Sheriff warns against fake fundraisers for shooting victims

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — It's been about a day since a shooter opened fire at a splash pad in Rochester Hills, and the Oakland County Sheriff is sending out a warning that some people are using the shooting as an opportunity to commit fraud .

Sheriff Michael Bouchard warned in a press release Sunday evening that “some nefarious figures have created fake Go Fund Me pages” under the guise of helping victims of Saturday's shooting.

“These bottom-feeding bastards are preying on this tragedy,” Bouchard said in the press release.

He said the sheriff's office has no knowledge so far of anyone raising money for the victims.

“…We are not aware of any legitimate charities collecting donations for these families. I encourage anyone interested in donating to check with the Sheriff's Office first. If there are any legitimate sites, we will let the public know.

A fake Go Fund Me page, for example, claims to be raising money on behalf of Kyle J. Thompson, his pregnant wife and children — but neither Kyle J. Thompson nor his family were victims of Saturday's shooting .

However, people have already donated $15,000 to the fraudulent charity page, the sheriff said.

The general information number for the Oakland County Sheriff's Office is 248-858-5000 and the email is [email protected].