Fact Check: Viral Post About Missing Evansville Police Officer Is a Hoax

A viral social media post claiming that a female Evansville police officer named Katie Cunningham is missing has been confirmed as a scam by the Evansville Police Department (EPD). The post, which has been widely shared in local Facebook groups like "VANDERBURGH, WARRICK & GIBSON COUNTY BUY IT, SELL IT, ONLINE," falsely states that Officer Cunningham’s vehicle was found with her child inside and that a Silver Alert has been issued.

Evansville Police Department Confirms the Post Is Fake

The Evansville Police Department quickly responded to the viral claim, stating:

"We are aware of a social media post circulating that claims a local police officer is missing. This is a scam! The same information has been reported in many cities throughout the country. EPD does not have a missing officer."

This statement aligns with other reports across the U.S. where similar fabricated posts have been used to stir panic and generate engagement on social media. There is no record of an officer named Katie Cunningham in the Evansville Police Department, nor has any Silver Alert been issued in connection with this claim.

How This Scam Works

This type of viral hoax is designed to manipulate emotions and drive social media engagement. Here’s how these scams typically operate:

• Emotional Hook: The post claims an urgent and dramatic situation, such as a missing police officer in danger.
• Call to Action: Users are urged to share the post quickly, often with phrases like “Sharing only takes 2 seconds.”
• Fabricated Stories: Specifics such as names, locations, and descriptions are inserted to make the post appear credible, but they are often reused in multiple locations.
• Engagement Farming: Some accounts create viral scams to increase their social media reach and later exploit their visibility for other fraudulent activities.

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What to Watch for in Online Scams

To avoid falling for scams like this, keep an eye out for the following red flags:

• Check Official Sources: Before sharing, verify with local police departments or news outlets to confirm if the information is legitimate.
• Look for Identical Posts in Other Locations: A quick search of key details can reveal if the same story is being spread in multiple cities.
• Assess the Credibility of the Source: If the post is from an unknown page or a personal account with no official verification, be skeptical.
• Beware of Posts With No Links to Official Reports: Legitimate missing persons cases are typically shared with direct links to law enforcement or Silver Alert announcements.
• Don’t Engage With Suspicious Posts: Commenting or sharing these posts can boost their visibility, allowing scammers to exploit social media algorithms.

The Bottom Line

This viral post about a missing Evansville police officer is completely false. If you see similar claims circulating, report them to social media platforms and avoid sharing misinformation. Always check with official sources like the Evansville Police Department before believing or spreading alarming news.