They are taking money under what is nothing less than false pretences.
As these letters are not conveyed all the way by air mail, is it not a swindle to demand the fee under false pretences?
That seems to be demanding money by false pretences, because it would not be able to carry out its threat anyway.
Nowhere is it easier to take money under false pretences than it is from a couple seeking a mortgage to buy a property.
They took this money under very false pretences as they must have known at that time they were in financial difficulties.
Indeed, it may be said that really it amounted to a finding of criminal conduct, of obtaining or attempting to obtain money by false pretences.
We do not know the answer to that, but the people were sold something under false pretences.
Finally, the originator of the conspiracy, for that was what it amounted to, was arrested and charged with false pretences.
