Pet-Scamming Blackmailer Banged Up for Nearly 4 Years
A vile blackmailer who tricked heartbroken pet owners into coughing up cash for their “missing” animals has been jailed for 3 years and 8 months. Brandon Woolveridge, 24, from Barrow-In-Furness, preyed on people after their beloved dogs and cats went missing — only to cruelly demand money to “return” their pets, which he never had.
Preying on Heartache with Cold-Blooded Threats
Woolveridge used social media to spot distressed owners and lied that he had their pets. He then forced victims into paying sums up to £1,000 – sometimes threatening to kill or misuse animals if they didn’t comply. In one brutal moment, he laughed at a victim who wired him £1,000, boasting, “Now I can buy a new car.”
Operation Façade Cracks the Case
Police launched Operation Façade after noticing a spate of similar cases across the UK, all linked back to Cumbria. Woolveridge was arrested and admitted to nine counts of blackmail, with 73 more offences considered. The damning case was heard at Preston Crown Court on 26 October.
Examples of His Ruthless Tactics:
- Threatened to kill a dog unless £1,000 was paid.
- Told a victim he’d use their female dog for breeding, never to be seen again.
- Threatened to shoot a dog if payment wasn’t made and the call ended.
Police Warn Pet Owners: Don’t Be Easy Targets
Detective Inspector Amanda Sykes slammed Woolveridge’s “cruel” actions. She said:
“He raised hopes, then broke them, threatening to harm pets to scare victims into paying. It was all a lie.”
She urged owners to be cautious before sending money. “Insist on video calls or fresh photos of your pet. If you smell a rat, don’t hand over cash or personal info — contact police immediately.”
The Victims’ Pain: Emotional Toll Revealed
The damage went beyond lost cash. Victims spoke of lasting trauma:
- “I was shaking, shivering, humiliated by his mocking.”
- “Being scammed shattered my confidence—I still want my dog back.”
- “I feel violated and can’t be alone anymore.”
- “I cried writing this, still unsure what happened to my pet.”
- “The stress caused insomnia, tears and depression.”
Also Jailed for Heartless Theft of Disabled Girl’s Wheelchair
Woolveridge was also sentenced for stealing a £2,000 wheelchair from a vulnerable young girl in Barrow, leaving her family stranded until it was replaced. Recorder Blakey called it a “heartless offence.”
Justice Served
Recorder Blakey condemned Woolveridge’s “callous exploitation” of grieving pet owners, saying: “You knew they were easy targets and took full advantage of their pain.” The investigation continues as police hunt for others who may be involved.
