A deceptive social media scam is making the rounds, falsely claiming that a female police officer in Kentucky is missing and endangered.
Bowling Green Police have confirmed that the post about Officer Katie Cunningham is a hoax. Scammers are using this false information to encourage users to share the post, only to later edit it with harmful links.
Authorities are urging the public to be cautious and avoid spreading unverified claims online. They recommend reporting suspicious posts and thinking twice before sharing content that appears questionable.
Social media scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting users across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. A scam similar to these exploit trust and the rapid spread of information to trick people into giving away money, personal information, or access to their accounts.
Phishing scams are common, where fraudsters send messages or post fake links that appear to be from legitimate sources, tricking users into entering their login credentials or personal data. Romance scams involve scammers creating fake profiles, building emotional connections with victims, and eventually asking for money under false pretenses. Giveaway and prize scams claim users have won something but require a fee or personal information to claim the prize.
Investment scams lure users into fraudulent opportunities, often involving cryptocurrency or stock trading, with promises of high returns. Impersonation scams involve scammers posing as friends, celebrities, or companies to request money or distribute malicious links. Marketplace and e-commerce scams feature fake listings for products that don’t exist, leading buyers to send payments without ever receiving an item. Job and work-from-home scams promise easy money but require upfront fees or personal details, which can be used for identity theft.
To protect yourself, always verify links and sources before clicking on suspicious messages. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your accounts and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. Avoid sending money to unknown individuals online and report any suspicious activity to social media platforms or law enforcement. As scammers continue to evolve their tactics, staying informed and cautious remains the best defense against social media fraud.
