Fake missing person/pet scams spreading on social media

originally published July 29, 2024

Local officials are warning residents of a new scam spreading on social media: the fake missing- person/missing-pet scam. “The scammer aims to exploit our willingness to help, and that we’re told “when you see something, say something.”

“There is no missing child in Mahopac,” The Carmel Police Department posted. “Facebook/Meta has not responded to our repeated requests to control this.”

According to the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, “Here’s a typical scenario: You’re scrolling through Facebook when a “missing child” advisory appears in one of the local yard-sale groups you follow, with a heartfelt plea to spread the word. You share it. And right there is where you were fooled. You weren’t gullible. It’s just that scammers know human nature. They know that people of good will want to help, and they won’t always stop and think before trying to help.

Scammers target yard sale and buy/sell groups on social media because the groups are rarely well moderated, and many people will see the posts.

Move ahead a week or two, and the scammer has changed the fake “missing child” post that you shared to one kind of scam or another - and you’re on the record as having liked it. Your friends and family see it. They trust you – and now they could be scammed too.”

BEFORE YOU SHARE:

Is the missing person advisory from a legitimate law enforcement agency page?
Is there contact information posted for the law enforcement agency?
Did a legitimate missing-persons page post the item?
Seems obvious that post about a missing persons case would want to include that kind of key information. If it’s not there...that’s a scam.
Did any of your local police agencies post the advisory? If not, be suspicious.
Are the comments on the post turned off? If the comments are turned off, it’s a clear sign of a scammer who doesn’t want to be called out.
What does the social media profile of the poster look like? If there’s not much in the way of detail, or the poster is in a distant location, or the name looks made-up...those are “tells” that you’re dealing with a scammer.