PONTIAC, Mich. – A Metro Detroit woman claims she was shocked after allegedly discovering her personal information had been posted publicly in response to an online review.

One review was allegedly left a year ago about Bloomfield Pointe Veterinary Hospital — which, according to its website, has two locations: one on 8 Mile Road in Detroit and another on Woodward Avenue in Pontiac.

The review read: “Asked for price of service before I went, then they jacked it up almost $50, after service! Bad business practices! Would not recommend.”

But the reply — allegedly from the hospital — included a name, address, and phone number, asking if the information was correct.

The response went further, adding: “We only ask because we wanted to make sure we gave the police the correct contact information for you.”

Another negative review, also posted online, appeared to receive a similar response.

In that case, a woman’s personal information was included — even though she told Local 4 she didn’t have anything to do with it.

“I didn’t write that review. I did take a kitten there twice. But I don’t want my information out there. That’s why it’s concerning,” she said.

The person leaving the review appears to have even tried to make a correction, replying to the post to say the hospital had the wrong person.

Local 4 went to Bloomfield Pointe’s Pontiac location seeking answers on Thursday (Aug. 28).

“Can I ask what you’re here for?” said an employee.

“It’s regarding personal information of clients being posted online,” said Local 4.

“Is that recording?” said the employee.

“Yup,” said Local 4.

“Can you take that off, please?” said the employee.

Our photographer stepped outside, but the manager told us to leave again.

When asked whether Bloomfield Pointe Veterinary Hospital was posting comments that included clients’ names, addresses, and phone numbers, the manager only stated that it wasn’t her specifically and demanded that we leave the property.

Later, Bloomfield Pointe Veterinary Hospital emailed Local 4, telling us not to use the footage.

“Hello, it was brought to my attention that one of your news teams was at one of my locations today. We do not consent to use of any footage filmed inside or on the property, as you are aware, this practice is illegal.

Going forward, any member of the news team will be trespassed, and if caught on property without permission, the property will be defended to the extent of the law.

If you would like to set up an interview or schedule time to film, we are happy to help; however, a reporter walking in during the middle of the day, asking questions, while we have surgery and sick patients hospitalized, makes our job much harder.”

Said in the email

Local 4 then attempted to call the hospital to schedule an interview, as requested. But after several calls, we received a notification that their mailbox was full.

Eventually, we tried a personal number listed for the doctor and the owner listed on the site, and he picked up.

But once we announced who we were, he hung up the phone.

When contacted again, he texted Local 4, “Please do not contact myself or any employees going forward. Thank you.”

Meanwhile, the former client says she simply wants her information removed.

“I don’t want my address or phone number out there for anyone like that,” said the woman.

While the laws on doxxing are confusing, legal experts say that if someone is doing it with the intent to intimidate and threaten, the game changes.

This could also fall under Invasion of Privacy and/or Cyberbullying (MCL § 750.411x): a misdemeanor to post a message in a public forum with the intent to make someone fear for their bodily harm or death.

The penalty is more severe if the behavior is part of a pattern of harassment that causes serious injury or death.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is now aware of the situation and said that if any alleged victims would like to file a report, they can do so.

They also stated that, in addition to filing a report, they should submit a complaint to LARA.

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