Virginia, Beware of Fake Missing Child Posts on Facebook

Have you seen alarming posts about missing children on local Facebook pages? If so, do the police a favor and report them. These types of posts are flooding feeds, and many are scams designed to prey on your sympathies.

SCAM ALERT: Beware of Fake "Missing Child" Posts on Facebook

Yesterday afternoon, a post claiming a child was found wandering the streets began making its rounds on Facebook. This post is a scam, and no such report has been made to an emergency dispatch center. These posts often appear on rummage sale or resale pages and lack detailed information or contact details for the responsible agency.

How to Spot a Fake Post

1. Search for a Second Source: Before you hit "share," check for an official notification from reliable sources like your local Police Department page.
2. Examine the Pictures: Often, these posts reuse the same photos. If the deputy's uniform doesn't match that of your local Sheriff's Office, be suspicious.
3. Search Facebook for Key Phrases: For instance, if you search “Deputy Tom Ashley saved her,” you’ll see the exact post above is being shared in different cities. The real Deputy Tom Ashley works for the Johnson County Indiana Sheriff's Office and found the real Bobbi Renae in early June (check out their page to see for yourself).

Key Indicators of a Scam Post

1. Check the Poster’s Profile: Scam profiles usually have minimal activity and were created recently. Avoid friending or contacting these individuals.
2. Consult Law Enforcement Facebook Pages: Legitimate posts from law enforcement will be shared on their official pages.
3. Verify with Local News Outlets: Press releases on real incidents are often shared with the media.
4. Use Good Judgment: If something seems off, it probably is.

Get our free mobile app

Why Are These Scams Made?

These scams are designed to tug at your heartstrings. Once shared, scammers might replace the original post with deceptive ads, surveys, or phishing links. They exploit the trust within Facebook groups and communities. Some even turn off comments to prevent being exposed as scams.

Laura Baker, Executive Director for CyberWyoming, notes these posts might be used as gullibility tests for future scams. In some cases, scammers add donation buttons to solicit money under the guise of helping find a child’s parents.

Always be cautious and verify information before sharing. If you come across a suspicious post, contact your local law enforcement agency. Stay vigilant and help us keep our community safe from scammers.