A common scam circulating on social media involves posts that initially appear to address one topic but change after being shared. These altered posts often contain links designed to steal personal information or money.
Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder explained that these scam posts often start by claiming there is a missing person or animal, encouraging users to share the post to help. While some people quickly identify the post as a scam, others share it widely, spreading it through many Facebook groups.
Snyder noted that many scam posts originate in Facebook flea markets and online yard sale communities. “Scammers try to get shares and likes, then infiltrate the profiles of those who engage with the post,” Snyder said.
If you come across a suspicious post about a missing person or animal, Snyder advises contacting the relevant law enforcement agency or checking their official social media pages to verify the information.
Clicking on scam links can lead to various negative outcomes. “It could be a virus that infiltrates your device or scammers pretending to be law enforcement to engage in conversation,” Snyder warned.
To verify a potential scam post, check the profile of the person who created it. If they are from another state or country, it’s likely a scam. When in doubt, it’s best to keep scrolling.
These scams can lead to significant financial losses. “People work all their lives to build a nest egg, and it’s gone in 25 seconds,” Snyder said.
If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, report it to your local law enforcement immediately. Additionally, contact credit bureaus to freeze your credit if your information has been stolen.