I was never able to get the animals I was supposed to get or the animals I sent out. This was definitely a lesson learned the hard way.... needless to say, I'm very anxious about doing these kinds of deals anymore and will be for a very long time.
I just read through this as well and I can't believe some people. I would have put up craigslist posts and contacted other people that live in his area offering a reward for whoever recovers your animals. You have the address where it was shipped to, and that's enough for someone to start out looking for your animals.
On a side note. I believe it is safest if you make sure they take current pictures with the animal on a newspaper with the current date on it as well as some kind of form of identification. These types of things go sour way to much and I don't think there is a limit on the amount of information you are entitled to. I would be asking for a picture of the animal next to drivers licenses, news paper, computer screen with your emails in the back ground etc..
Wow, just wow. Just read this whole thread and I'm just baffled. He was way to thorough in everything he did. Its disgusting that someone would go to such lengths to take advantage of someone.
I'm sorry this happened to you Herpchick, I hope it never happens to the rest of us.