Fayetteville police are warning residents about a scam involving subjects soliciting money in the name of Shaniya Davis.
Police said a man in the area of McPherson Church and Skibo roads was holding a sign indicating he was collecting money for Shaniya from passing motorists.
Read the story here at the Fayetteville Observer
Listen to 911 call made by Antoinette Davis
"It's just a play on people's sympathy," said Sgt. John Somerindyke. "There's a lot of interest in the case. These scam artists know that and are going to try and take advantage of it."
Shaniya's body was found Monday in Lee County, about six days after she was reported missing from her mother's home in Cumberland County.
The case, which involved several local and federal law enforcement agencies, has received national attention.
Shaniya's mother, Antoinette Davis, and a Fayetteville man have been charged in her disappearance.
Antoinette Davis faces charges that include child abuse involving prostitution. Mario Andrette McNeill, 29, is charged with first-degree kidnapping. Police say he was seen carrying Shaniya into a Sanford hotel after she went missing.
Other charges in the case are pending until authorities decide which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction.
Somerindyke said motorists reported the man soliciting money about 11 a.m. and said undercover officers are trying to locate him.
The man is wearing a gray sweatshirt and dark hat.
The man, who stutters, told one passerby that he was collecting money for the Fayetteville Police Department, according to a release.
Police said no member or representative of the department is collecting money on behalf of Shaniya.
"Before donating money to any cause, one should make efforts to verify the authenticity of the organization," officials said in a news release.
Somerindyke said it was rare for criminals to so blatantly try to take advantage of a crime or victim, but said he wouldn't be surprised if similar scams are reported to police.
Anyone who knows the identity of the man or sees similar activity is asked to call Fayetteville police at 433-1585 or Crimestoppers at 483-TIPS.
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