Scammers Target Public With Fake Fundraisers for Missing Pictou County Children Lilly and Jack Sullivan

🚨 Warning: Fake Fundraisers Circulating for Missing Children Lilly and Jack Sullivan

Halifax Search and Rescue is cautioning the public about online scams involving fraudulent fundraisers falsely claiming to support search efforts for missing siblings Lilly and Jack Sullivan of Pictou County, who vanished on May 2.

The organization issued a public alert on Tuesday, warning that individuals and groups are impersonating their team and requesting money through unofficial means.

“Please be advised that we do not request donations via third-party fundraising platforms like GoFundMe or direct messages,” the statement from Halifax Search and Rescue read in part.

📌 Details of the Scam

In an interview with CBC’s Mainstreet Halifax, Paul Service, Chief Director of Halifax Search and Rescue, revealed that a recent online fundraiser was discovered falsely linking his organization to a drone search effort for the missing children.

“At the end of it, it listed Halifax Search and Rescue as a beneficiary of the search if they didn’t use all the funding. And certainly, we’re not aware of that campaign at all — we’re not endorsing it,” said Service.

He emphasized that while it’s deeply troubling, these types of scams are not uncommon during high-profile missing persons cases.

“There’s a lot of media attention right now, and some people will exploit that for financial gain,” he explained.

📞 How to Stay Safe

• Only donate through official Halifax Search and Rescue channels.
• Be cautious of fundraisers originating from outside Nova Scotia — scams have been traced to places like Ontario and the U.S.
• If you see a suspicious campaign, contact your local authorities or Halifax Search and Rescue to verify its legitimacy.

🔗 Sources

This warning was based on a report by CBC News and a radio interview with Paul Service on CBC’s Mainstreet Halifax.

👉 What You Can Do

• Spread awareness about these scams on social media to protect others from being misled.
• Encourage donations only through verified community fundraisers directly associated with local search and rescue groups.
• Continue to share accurate information about Lilly and Jack Sullivan’s case to keep public attention focused on finding them.