In the wake of the tragic splash pad shooting in Rochester Hills, Michigan, which left nine people injured, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard has issued a stern warning about fraudulent fundraising efforts exploiting the tragedy. A fake GoFundMe page claiming to collect funds for non-existent victims has been identified and removed. This article details the fraudulent activity and provides guidance on how to avoid falling victim to such scams.
The fraudulent GoFundMe page claimed to be collecting donations on behalf of Kyle J. Thompson, his pregnant wife, and their children, falsely stating that they were victims of the shooting. In reality, neither Kyle J. Thompson nor his family were involved in the incident. Despite this, the page managed to amass over $15,000 in donations before being taken down.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard condemned the fraudulent activity in strong terms, calling the perpetrators “bottom-feeding scumbags” who are preying on the community’s generosity during a time of crisis. “They have already shown their character,” Bouchard said. “We are unaware of any legitimate charity collecting donations for these families. I encourage anyone interested in donating to check with the Sheriff’s Office first. If there are legitimate sites, we will let the public know.”
The revelation of the fraudulent GoFundMe page has sparked outrage among the community. Many residents expressed their disgust at the exploitation of such a tragic event for financial gain. Social media platforms have been abuzz with calls for vigilance and caution when making donations.
Preventing Future Scams: Tips for Safe Donations
In light of this incident, here are some tips to ensure your donations go to legitimate causes:
- Verify Authenticity: Always check with official sources, such as the Sheriff’s Office or recognized charities, to confirm the legitimacy of fundraising campaigns.
- Use Trusted Platforms: Only donate through well-known and reputable platforms that have strong security measures and verification processes.
- Be Skeptical: Be wary of fundraising campaigns that do not provide clear and verifiable information about how the funds will be used.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is actively monitoring the situation and working to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the fraudulent page. The office is also collaborating with GoFundMe to enhance their monitoring systems and prevent similar scams from occurring in the future.
Sheriff Bouchard emphasized that the office will provide information on legitimate fundraising efforts as they are confirmed. “We are committed to ensuring that any donations intended to support the victims and their families reach the right people,” Bouchard said. The community is encouraged to stay tuned for official announcements and updates.
The removal of the fake GoFundMe page is a crucial step in protecting the community from fraud. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution when making donations, especially in the aftermath of a tragedy. By verifying the legitimacy of fundraising efforts and reporting suspicious activity, the community can ensure that their support goes to those who truly need it.
The fraudulent fundraising campaign exploiting the Rochester Hills splash pad shooting highlights the darker side of human nature. Yet, it also underscores the community’s resilience and determination to stand against such exploitation. As the investigation continues and legitimate efforts to support the victims emerge, the community’s commitment to helping those in need will shine through. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops, ensuring that the generosity of the public is directed towards genuine causes.
