Pittsburgh Funeral Home Owner Accused of Pet Service Fraud
PITTSBURGH (WTAE) — Patrick Vereb, a 70-year-old owner of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, is facing serious allegations of defrauding pet owners in a scheme involving the improper disposal of thousands of pets. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Vereb has been accused of stealing over $650,000 from pet owners who paid for cremation and burial services between 2021 and 2024.
The charges detailed in a criminal complaint indicate that Vereb misled employees to present various service packages, including “private” cremations, while falsely assuring pet owners they would receive their animals’ remains. Employees claimed they were instructed to tell pet owners that upon receiving a pet, a tag would be attached with the animal’s name and the family’s last name. Despite these assurances, the complaint alleges that Vereb disposed of many pets at landfills and provided ashes from unknown animals to grieving families.
Evidence from the investigation revealed that employees even maintained spreadsheets documenting the services requested by pet owners. Over 6,500 victims, primarily from Allegheny, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, have already been identified, highlighting the widespread nature of the alleged fraud.
“This case is disturbing and will cause devastation and heartache for many Pennsylvanians,” stated Attorney General Dave Sunday. “Our pets are family members, and this defendant betrayed the trust of pet owners who sought dignified services for their beloved animals.”
Vereb now faces multiple charges, including deceptive business practices and receiving stolen property. In response to the situation, the Attorney General’s Office has launched a dedicated website for victims to file contact information and share their experiences.
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