Overview of the Scam
The “Gracie Mae Thompson missing girl” scam has been circulating on Facebook, pulling at people’s heartstrings and prompting widespread shares. However, this is not a legitimate missing person case. Here’s what you need to know:
How the Scam Works
A viral Facebook post claims that 15-year-old Gracie Mae Thompson went missing from Texas on July 22, 2024. The post typically includes a photo of a young girl, along with some identifying details. However, several red flags indicate that this is a scam rather than a genuine missing person alert.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No Clear Call-to-Action:
- Legitimate missing person alerts provide contact details for law enforcement or instructions on what to do if someone has information. This post lacks such guidance.
- Lack of News Coverage:
- A real missing child case would be reported by reputable news sources. No credible media outlets have covered Gracie’s disappearance.
- Use of Emojis and Inconsistencies:
- Scammers often use emotional manipulation, including excessive emojis and inconsistent details, to increase engagement.
- Suspicious Links:
- Some variations of the post include links to questionable websites that may contain adware or phishing schemes.
The Real Purpose Behind the Scam
This scam is a form of “like-farming,” a deceptive tactic used by scammers to gain social media engagement. Here’s how it works:
- Scammers create emotionally charged posts, such as fake missing person alerts.
- Users engage with the post by liking, commenting, and sharing it.
- Once the post gains enough traction, scammers may edit the content to promote scams, malicious links, or misinformation.
What to Do If You Encounter This Scam
If you come across the Gracie Mae Thompson post—or similar fake missing person alerts—take these steps:
- Do Not Share:
- Avoid spreading misinformation by sharing unverified posts.
- Verify the Information:
- Check credible news sources or law enforcement websites to confirm if the person is genuinely missing.
- Report the Post:
- Use Facebook’s reporting feature to flag the post as misleading or fraudulent.
Stay Vigilant and Informed
Scammers prey on emotions to spread misinformation and manipulate social media algorithms. By staying cautious and verifying information before sharing, you can help prevent the spread of fake missing person scams and protect others from falling victim to online deception.