Viral post begs for info on missing dad Brian Posch – but officials warn it’s a sick scam months after he was found dead

POLICE have warned the public about a viral scam urging people to look for a missing Pennsylvania man.

Brian Posch , 36, went missing on April 5, 2024, but was found dead inside his truck, submerged in a river four days later.

FACEBOOK/BRIAN POSCH

FACEBOOK/BRIAN POSCH

A viral social media post claims Posch is still missing, though he was found dead in the Monongahela River on April 9.

The Pennsylvania father was reported missing to the Brighton Township Police Department after he never showed up to work on April 5, per People .

It was unclear how Posch ended up in the river, though foul play was not suspected, CBS News Pittsburgh reported.

Authorities were led to the area due to data from Posch’s cellphone.

Divers discovered a large metal mass in the river bed on April 8, but due to dangerous undercurrent conditions, it couldn’t be removed, the Elizabeth police chief said, according to the outlet.

Crews started searching for Posch again the following day and were able to pull his truck from the water.

“We do not have evidence of foul play at this time, however, with all investigations, things could change at a moment’s notice,” said Elizabeth Police Chief Ken Honick, per CBS News Pittsburgh.

The Allegheny County medical examiner’s office has yet to determine Posch’s cause of death.

April 9 marked the third day of the area’s search for Posch. Police, firefighters, and others all took part in the search effort, which caught the attention of neighbors, per the outlet.

“All kinds of commotion, a lot of police everywhere,” said West Elizabeth resident Keved White.

The scam claiming that Posch is missing was shared on the Fargo-Moorhead Sales and More Facebook page.

It claims that his truck was found “with his baby girl inside” but with no sign of Posch, according to Valley News Live .

It then changes his name to “Keith” and says he “is considered to possibl[y] be in extreme danger and in need of medical assistance.”

The fraud also claims that “a silver alert has been issued.”

NCMEC director's advice on missing persons scams

The director of communications at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) spoke to The U.S. Sun and warned of the harm sharing scam photos can have on missing person cases

The NCMEC is a private, non-profit organization that works to find missing children and prevent child sexual exploitation, and victimization.

Angeline Hartmann , the director of communications, acknowledged the dramatic increase in missing person scams online and how this negatively impacts the search for real missing children.

“It’s a scam – it’s a hoax and it’s terrible,” she said.

Hartmann gave advice on what to look for when coming across a missing persons posters online:

• Ensure the information comes from a legitimate organization, law enforcement, or a credible local news outlet.
• Ensure the poster includes the child’s name, the date they went missing, and the law enforcement agency handling the case.
• Be cautious of posters with misspellings or improperly used words.

“We don’t want to let the scammers win – we want the good people to keep on doing good and we can’t do this alone,” Hartman told The U.S. Sun.

On August 13, the Scanners of Wayne County Facebook account shared a post urging people to report the fraudulent missing post to group administrators.

Posch is survived by his wife, Alanna, and his 1-year-old daughter, Mila, “along with many family members and friends that loved him,” according to a GoFundMe page from April.

“As the healing process begins, Alanna and Mila will need us all more than ever. All funds collected will be given to Alanna to use as she navigates through the days/weeks/years ahead,” the page continues.

“Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Posch’s obituary describes him as a “beloved husband” and “proud father” who ” has always been surrounded by countless friends.”

Brian Posch's obituary

Brian Posch went missing on April 5, 2024, and was tragically found dead on April 9.

According to his obituary, he was a “beloved husband,” “proud father,” “cherished son,” and “devoted brother.”

He “has always been surrounded by countless friends.”

It continues, “Brian had a strong passion for the outdoors. He spent his lifetime duck hunting, boating and dirtbike riding.

“Brian is a well respected foreman for Steamfitters Local 449.

“He was unquestionably happiest being with his wife Alanna and daughter Mila.”

He “had a strong passion for the outdoors” and “spent his lifetime duck hunting, boating and dirtbike riding.”

Posch was also a “well respected” foreman for Steamfitters Local 449 and was “unquestionably happiest” when spending time with his wife and daughter.

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Brighton Township Police Department