Scam alert on victim donations in Pike County murder case

WAVERLY, Ohio — When someone is hurting, there tends to be someone else that sees the opportunity to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, the widely publicized multiple homicide case is no different.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader issued the following scam alert to members of the public Wednesday.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office received information from a resident saying he received a call from a man indicating he was with the Sheriff’s Office and was soliciting a donation to benefit the victims in the multiple murder case. While Attorney General DeWine and Sheriff Reader are both appreciative of the generosity from the community, please note that these calls are not from the Sheriff’s Office. The public is advised if they receive a call from someone claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office, please do not send money.

Following tragedies and disasters, some scam artists may try to take advantage of potential donors. Those interested in making a donation should conduct basic research to ensure their donations will be used as intended, not pocketed by a scammer.

Ohioans can report potential scams to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.