
Imagine your peaceful life interrupted by strangers calling about a cat you’ve never lost, all because of a T-shirt you didn’t ask for.
At a Glance
- A Canadian couple’s phone number was used on a T-shirt without consent.
- The shirt was produced by the clothing company Wisdumb.
- The couple has been inundated with calls about a “missing cat.”
- Wisdumb has removed the T-shirt from sale but issued no formal apology.
A Phone Number Turned Nightmare
A Canadian couple, Jonathan McCurrach and Natasha Lavoie, found themselves at the center of an absurd situation when their phone number was printed on a T-shirt featuring a mock missing cat poster. This bizarre ordeal began when the couple started receiving numerous calls from strangers claiming to have found their cat, Torbo. The catch? Their actual cat, Mauser, was safe and sound at home.
This is so bizarre (& their cat isn't named "Turbo"). 😂😲
B.C. woman's number listed without permission on American lost cat T-shirt https://t.co/F6Y0E6TdsX pic.twitter.com/X6qQEIdyiN
— Peter Askin (@PeterAskin1) July 14, 2025
These calls were traced back to a T-shirt produced by Wisdumb, a clothing company based in Smithtown, NY. The shirt’s realistic design led many to believe it was a genuine plea for a missing pet. Despite the company’s claim that the use of a real phone number was unintentional, this oversight has caused significant distress for the couple.
The Company’s Lame Response
Wisdumb, after some media prodding, pulled the T-shirt from their online store. However, this action fell far short of addressing the couple’s grievances. Aside from a brief statement about the unintended use of a real number, the company has yet to issue a public apology or offer compensation to Lavoie and McCurrach. The couple’s repeated attempts to reach out for a resolution have been met with silence.
Lavoie, determined not to change her long-held 604 area code number, expressed her frustration over the lack of response and suggested that at the very least, she deserved a T-shirt from Wisdumb. The couple continues to endure daily calls, some of which are from individuals demanding money for the “found” cat.
Privacy Violations and Corporate Accountability
This incident highlights a significant issue: the potential misuse of personal data in commercial products. The fact that a real phone number could be used without consent raises questions about privacy diligence within the fashion and merchandising industry. It reflects a broader disregard for personal privacy, a concern that resonates with many who value their own freedoms and rights.
The ongoing media coverage has certainly put pressure on Wisdumb, but the company’s tepid response underscores a lack of accountability. This serves as a cautionary tale for other brands that might take similar liberties with personal data, reminding them of the real-world consequences such oversights can have on individuals.