Sick online scammers are exploiting the tragic death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed in the line of duty. The disturbing scheme has spread across seven states, manipulating public emotions while potentially endangering unsuspecting social media users.
At a glance:
• Scammers are using slain NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller’s image in fake missing person posts
• The scheme has appeared in South Carolina, Maine, Indiana, New York, Florida, and Virginia
• False posts claim Diller is “missing and in extreme danger,” urging people to share
• Similar scams have used images of other officers, including a fictitious “Jennifer Bailey”
• NYPD Detectives Association President condemned the exploitative scheme targeting fallen officers
Disrespectful Deception Targets Fallen Hero
Online scammers have stooped to a new low by circulating fake missing person flyers featuring NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was tragically killed in March 2024. The deceptive posts falsely claim the deceased officer is “missing and in extreme danger,” urging social media users to share the information widely.
The scheme has appeared across multiple states including South Carolina, Maine, Indiana, New York, Florida, and Virginia over a six-month period. Authorities believe these posts are designed to generate emotional sharing before being converted to advertisements or scam links that could compromise users’ financial security.
Law Enforcement Sounds Alarm On Widespread Scam
The Easley Police Department in South Carolina was among the first agencies to publicly debunk the scam on Facebook after residents reported seeing the suspicious posts. Officials have confirmed that similar schemes have targeted other officers, including a fictitious officer named “Jennifer Bailey” that used a real officer’s photograph.
“Murders [and] shootings of police officers are up throughout the nation,” said NYPD Detectives Endowment Association President Scott Munro. “Heartless criminals don’t care. They’re making money off the pain of every cop and every law enforcement family.”
Munro didn’t hold back in his condemnation of those responsible for exploiting fallen officers like Diller. “Lock the scammers up and throw away the keys,” he stated, reflecting the anger felt throughout the law enforcement community.
Remembering Officer Diller’s Sacrifice
Officer Jonathan Diller made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community, and his death sparked nationwide mourning within the law enforcement community. His memory deserves respect and honor, not exploitation by opportunistic criminals seeking to profit from tragedy.
Authorities are urging social media users to verify information before sharing emotional posts about missing persons. Law enforcement officials recommend checking official police department social media accounts or websites to confirm the legitimacy of such alerts before sharing them.
