Snyder company warns of Webkinz code theft
by JENNIFER SIKORA Assistant Copy Editor

As the number of Webkinz pets continues to grow, the risk of an unsuspecting customer buying a damaged one increases as well.

Ganz, a Canadian company that began manufacturing the stuffed animals three years ago, created a Web site to go along with the toy, giving children the opportunity to care for their pet in a virtual world. They can also answer trivia questions, participate in other games and activities, and earn "kinzcash."

"Ganz is a nice, family-oriented company," said Krista Schultz, owner of the boutique Initially Yours at 4553 Main St., Snyder.

Each Webkinz pet has a tag on it that contains a secret code. The code can be used to access the Web site and is what also makes the value of the toy so appealing to unaccredited retailers.

"The value is not in the animal, but in the tag," said Schultz. "The secret code is what drives these animals, and that's pretty much been tarnished by these people who are bootlegging them."

Schultz said people will take damaged Webkinz out of store trash containers and resell them to unknowing children and parents.

For example, a Webkinz can be torn and thrown out but then sewn up and resold. The child who receives the pet will be disappointed because he or she cannot gain access to the Web site.

Stores that carry the Webkinz are required to call the Ganz headquarters in Toronto to report a damaged pet before throwing it out. If several are damaged, they are to be sent back to the company.

"We have been told we have to cut the tags off them, and there are more things we have to do when we send them," said Schultz.

When the toys are called in from stores, the codes are immediately deactivated. If a code doesn't work, call Ganz's customer service department. The representatives will be able to tell if the animal was reported by a store to be damaged or if it is a computer glitch. If the code was reported, the representatives should ask how it was obtained, which might lead them to the source.

Schultz said that is why it is important for parents to be careful, "because it is very frightening that something could be tainted that is such a great toy for kids."

Another important thing to be aware of is that a store should sell other Ganz products or everyday products in addition to the Webkinz. If they don't, something isn't right, said Schultz.

"How can you crack down on it all?" said Schultz. "That is why they (Ganz) are depending on reliable retailers to let them know when things are going on or when we see something."

Also, parents need to watch out for low price points such as $8 for a Webkinz, because an authorized retailer wouldn't sell them so close to the buyer cost. Webkinz typically cost anywhere between $12 to $15.

"If parents know that there is something wrong with it (Webkinz), they can take it back to us. We stand behind the products," said Schultz.