone know anything? Is it illegal to pose as a non-profit organization? There is no MnJ in the VA state 503(c) list.

I've never heard of them, I'd email Holly at the MD Reptile Rescue or Dennis at the Norther Va Reptile Rescue to see if he knows them.

That's a good idea, I'll do that today. Thanks.

Cool, let us know what you find out.

I sent her an email. I'll keep you posted.

Nope, Adam, she's never heard of them. My thought is that it just needs to be reported to the state as someone possibly posing as a fake 503(c).

Its strange too, since some of the posts directly address their 'services' to law enforcement agencies.

Posing as a 'reptile rescue' is a common scam in this hobby. Look-up Matt Martin on the BOI, he used to do it all the time.

Second, they only want snakes and tortoises... Those would be animals that likely have significant resale value.

Email them and tell them that you have 25 huge Red-eared sliders that need a new home. And also offer some sickly green iggies. I bet that you dont hear back from them.

G. Beniquez

better yet!

"I have an 18 foot green anaconda. Roughly 250 pounds, eating piglets every few months. Just got the stitches out from the last cage cleaning, the cast comes off in another few weeks and the doctor said I should regain most of the sight in my right eye. I do feel well enough to move this animal now and need to get it to your rescue asap. Please provide me with driving directions so we can drop it off."

You're supposed to tell them everything you said except asking for directions.....Tell them you got directions from someone else that has done business with them and that you are on your way to their place and should be there in the next few hours with the snake, while including your cell phone # in case they need to reach you while you're en route.....

UPDATE...Now he has a website...

Seriously, has nobody ever heard of this guy?

http://mnjsnakerescue.org/