originally published July 29, 2024
Local officials are warning residents of a new scam spreading on social media: the fake missing- person/missing-pet scam. “The scammer aims to exploit our willingness to help, and that we’re told “when you see something, say something.”
“There is no missing child in Mahopac,” The Carmel Police Department posted. “Facebook/Meta has not responded to our repeated requests to control this.”
According to the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, “Here’s a typical scenario: You’re scrolling through Facebook when a “missing child” advisory appears in one of the local yard-sale groups you follow, with a heartfelt plea to spread the word. You share it. And right there is where you were fooled. You weren’t gullible. It’s just that scammers know human nature. They know that people of good will want to help, and they won’t always stop and think before trying to help.
Scammers target yard sale and buy/sell groups on social media because the groups are rarely well moderated, and many people will see the posts.
Move ahead a week or two, and the scammer has changed the fake “missing child” post that you shared to one kind of scam or another - and you’re on the record as having liked it. Your friends and family see it. They trust you – and now they could be scammed too.”
BEFORE YOU SHARE:
Is the missing person advisory from a legitimate law enforcement agency page?
Is there contact information posted for the law enforcement agency?
Did a legitimate missing-persons page post the item?
Seems obvious that post about a missing persons case would want to include that kind of key information. If it’s not there...that’s a scam.
Did any of your local police agencies post the advisory? If not, be suspicious.
Are the comments on the post turned off? If the comments are turned off, it’s a clear sign of a scammer who doesn’t want to be called out.
What does the social media profile of the poster look like? If there’s not much in the way of detail, or the poster is in a distant location, or the name looks made-up...those are “tells” that you’re dealing with a scammer.
Acrylic on canvas, 14 x 11 in. Original painting. Only one available.
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Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 4 in. Original painting. Only one available.
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A 5”x 8”, Handmade, copper ginkgo leaf mounted over top of a piece of burnt, shou sugi ban cedar. The copper is untreated. It will arrive with a high shine and patina with time.
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Wooden clock with laser-etched fish design and iridescent painted finish that shimmers from blue to indigo when viewed from different angles. The small wooden fish in Wanda's belly is a lively swinging pendulum. Laser-etched painted wooden clock dial. Quartz clock movement requires one AA battery, included. (16"l x 6½"w x 2"d)
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Hand-painted wooden background with a black-to-blue fade reminiscent of the sky at dusk. Face and swinging pendulum are textured stainless steel painted with subtle crescent moons. Celestial hands are textured navy blue. Quartz clock movement requires one AA battery, included. 20"l x 6"w x 2"d
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Square background of hand-painted wood with a textured stainless steel face painted with a subtle crescent moon. Raised silver dots at the quarter hours. Textured black celestial hands. Quartz clock movement requires one AA battery, included. 12"l x 12"w x 2"d
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Artist’s note: The art of botanical dyeing is so unique because each piece is different from one another. The magic of nature is that there's no way to replicate it.
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Hand dyed silk bandanas. Artist’s note: The art of botanical dyeing is so unique because each piece is different from one another. The magic of nature is that there's no way to replicate it.
21”x 21”
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Hand dyed silk bandanas. 21”x 21” Artist’s note: The art of botanical dyeing is so unique because each piece is different from one another. The magic of nature is that there's no way to replicate it.
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1:1 DTG printed garment
1 available, Size: Large
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Reproducible DTG garment
1 available, Size: Small
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Screen printed, one available. Size L/XL
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Naturally hued by wood ash and airflow, this tiny bowl measures 4.5×4.5× 1.5” and would serve perfectly as a salt bowl or trinket dish. One of a kind.
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A tall woodfired mug with warm, natural color variation and a smooth, comfortable handle. Subtle ash patterns and a small slippy drip make this piece completely one of a kind. Functional, sturdy, and made for everyday use.
16 oz capacity
One of a kind
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This one-of-a-kind handmade mug showcases delicate crystal formations and soft, natural hues developed over four days in a wood kiln. Shades of cream, pink, and warm ash settle across the surface, creating a quiet, layered palette. Subtle drips and crackle textures add depth, making this piece a one-of-a-kind example of what fire and time can create.
4 × 5.5 × 3.5”
12 oz capacity
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Custom hand-drawn graphite portraits in a variety of sizes: 5×7, 8×10, and 11×14; multiple pets per portrait available!
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Fine art print, 8.5×11
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Fine art print, 13x19
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Fine art print, 13x19
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A spooky holographic sticker for those who know how haunted the Hudson Valley is. Show off your spooky NY state pride with these weatherproof vinyl stickers that look good on anything you can stick them to. Size: 3"
Designed by: © Bee Reckless, @RecklessReads.
All rights reserved.
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Magick is within all of us! In this book, Bee Reckless focuses on ways to tap into your inner magick. Along with the magick within you, she brings spells, rituals, and more that any level of witch can benefit from by incorporating into their craft.
Featuring:
✦ Guides to tapping into your own magick
✦ Spells & Rituals
✦ Kitchen Witch Recipes
✦ Reference Information & Cheat Sheets
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If witchcraft seems overwhelming, you’ve come to the right place. In her debut witchcraft book, Bee Reckless shares spells and tips from five-plus years of dedication to the craft that any level of witch can benefit from. So, fire up that cauldron and charge those crystals… It’s witchcraft time, baby!
Featuring:
• Witchy life-hacks
• Rituals & Spells
• Kitchen Witch Recipes
• Reference Information & Cheat Sheets
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Acrylic on canvas panel. 4×6”.
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Acrylic on canvas panel. 6×8”.
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A creative book on how to use flowers and natural elements to dye fabric and paper through a process called Tataki Zome, or leaf hammering. Local author Michelle Moore discusses all of the elements of working natural dyes from pre-treatment through mordants to the process of hammering flowers. Ships directly from the author + price includes the cost of shipping
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2025. Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 10 in. Original painting. Only one available.
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