Positive pregnancy test sales raise eyebrows, legal questions
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Show someone the ad, and you're guaranteed to get a raised eyebrow, a shake of the head, or a laugh out loud.
It's the Positive Pregnancy Test offer on Craigslist. For $15, you can "trick your boyfriend" into marriage, and maybe "fake a miscarriage" later. Add an extra 10 bucks, and the seller will give you two tests.
The ads pop up periodically across the state, and those listed under "Fort Bragg" are aimed at snagging a soldier.
"I know there are instances of people getting married just for the military benefits," said Cynthia Harris, a clinical social worker. "Hopefully, those cases are on a mutually agreed upon basis."
Harris is CEO of New Day Counseling Center in Fayetteville. She often hears stories of love and war on her couch, but in 25 years of practice, she's never heard of anything like this.
"I think it's reprehensible that anyone would do that to somebody who they claim to love."
Besides the moral conflict and relationship turmoil this type of scheme could cause, Harris says beware of what's in store for you legally.
"I know that people get marriages annulled based on fraud, and I can't think of a better example than this," she said. "I think it's criminal."
Criminal may be reaching, but some legal experts say a civil suit could be in order due to blackmail.
Harris's advice to couples: maintain the honesty you want to have throughout the relationship, by vowing to keep it real in the beginning.
"As it begins, so shall it end," she said.
