In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, a new threat has emerged that is exploiting the compassionate nature of users. Authorities in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee are alerting residents about a deceptive post that’s been circulating on Facebook, which uses a fabricated image of a missing child to garner shares and engagement. The posts, which have been appearing in several community groups both locally and across the nation, are designed to tug at the heartstrings of users by disseminating false information about a supposedly missing five-year-old child.

The dubious posts, disseminated by multiple Facebook accounts, assert that the young child was last seen in various locations and that an AMBER alert has been issued. However, the Mt. Juliet police department has categorically debunked these claims, stating that they are entirely fictitious. The police have even provided a few tips to help users swiftly ascertain the legitimacy of such social media posts, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing the source of the post and the locality of the user. The department further stressed that any genuine reports about missing persons or community threats would be communicated through their official channels.

Beware of Viral Fake Missing Child Posts on Facebook, Warns Police

Authorities are sounding the alarm over an insidious new scam circulating on Facebook. The Mt. Juliet Police Department in Tennessee has issued a warning about posts claiming to seek help for a missing five-year-old child. According to the police, these posts are entirely false and are designed to manipulate users’ emotions for the purpose of gaining shares.

The Mechanics of The Scam

These fake posts have been seen in various Facebook community groups, both locally and nationwide. They pull at the heartstrings of users with a made-up story about a missing child. The posts claim that the child was last seen in various locations and that an AMBER alert has been issued. Multiple Facebook accounts have published these posts, which has amplified their reach and increased the number of shares.

Tips to Spot Fake Posts

In response to these posts, the Mt. Juliet Police Department has shared some tips to help users discern the legitimacy of social media posts. Users are advised to scrutinize the origin of the post. If the post originates from a trusted source and a local user, it might be legitimate. However, if the same text and pictures appear in posts from various sources, it’s likely a hoax.

Official Channels for Missing Persons Reports

The Mt. Juliet Police Department wants to reassure the public that any real missing person reports or threats to the community will be communicated through the department’s official channels. This standard procedure ensures that accurate and timely information is disseminated to the public.

Final Thoughts

In an age where sharing information is as easy as a click of a button, we must also be vigilant about the source and authenticity of the information we consume and share. While social media platforms like Facebook can be instrumental in spreading the word about missing persons, they can also be a breeding ground for misinformation and scams. As responsible netizens, let’s take a moment to verify before we amplify.