Local Facebook groups are being inundated with false claims of serial killers on the loose, according to an investigation by Full Fact, a charity combating misinformation. The investigation discovered hundreds of fraudulent posts across 115 areas in the UK, including fake missing posters for dogs and children and warnings about deadly snakes. These hoaxes are often designed to create panic within communities. One extreme example from last year called for vigilance against a supposed serial killer or abductor involved in multiple disappearances. Although Police Scotland confirmed that no deaths matched the information, the man was identified as an individual from Tennessee wanted by the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office for leaving an inmate work crew, but with no connection to murders or attacks. This same post has also been spotted in Canada and Australia, indicating that the problem extends beyond UK borders. Steve Nowottny, Editor at Full Fact, believes that the identified 1,200 posts are just the tip of the iceberg and warns that Facebook groups worldwide are being overwhelmed with false information. Full Fact has called on Facebook users to be cautious and look for signs of hoaxes, such as disabled comments, unfamiliar language, and the use of red siren emojis. The charity also advises users to verify information before sharing it and to be wary of clicking on external links. Facebook has partnered with Full Fact since 2019 to address misinformation on its platforms and highlighted its measures to remove fraudulent posts violating community standards.
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