ICYMI: These Ohio Cops Are NOT Missing—Scammers STEALING Pix for Nationwide CON!
Fraudsters are using real Ohio police officers’ photos to orchestrate an elaborate scheme targeting unsuspecting Americans. 🌐 #News #MiddletownOH #Ohio #Crime
MIDDLETOWN, OH — A concerning wave of social media posts about missing Ohio police officers has spread across America, but there’s just one problem: these officers were never missing at all. The deception started when scammers lifted photos from the Middletown Police Department’s Facebook page, specifically targeting newly hired officers. These images were then manipulated into fake missing person alerts, creating a false narrative that spread rapidly across social media platforms.
How the Scheme Works
The fraudulent posts follow a calculated pattern. They begin with emotionally charged stories about local law enforcement officers in supposed extreme danger. The posts have appeared in various locations, from Minnesota to Kansas City, Arizona to West Virginia, each time using real officers’ photos but fabricating their disappearance.
The Money-Making Scheme
Behind these false alerts lies a sophisticated financial scam. The Better Business Bureau reports that these posts often start with emotional appeals about missing persons before redirecting users through manipulated URLs. These redirects can lead to scams capable of costing victims thousands of dollars.
A Pattern of Police Impersonation
The fake missing officer alerts aren’t the only scheme targeting Middletown residents. A parallel scam involves criminals impersonating active police officers, contacting individuals about supposed arrest warrants. The scammers then demand payment to resolve these fictional legal issues.
Protecting Yourself from Scammers
The Middletown Police Department emphasizes that they never handle warrant situations through phone calls or emails. For warrant-related matters, officers conduct in-person visits. Anyone receiving suspicious communications should contact their local police department directly to verify claims.
The Social Media Impact
Despite the Middletown Police Department’s efforts to correct the misinformation, the false posts continued to circulate. The viral nature of these posts demonstrates how quickly misleading information can spread across state lines, from North Carolina to Oklahoma.
Staying Safe Online
The Better Business Bureau advises thorough verification before engaging with any unsolicited communications. This includes checking the authenticity of social media posts before sharing them and independently verifying any claims about law enforcement activities.
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RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Missing Persons | Ohio
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