Pa. AG warns to be cautious of scammers in fundraising efforts for York County Police officers

Attorney General Dave Sunday is encouraging potential donors to visit the Northern York County Regional Police Department’s and York County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook pages.

Nearly one week after three York County police officers were killed and two were injured after a gunman ambushed them, state Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning about potential scams involving fundraising efforts.

“Pennsylvanians are caring and generous people always willing to help in the wake of tragedy,” Sunday said. “With so many people seeking ways to help those affected by the horrifying shooting last week in York County, it is important to ensure those charitable donations reach those who need them.”

On Wednesday, Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser were shot and killed by Matthew J. Ruth while serving a warrant in North Codorus Township.

Sunday said his office and its Bureau of Consumer Protection is attempting to stay on top  of trending scams that may occur, in order to help the public avoid any problems. The AG noted that scammers tend to look at current events to develop ways to defraud people.

He’s encouraging potential donors to visit the Northern York County Regional Police Department’s Facebook page and the York County, PA’s Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page for more information on how to make donations.

During a Thursday press conference that provided further details about the shooting, the department-endorsed fundraiser for the families of the killed and injured officers was highlighted.

Sunday also said those looking to donate could also determine the legitimacy of other fundraising efforts by researching whether the affected agencies, involved police officers and whether deputy associations, or Fraternal Order of Police lodges support or endorse a particular effort.

Those who feel they were targeted or fell victim to a scam can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 717-787-3391.

According to the Associated Press, the three slain officers had almost six decades of combined service. The shooting in North Codorus Township is one of the deadliest incidents for Pennsylvania police officers in almost two decades.

The funerals for Baker, Becker, and Emenheiser will take place on Thursday.

The two officers who were wounded were being treated at WellSpan York Hospital. Their conditions were reportedly improved from critical to satisfactory condition.