AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo Police Department warns residents of a recurring scam that’s making its way on local buy, sell, and trade pages on social sites.
The scam involves fake missing person posts, often featuring images of individuals in what appear to be law enforcement uniforms. Police said these posts are typically designed to spread misinformation or attract clicks, rather than share factual information.
One teen dead after early morning shooting in Northwest Amarillo
“These posts may look convincing at first glance, but there are several red flags to watch for,” said APD.
Authorities urge the public to be cautious and look for the following signs:
- Check the Source: If the post isn’t shared directly by law enforcement or doesn’t tag a verified agency, it’s likely fraudulent.
- Inspect the Image: Scammers often use stock images or photos of people in unidentifiable or generic uniforms.
- Comments Disabled: Many fake posts have comment sections turned off to avoid being questioned or exposed.
- Lack of Contact Information: Legitimate missing person alerts always include a phone number or agency contact for reporting information.
Officials are encouraging residents to verify any suspicious posts with local law enforcement before sharing them online…