Beware: How to Spot Social Media Scams About Missing Persons in North Dakota

In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in the number of posts on social media platforms in the Williston and North Dakota areas that are about children who have gone missing or adults who are in danger. Sadly, a significant number of these heartbreaking posts are frauds that are designed to take advantage of the community's generosity.

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Here’s how you can quickly identify these deceptive posts and protect yourself from falling victim.

1. Emotional Appeal: Scammers often craft posts that tug at your heartstrings, featuring missing children, vulnerable older adults, or even lost pets. The aim is to elicit an emotional response and prompt quick sharing without verification.
2. Source Verification: A significant red flag indicates the origin of the post. If it comes from a buy-and-sell group or a sketchy website rather than a reliable source, it’s likely a scam. Always check for posts from official sources, such as local law enforcement agencies or reputable news outlets.
3. Contact Information: Genuine alerts will provide specific contact details. If the post lacks a phone number, contact name, or agency to reach out to, be suspicious. Scammers avoid providing verifiable information to prevent their ruse from being uncovered.
4. Comments Disabled: A tell-tale sign of a scam is when comments are turned off. Scammers disable comments to stop users from questioning the post's authenticity or sharing information that might expose the scam.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can better navigate social media and protect yourself and your community from falling prey to these scams. Always verify the information before sharing, and rely on trusted sources to stay informed.