Conference misery::feline_v1

2918.0. "Lost Pet Scam " by STAR::PMURPHY () Thu Oct 05 1989 10:49

	ANIMAL RIGHTS LEAGUE UNCOVERS PET SCAM


I thought you might be interested in this letter To The Editor that
was published in the Broadcaster newspaper, Nashua, NH yesterday's
(Oct. 4th) edition.

Copied without permission:

            Animal Rights League Uncovers Pet Scam

Dear Editor:

     This organization has recently uncovered a scam wherein money is
extorted from the owners of lost pets.

     This is how it works:  A caller identifies the pet owner from lost
flyers or newspaper ads.  He calls collect from a distant location (most
frequently Chicago), explaining that he is a long-haul truck driver who
picked up the pet while in the town in which it was lost.  He further
explains that he is back at his home base and, if the owner would wire
him money (the amount varies), he will arrange for another trucker to
bring it back on his return trip.  (A variation is that he says he has
a pilot friend who will be traveling to that area and can bring the
pet with him).  Once the money is sent, the "trucker" is never heard
from again.

     Any pet owner who has been victimized by this unscrupulous method
should contact the New Hampshire Animal Rights League, Bean Hill Road,
Northfield, NH 03276, telephone (603)286-8477, and we will immediately
alert the proper enforcement agency.

                              Sincerely,

                              Elinor Ware, President
                              N.H. Animal Rights League, Inc.

    
    Thanks for putting that in here.  I saw it in the Nashua Telegraph
    and never thought of entering it.  Silly Me!
    
    It never ceases to amaze me what lengths some people will go to
    to extort money out of pet owners.  I think this scam is particularly
    awful because some poor owner thinks a beloved pet is on the way
    back and they get nothing.
    
    This notes file is great for keeping us up to date on so many things,
    I hope I don't begin to take it for granted.
    
    Feline Grateful for Feliners!
    
    Sue & Panther & Spot
    

    Even worse, the owner stops looking for the cat because they don't
    know its still lost.