LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an investigation into a shady pet adoption scheme that’s left some Michigan pet lovers barking mad.
The scam centers around an individual using the alias “Abby Stratiskii” on the pet adoption website RescueMe.org, accused of misleading consumers with fake vaccination records for a dog named Toby. The website claims to have helped rescue 1,112,938 dogs and 166,646 cats.
A tail of deception.
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In May 2024, “Abby Stratiskii” posted an ad for Toby, claiming the poor pooch needed a new home after receiving an eviction notice due to his barking. Two Michigan animal lovers, eager to provide a forever home, paid a $250 “adoption fee” and received what they thought were legitimate veterinary records. Little did they know, they’d been sold a bill of goods.
The Department of Attorney General has now unleashed its investigators, issuing subpoenas to Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc.), Rescue Me (World Organization d/b/a Rescue Me), and PETIQ, LLC, a company that provided Toby’s rabies tag, to track down Stratiskii’s true identity. And it seems Toby isn’t the only victim – Nessel’s team has found at least two other adoption listings that look suspiciously like Stratiskii’s work.
No bone left unturned.
“Animal lovers want to provide homes for pets in need,” Nessel said. “Unfortunately, bad actors sometimes take advantage of this generosity. When looking to adopt online, consumers need to be vigilant against those looking to deceive them. My office is dedicated to protecting consumers by investigating and uncovering these scammers and using all available tools at our disposal to hold them accountable.”
To help protect fellow Michiganders from these wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing scams, Nessel’s office has reissued a consumer alert on puppy scams, offering tips on how to avoid getting bitten by online fraudsters. She’s also calling on anyone who may have crossed paths with “Abby Stratiskii” or adopted a pet through her to contact the Consumer Protection Team at 517-335-7599.
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