Its always shocking and sad when we hear of news of people taking advantage of others generosity.
Well, following the sudden death of Australia’s Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin who was killed in a freak stingray attack, a disturbing number of con artists have tried to cash in on the tragedy.
Online, there were bogus ticket sales for Steve’s funeral in several Ebay listings, and two women were just caught selling bogus Steve Irwin Charity Stickers at the Gold Coast’s Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Australia.
The 20-year-old woman caught, was selling stickers for AU$3 and AU$5, and claiming that 50 cents of that would go to the Australian Zoo in memory of Steve Irwin. She pleaded guilty to fraud, and was fined AU$200.
A 16-year old girl was also arrested and cautioned, although police suspect there were 2 men behind the scam. The stickers featured a crocodile, and said “In Loving Memory of Steve Irwin 1962-2006″.
If you’d like to find out more about Steve Irwin’s charitable works, click here.
Originally posted on September 16, 2006 @ 5:09 am