The desire to save a child can turn into a waste of money: a dangerous new scam is spreading on Facebook

Social media users are being warned to be careful with Facebook posts about missing children. Internet watchers say this is the work of scammers trying to steal money. Writes about it New York Post.

Photo: IStock

Reports of a missing boy named Tyler have been circulating on social media in recent weeks. Initially, they seemed to come from the boy's anxious parents.

One of the most active posts on December 13 reads: “This is the most recent photo of my son Tyler Anderson on his first day of school. He was last seen wearing black Converse with purple and red laces and a blue zip-up sweatshirt. He has blond hair, blue eyes, is about 5,4-5,5 feet (164-167 cm) tall and weighs 124 pounds (56 kg)."

The text is accompanied by a photograph of a small child named Tyler. But it's actually an image of an Australian child that has been repurposed for a scam.

On the subject: Ukrainian woman sues Facebook and Instagram over offensive post

The scammers are encouraging Facebook users to share messages on their profiles to raise awareness of so-called missing children. The more reposts a post gets, the more authentic it seems.

Once the information has been widely shared, the scammer goes to the original post and edits it into a poll advertisement or hosting websites with embedded links to scam websites.

Because the message has already been posted on the profiles of thousands of people, the ad looks real. Unsuspecting Facebook users who click on the links enter their credit card details only to find later that their bank accounts are empty.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

“We checked a number of fake Facebook posts calling for help in connection with missing people, lost dogs, and even abandoned babies,” Full Fact journalists said. “Comments on these posts are often disabled, which means that other social media users cannot warn that they are fake.”

Missing child reports are not the only social media scam that has gained public attention lately. In October, an Australian woman said she almost became a victim of human trafficking after trying to sell products on the Facebook Marketplace.

Read also on ForumDaily:

A cure for old age: how scientists from around the world are trying to regain youth

If you have been removed from your flight, you are entitled to compensation up to 400% of the ticket price

Both in the heat and in the cold: 13 indoor water parks in the USA where you can have fun all year round

Five apps to help you save money on everyday tasks

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.