LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning about fake missing person posts that are rapidly spreading on social media. These posts often urge users to share the information urgently, but officials say they can cause unnecessary concerns and spread false information.
The Sheriff’s Office advises the public to take several steps before sharing such posts:
- Source: Genuine alerts come from trusted sources like the police, official organizations, or news outlets.
- Details: Real alerts have specific details like names, dates, and places.
- Errors: Be cautious if the alert has spelling or grammar mistakes.
- VERIFY: Check the information on official websites, social media platforms, or with authorities before sharing.
By following these guidelines, individuals can help prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that only accurate information is circulated.
Photo courtesy of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
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If people become ‘MISSING’, perhaps the announcement should give a brief probable cause, such as: missing after an argument with parent, missing since leaving work to go home or missing after a night boozing or drugging it up.