I've had similar before. It disgusts me that someone preys on gullible people. Recently replied to an on-line ad for a "free" puppy, and eventually had them ask me to pay $250 for shipping costs. All contact was through email and text, never spoke to a human. When I replied that I had a week off, and would rather drive to Texas to pick up the puppy, and not stress it by shipping, I never heard any more from them. I had already begun to suspect it was a scam. Talked with a friend in an Animal Rescue organization, and she said this was a common scam originating out of South Africa. Keep your radar on!