Prince George RCMP caution against bait-and-switch social media scam

Prince George RCMP is cautioning the public to be wary of sharing or forwarding a particular type of social media post known as a heartbreaking post. In this type of bait-and-switch scam, the original poster is usually asking for help in finding the owners of a lost dog or the parents of a lost child and social media users are encouraged to share the information in hopes of spreading awareness of what appears to be a gut-wrenching and attention-grabbing issue.

What happens after the information has been shared is the original poster then changes their post, usually to a deceptive rental add or fraudulent contest, often with the promise of a cash payout. When your friends and family see this on your social media page, they believe it to be legitimate and are more likely to click the link, thinking it has been endorsed and vetted by you, states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

One such scam was caught by social media users and reported to the Prince George RCMP on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. A quick search revealed the same post had been made by the original poster in several other marketplace pages in different towns throughout North America – a good indication the information is false.Photo showing the heartbreaking post in the Prince George BC Buy Sell Trade Free social media group. Click here for larger image.

Photo showing the heartbreaking post in the High Desert Deals and Discussion social media group. Click here for larger image.This little boy, approximately 2 years old, was found in #hesperia 1 hour ago. Officers have the child safe at the Police Station but we have no idea where he lives. No one has called looking for him. Please Bump this post .

Photo showing the heartbreaking post in the Pierce County Online Yard Sale social media group. Click here for larger image. This little boy, approximately 2 years old, was found in #patterson 1 hour ago. Officers have the child safe at the Police Station but we have no idea where he lives.For more ways to keep yourself and your family safe online, visit our Online Safety page.

Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Prince George RCMP hosting information sessionPrince George RCMP is hosting a career information session on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Source: PGCitizen - 🏆 65. / 51 Read more »

Prince George RCMP explain response to complaint of man lighting fires, causing disturbance at Aquatic CentrePolice attended the scene twice Thursday afternoon, incident highlights 9-1-1 protocol
Source: PGCitizen - 🏆 65. / 51 Read more »

Prince George RCMP issue 'grandparent scam' warningPrince George RCMP is cautioning the public about 'Grandparent Scams'
Source: PGCitizen - 🏆 65. / 51 Read more »

Obstruction charge stayed for Prince George RCMP officerVirginia Pierre holds a photo of her nephew, Dale Culver, outside the Prince George courthouse.
Source: CBCNews - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »

Two drivers charged, vehicles impounded for impaired driving over weekend: Bay St. George RCMPExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Source: SaltWire Network - 🏆 45. / 63 Read more »

Two drivers charged, one handed ticket for impaired driving over weekend: Bay St. George RCMPExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Source: SaltWire Network - 🏆 45. / 63 Read more »