Scammers are creating fake GoFundMe pages to try to capitalize on the death of Tulare County Detective Randy Hoppert following a deadly hours-long standoff in the Central Valley last week.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department warned that vile fraudsters have set up fake fundraising pages claiming to raise money for the Hoppert family, after the deputy was killed in the line of duty by an armed suspect who had been served an eviction notice in Porterville.
“Sheriff Boudreaux wants to remind the public to look out for fake GoFundMe Pages claiming to be created on behalf of Fallen TCSO Deputy Randy Hoppert’s family,” the post on Facebook read.
The department shared a screenshot of one of the “fake pages” witha message across it that read “Scam Alert.” It came from a user by the name of Vance Bookour.
In the post, the person claimed the account was “to help the family through this egregious travesty,” claiming that “all proceeds will be donated to the son and wife of the deceased, Ashley and Austin Hoppert.” Hoppert is survived by his wife Ashley and their two sons.
The goal set up was for $8,000 of which $340 was raised. A similar account by another person has raised $840 of which had a goal set at $3,500.
The sheriff’s department’s post made it clear that none of the pages on GoFundMe were set up by the family.
“Please know- Deputy Hoppert’s family has NOT authorized any GoFundMe Pages and is NOT benefiting at all from those donations.”
GoFundMe is aware of the fake pages and has vowed to hold the money until they can verify where it will accurately go.
“Our Trust & Safety team is continuing to monitor the platform for activity related to this tragedy,” a spokesperson told The Post.
“We are working with organizers to gather additional information and help ensure funds safely reach the intended beneficiary. “
“All funds raised are being safely held by our payment processors and will only be released to the beneficiary. If the family chooses not to accept donations, all donors will be refunded in full.”
The sheriff’s office said that there are two accounts set up that the family has authorized for people who are interested in helping out, one is the Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Fund and the other is a Meal Train page here.
“These are the ONLY verified donation page benefiting Deputy Hoppert’s family at this time. Please don’t fall victim to the scammers taking advantage of this tragedy,” The Post added.
Last week’s standoff made national headlines. Afterwards Sheriff Boudreaux said the suspect who had shot and killed Hoppert was run over and killed by a BearCat vehicle.
“The suspect was lying prone on the ground, in camouflage clothing, continuing to pose a threat,” Boudreaux told members of the press “The situation was resolved, and the suspect is now dead. He was not shot. One of the BearCats ran over him and killed him.”
“Don’t shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we’re going to run you over. He got run over. He got what he deserved.”
In a statement from TCSO on Tuesday on social media, the department said it was with a heavy heart that they announced funeral arrangements for the fallen deputy.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that Sheriff Mike Boudreaux and the members of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office announce the funeral arrangements for our fallen brother, Deputy Randy Hoppert Jr,” the post read.
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