FRAUD! FRAUD! by J. B. Goodrich

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 8, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 2

FRAUD! FRAUD!

By J. B. Goodrich

BY ELD. J. B. GOODRICH.

I CLIP the following from the Family Herald and Weekly Star, Montreal, Nov. 27, 1879:—

“Boston detectives are investigating the operations of a gang of persons who have organized a thorough system of swindling in various parts of New England, whereby several farmers and others have been victimized out of sums ranging from $100 to $500. The plan of operations is to secure notes in payment of articles promised to be delivered, and have such notes purchased thereafter by other persons at a considerable discount, though the goods are never delivered. One swindler is reported to have obtained $1,200 worth of negotiable paper at one place in Maine. The operations of the sharpers cover a period of several years. Their security has been that their victims have remedy only in a civil suit, and no one has had the courage to take the matter to the higher courts. Officers at Boston are informed that the operations of these gangs have been directed by a wealthy business man in Michigan. One or two arrests are reported.”

I have learned of one good brother in Maine who has fallen into the trap the past summer, and has had to pay $120. A man wished him to act as agent to deliver pruning shears, or knives, and persuaded him to sign papers. The shears never came to be delivered; but the note, after having passed into other hands, found its way back for him to pay. Those who held the note claimed to have bought it, and demanded the money.

A word to the wise is sufficient.