04/26/2023
PSA: When you see a photo of a dog that was found and the person posting says they can't find the owner and is looking for assistance, please tap on that person's profile photo and judge whether or not the post is legit. The same if it is a missing person, particularly an elder person with dementia.
How can you tell?
Well, if the person is in Ireland, Saudi Arabia or Kenya, or even Asheboro and has no other posts, it's probably a scam.
——other flags to look for
1) the ‘person’s’ profile is actually a PAGE
2) the ‘about page’ will show you its a business page, how many administrators, etc - personal profiles do NOT have admins.
3) locations are #
4) if it’s a legit missing senior, who drove off in his truck with his dear dog there would be a silver alert. Only share posts from law enforcement agencies or national alerts regarding missing people because they are confirmed legitimate
5) red flag number five, comments on the original post have been turned off. Why is this a red flag? Because if you are missing your loved one or your pet, would you not want someone to be able to comment?

Why would someone do this?
Because once you share their post, they can then change the post to anything they want. And suddenly you are advertising weight loss products, or sunglasses, or rallies for politics you are not supporting or to get you to directly message the original poster who then can hack into your Facebook. (Who knows with scammers these days! 🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽)
We all have the sweetest intentions to reunite pets with their owners, but scam artists prey on this. Unless there is a specific location, or the person sharing has mutual friends with you, just keep scrolling.
And never send money. EVER!!!