Today, we need to talk about a troubling new scam that’s circulating on social media: fake missing child posts. These posts are designed to tug at your heartstrings and trick you into sharing or engaging with them. Here’s how they work and what you can do to protect yourself.
The Story:
In Genesee County, local law enforcement is warning about a new social media scam involving fake missing child posts. These posts are crafted to look genuine, complete with photos and emotional pleas for help. However, the same photo might be reused in multiple posts with different names or locations, indicating they are scams.
How the Scam Works:
- Fake Posts: Scammers create fake missing child posts, often with photos and emotional messages to get people to share them.
- Emotional Manipulation: These posts exploit our natural desire to help children in distress.
- Varying Details: The same photo may be used in different posts with varying details, making it clear they are not genuine.
- Gaining Trust: Scammers might use these posts to collect views, solicit donations, or steal personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify the Source: Always check the source of the post before sharing. Look for credible news outlets or official law enforcement pages.
- Check Details: A legitimate missing person post should include the child's name, where and when they went missing, and a description. If details seem vague or inconsistent, be cautious.
- Contact Authorities: If you suspect a post might be a scam, contact your local police department for verification.
Regulator-Validated Practices:
- Trust Official Channels: Only share missing person posts from verified sources like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or local police departments.
- Avoid Suspicious Requests: Be wary of posts that ask for money or personal information.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with updates from law enforcement about ongoing scams and how to protect yourself.
Personal Touch: Imagine seeing a post about a missing child and feeling compelled to help, only to find out it’s a scam. It’s not just frustrating—it’s a betrayal of trust. By staying vigilant and verifying information, we can prevent these scammers from exploiting our kindness.
Stay sharp, Scamstallers, and let’s keep each other safe from these deceitful scams! To read more, follow here