• Funeral director Jacob Vereb allegedly disposed of pets’ bodies and gave owners fake ashes, defrauding them of over $650,000.
• Over 6,500 pet owners from multiple counties were affected by the fraudulent scheme.
• Vereb has been charged with felony theft, deception, and receiving stolen property, and is under investigation

Funeral Director Defrauded Over 6,500 Pet Owners

Jacob Vereb, a funeral home director from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, faces serious charges after allegedly defrauding thousands of pet owners. He is accused of throwing away the bodies of over 6,500 pets. Instead of returning the cremated remains of the pets, he gave owners fake ashes from other animals. The total amount defrauded is over $650,000, collected between 2021 and 2024. The case has caused outrage and heartbreak for many pet owners who trusted him.

Allegations of Deception and Theft

Vereb owned two businesses, Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial. He offered cremation, burial, and memorial services for pets. Pet owners paid Vereb for private cremations, trusting he would treat their beloved animals with dignity. Instead of providing the promised services, he dumped many pets in a landfill and gave grieving owners fake ashes. Investigators determined that he defrauded customers across Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

The Impact on Pet Owners

This case has devastated many families. Pets are often considered family members, and losing one is already painful. When a pet passes away, owners want to honor them with respect. Many trusted Vereb to handle the remains of their pets with care. Instead, they were deceived, causing immense emotional distress. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated that the case would cause “devastation and heartache” for countless Pennsylvanians. Pet owners who thought they were giving their pets a proper farewell now face the harsh reality of betrayal.

Investigation Uncovers Widespread Fraud

Authorities launched a thorough investigation into Vereb’s practices. Nearly a dozen veterinary clinics helped confirm that Vereb collected more than $657,000 in fees from pet owners. These owners paid for private cremations, but the company improperly disposed of their pets and gave them ashes that did not belong to their animals. The Office of the Attorney General investigated and found that this fraud affected over 6,500 pets. The funeral home worked with area veterinarians to collect pets directly from owners or through local practices.

Charges and Legal Consequences

Prosecutors have charged Vereb, 70, with several felony offenses, including theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices. He turned himself in to authorities on Monday and appeared in court for arraignment. The court released him on his own recognizance afterward. Authorities are still investigating Vereb’s actions as they work to uncover the full extent of the fraud.

How Victims Can Seek Help

Given the large number of victims, the Office of the Attorney General has set up a website for affected pet owners. This website allows victims to provide their contact information and share the emotional impact of the fraud. They can also receive updates on the case as it progresses. The website helps concerned citizens find out if they are victims of this scheme. It provides an opportunity for people to come forward and connect with others who were deceived by Vereb.

A Call for Justice

This case is a reminder of how important it is for businesses, especially those dealing with sensitive matters, to be transparent and trustworthy. Pet owners trusted Vereb to handle their pets’ remains with respect, but he took advantage of their grief. The investigation into Vereb’s fraudulent activities continues as authorities work to hold him accountable for his actions. This case will likely leave a lasting impact on the families affected by his deceitful practices.