Why Rewards in Missing Persons Cases are a Bad Idea

As a private investigator specializing in missing persons cases, I have seen firsthand the chaos and complications that offering rewards can bring. While the intention behind rewards is to motivate people to come forward with valuable information, the reality often diverges drastically from this ideal. Here are several reasons why I believe rewards in missing persons cases are not only ineffective but also counterproductive.

Attracting Scammers

One of the most significant issues with offering rewards is that they attract scammers who exploit the situation for financial gain. These individuals often promise to provide proof of life or information about the missing person in exchange for a fee. Unfortunately, these scams are widespread and can cause significant emotional and financial harm to the families of the missing. According to the FBI, such schemes are common, and they caution families to be wary of anyone demanding money in exchange for information .

Receiving Threats

Another devastating consequence of offering a reward is that it can lead to threats against the missing person. Scammers and criminals may contact the family, claiming they have the missing person and will harm them unless a ransom is paid. These threats are particularly distressing and can create a sense of urgency and fear, making it difficult for families to think clearly and make informed decisions. The FBI also highlights the prevalence of ransom demands in kidnapping and missing persons cases .

Complicating Investigations

If someone has information about the whereabouts of the missing person but is only willing to share it with law enforcement for a reward, this is a red flag. Such individuals are often involved in the case or have ulterior motives, which can complicate the investigation. Legal and ethical dilemmas arise when deciding whether to pay those who may be responsible for the disappearance. This issue is well-documented in criminal investigations, where rewards can lead to complex legal battles .

As investigators we find ourselves spending entire days wasting time on false leads. Even though we know with 99.9% certainty that the lead is fake and most likely coming from overseas, we still have to investigate each and every lead.

Donors Backing Out

Crowdfunding campaigns and donations are often used to raise reward money, but donors can back out or fail to fulfill their pledges. This creates a logistical nightmare and can lead to disappointment and frustration for the family. Additionally, managing these funds can be challenging, and ensuring transparency and accountability becomes another burden. Research on crowdfunding highlights the risks of donors not following through on their promises, leading to unmet financial goals .

I have had this happen to myself. I claimed a reward from one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the Country. It was a large reward and offered on the police departments own missing persons flyer. When I went to rightfully claim it I was told by the departments in-house lawyer that the donor decided not to fulfill their obligation. After months of going back and forth I took a greatly reduced reward amount that had to be approved by city counse

Misallocation of Funds

If law enforcement or search and rescue teams, who typically do not accept rewards, find the missing person, what happens to the crowdfunded donations? This scenario often leads to confusion and disputes over the use of the funds. The money raised for a reward could have been better utilized in supporting search efforts and investigative expenses, providing practical assistance directly related to finding the missing person. Experts agree that direct funding for search operations and investigations is more effective than offering rewards .

Ineffectiveness of Rewards

In my experience, I have never seen a reward accomplish its intended purpose. Instead, rewards create a significant workload for investigators, who must sift through false tips and bogus ransom demands. This not only diverts resources but also causes immense stress for the families and investigators involved. According to law enforcement professionals, rewards rarely lead to credible tips and often hinder the progress of an investigation .

Criminals are not motivated by rewards. Look at the Harmony Montgomery case. The reward fund was over $150,000. Adam and Kayla most certainly had told people close to them the truth about Harmony, but not one of these homeless drug addicts came forward with the information. It was only Kayla’s freedom that was worth enough for her to give up the information.

A Better Use of Funds

Rather than offering a reward, I recommend that families and supporters channel their resources into funding search and rescue operations and covering investigative expenses. These efforts have a direct impact on the progress of the case and can significantly increase the chances of locating the missing person. Financial support for these activities is invaluable and can provide the necessary tools and resources to bring a loved one home.

In conclusion, while the intention behind offering rewards is to encourage information sharing, the reality is that they often do more harm than good. By focusing on practical support for search and investigation efforts, we can more effectively work towards finding missing persons and providing closure for their families.