This approximately 2-year-old boy was found…
If you’ve come across a viral Facebook post describing a heroic “Deputy Tyler Cooper” rescuing a bruised, abandoned child, don’t believe it—it’s entirely fabricated.
These emotional posts, often shared widely in local community and parenting groups, feature a photo of an injured boy and claim that “Deputy Tyler Cooper” found the child alone and is searching for his family. The posts typically end with a plea to “share widely to help.” But authorities have confirmed that the story is 100% false.
🚓 Police Confirm It Never Happened
West Mercia Police in the U.K. have stated that no such rescue ever occurred and that no officer named Tyler Cooper exists within their ranks. Norfolk Constabulary also denied the account, noting that “deputy” isn’t even a rank used in their department. Law enforcement agencies across the country have issued similar statements, confirming the entire story is a hoax.
💻 Part of a Growing Facebook Scam Trend
Common edits to these viral posts include promotions for:
- Suspicious cashback or investment platforms
- Fake real estate listings
- Dubious health or wellness products
⚠️ How to Protect Yourself
- Check for credible news coverage or statements from official sources.
- Search the key details (like the name “Deputy Tyler Cooper”)—if it’s fake, fact-checkers often flag it quickly.
- Look for multiple identical versions of the story shared in different regions.
- Be cautious of posts with comments disabled or ones that have been recently edited.
These scams prey on people’s compassion and desire to help. By staying alert and verifying before you share, you can protect yourself—and your social media community—from misinformation and fraud.
