Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-06-29
FOREIGN FRAUDS
FLOODING MAILS
postal Authorities Mention Methods
Used in Separating Gullible
From Their Money.
TEMPTING PROMISES HELD OFT
yuch Enticing Literature Received in
Country From Fake Astrologers
Operating From London.

American mails are being flooded
With frauds from abroad Beware,
ssvs the postoffce department, of all
seductive circulars from foreign
agents which offer to read your hor-
oscope and doing so put you on the
Rad TO health. prosperity and hap
niness All they ask is the small con-
s;deration of two or three dollars.
which indeed would be little enough
m pay for these precious gifts if they
we're actually forthcoming. But here
is the rub-they are not.
Crafty crooks" are operating from
England, France and Holland, increas-
ing their income at the expense of the
superstitious and Credulous. The gov
eminent has been investigating these
fraud cases by the score, but their lit
erature still flows into the country.
and despite all efforts of the post
office authorities money orders con-
tinue to be sent by trusting individ-
uals who want to learn what the fu-
ture holds in store for them
The literature Of these fraudulent
astrologers which the department has
collected in its pursuit of evidence
makes entertaining reading. They
are clever sci, well acquainted with
human nature. Everything within the
scope Of mortal desire is anticipated
and their circulars promise the most
definite aid for overcoming troubles,
conquering foes and achieving all the
desires of the soul. mind and body.
=
Judge julien Switzerland. the assist
ant solicitor of the postoffice depart
ment, under whose direction the pros
ecution Of these fraudulent cases is car
ried on how the public can be duped
year after year by these promises.
which on their face are so fantastic
. and impossible. These 'astrologers' of
: whom many are operating with head
quarters in the United States as well
as abroad. are crooks-out-and out
crooks They know no more about
astrology than a kitten. On going to
their Offices one finds a few girls typ
ing form letters as fast as they can
run typewriter and the professor or
doctor-fOr by such titles are these
chaps generally known-sitting back
opening mail and pocketing money
orders.
"Astr0iOger" Made 100000.
ITO illustrate just how big a pocket
they need for their money rolls the de-
partment penaliZed one man who
made yearly income out of his as
rology business amounting to $4,000
no ic hui of cir 10 InI
lars contributed by the credulous ele-
ment Of our American republic. When
the department finally got him it was
estimated that he had filched $4,000
during Is years Of practice"
A great many Of these fake astrolog
zeal schemers operate from London.
When the postoffice officials issue
fraud orders against them, postmas-
tiers all over the country are prevented
from certifying money orders made
out to them. When they realize that
they have been detected. they change
their names and addresses and start
mailing their enticing literature TO A
new set of people. Sometimes the
government issues at least five or six
orders against one man before he
ceases his nefarious correspondence
In reaching the takers who operate
from abroad no effort is made to pros
ecute them. Such action comes with
IN the province of the foreign author
tiles, but this government does pre-
cent the certification of their money
orders. And this protects the Amer
lean people.
The swindler sends preliminary cir
culars to persons in the United States
whose names and addresses are OBJ
tanned in various WAYS. He sets forth
in fowery language his interest in the
persons handwriting. a sample of
which he has seen. Or he may begin
by saying that a mutual friend is anx-
ious to have him learn Of the great as
trologer's ability to discern the future.
The letter goes on to say that the as
trologer has made an investigation Of
matters relating to the life of the ad-
dressee, which show that he is ap-
preaching period of life which may
be turned to great advantage. The