Police now warning of donation scam as search for missing Calgary boy continues

Police say Parker, 11, was last seen in the 0-100 block of Connaught Drive N.W. sometime between 11:08 and 11:41 a.m. (CPS handout)

While hundreds of Calgarians search for an 11-year-old boy who’s been missing six days, someone’s apparently out to make a buck.

Police took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to warn of a donation scam.

“We have become aware of a GoFundMe campaign claiming to support Parker’s case. This fundraiser is not authorized and has no connection to Parker’s family,” police said.

“At this time, the family has confirmed that there is no official GoFundMe associated with this case.

“Police are urging the public to use caution when contributing to online fundraisers and to verify the legitimacy of any donation campaign before making a contribution.”

It’s the third time in two days police have had to advise of bad behaviours as the desperate search for Parker Wells continues.

Police on Monday spoke of the impact AI-generated images and video are having on their investigation.

“We ask members of the public to refrain from creating or sharing altered images, AI-generated content or unconfirmed reports about Parker,” police said.

“If you encounter AI-generated images, altered videos or unofficial posts claiming to provide updates on Parker, please report the content to the platform and refrain from sharing it.”

Police said this material “can create confusion, spread misinformation and divert investigative resources away from credible leads.”

On Tuesday, police addressed the public again, this time asking that vigilantism be curbed.

“This behaviour is unacceptable and is putting community members at risk,” police said.

“Everyone wants to find Parker, and we understand the emotions involved.

“But showing up at private homes, confronting residents or organizing your own investigations can hinder our efforts and draws police resources away from the search and investigation.”

Parker went missing from his day home in the 0 to 100 block of Connaught Drive N.W. sometime between 11:08 and 11:41 a.m. this past Thursday.

On Tuesday, police released a map “of Parker’s known and believed route on Thursday, July 16, 2026.”

Police said the map “outlines his confirmed movements captured on CCTV.”

Police ask anyone in the Thorncliffe area who may have CCTV footage from Thursday to submit the footage to police through the following upload link, regardless of whether Parker is seen: https://cps.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/ca26318270

He’s 4’11” tall (150 cm) and approximately 90 pounds (41 kg) with brown hair and brown eyes.

When he was last seen, Parker was shirtless, wearing dark shorts and black noise-cancelling headphones.

Parker is neurodivergent and non-verbal and may become even more scared if confronted by strangers.

If you locate Parker, you’re asked to not approach him and to instead keep him in sight and call 911.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

A missing person poster is available to download and print through the City of Calgary’s website.