Beware of posts on Facebook that claim Police Officer Jonathan Diller went missing yesterday. The post which contains an image of a young man holding a child is a calculated scam designed to tug at heartstrings and generate widespread shares. It’s a like-harvesting scam.
Who is Jonathan Diller?
Jonathan Diller, was an NYPD officer who was shot and killed in March 2024 in Far Rockaway, Queens. The 31 year old died in the line of duty, during a traffic stop. His funeral was held on 30th March 2024 on Long Island, after a long procession from the funeral home to the church.
Sadly, his picture which contains image of him and his son is being used in a Facebook missing person scam.
”HELP FIND HIM – Police Officer Jonathan Diller went missing yesterday morning here in Perrysburg. His truck was found last night with his son inside but unfortunately, there is still no sign of him. He is 5’9” and 165 lbs. A silver alert has been issued for Jonathan who is considered to possibly be in EXTREME danger and in need of medical assistance . We are asking for the community’s help. ONLY TAKES 2 SECONDS to share.”
Red Flags in the Missing Person Posts;
While the missing person post might seem convincing, here are warning signs that show it’s a full fledged scam;
- No Call to action: Lacks appropriate action on how to help.Legitimate missing person posts will not just ask you to share the post but provide clear instructions on what to do if you find the missing person.
- There have been no major news reports about this case.
- No Credibility: The post does not include the law enforcement agency handling the case, their phone number, or NCMEC’s 24/7 hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
- The fake missing person posts are not posted on personal pages but on country sales pages such as Stuff For Sale, Aiken and Barnwell and Bamberg County Yardsale , Tumbler Ridge Buy and Sell, e.t.c
- Confusing Details; The posts mention different places where he was reported missing, eg – Michigan, Tumbler Ridge, Aiken County, e.t.c
How the Jonathan Diller Missing Facebook Scam Works
The missing person post is a like-farming scam. Like-farming, aka like-harvesting, is a method used by scammers to raise the popularity of a site or social media page. The goal is to make the post go viral by accumulating as many likes and shares as possible from all over the world.
Once the scammers have piled up thousands of likes and shares, they may strip the page and promote something else, such as products that they will receive commissions for selling. The Officer Jonathan Diller missing post is also shared on websites that have adware.
Adware (or advertising software) is the term used for various pop-up advertisements that show up on your computer or mobile device. Adware has the potential to become malicious and harm your device by slowing it down, hijacking your browser and installing viruses and/or spyware.
Precaution
Before you like or share a post, check it out, do a bit of research.
Resolve to question everything you are shown on social media; stop and think – is your like or share funding a scammer?
See similar missing person scam – Gracie Mae Thompson Missing Girl
Resources: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nypd-officer-shot-during-altercation-with-suspect-in-queens/