State Police Post Warning About Fake 'Fallen Officer's Fund'

TOLLAND, CT — State police on Thursday evening were warning residents about a “fallen officer’s fund” scam related to the recent passing of Trooper First Class Kevin Miller.

"Oftentimes scams come disguised as charities, and scammers use recent tragedies or incidents to steal
money from people," state police said in issuing the warning. "We’ve heard of similar scams in the past, but not recently, and as you may know, we have a fallen officer, TFC Kevin Miller. So what better time than now for scammers to bring this scam back to Connecticut?"

The scam emerged on Thursday, the day of Miller's wake, state police said.

One of the scammers, however, called a state trooper, according to the warning. After listening to the scammer, the trooper started asking questions. The scammer provided two different names while stating the “company” he worked for was out of Wyoming, state police said.

After identifying himself as a trooper and asking where the money would go, the scammer hung up.

The trooper called the number back but the line never rang, state police said.

State police on Thursday were telling residents to never give credit card, debit card or bank account information to anyone requesting donations, especially over the phone.

"Don’t be pressured or guilted into donating," state police said. "Simply hang up."

Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of TFC Kevin Miller can send a check payable to “The
Connecticut State Police Union, Inc.” and please include “Kevin Miller Memorial Fund” in the check memo.

Checks can be mailed to the Kevin Miller Memorial Fund, Connecticut State Police Union, 500 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118

You can also make a donation through the Connecticut State Police Union Go Fund Me page. As of Thursday night, $22,452 of a $100,000 goal had been raised.

All donations will go toward the funeral arrangements, and distributed to Miller's children in the coming years, state police said.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel