MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tipton County Sheriff is warning the public about what he calls a scam post making the rounds on social media claiming a serial killer is on the run.
Sheriff Shannon Beasley said the posting claiming a man named Robert Thibodeau is randomly attacking people in the area is not true.
“We have received numerous calls/messages in regard to the below screenshot of an alleged ‘serial killer’ being spread across social media sites,” said Beasley. “This is a scam and NOT TRUE. Please know that we would certainly be alerting our citizens on our own social media platforms of such a violent person on the loose in our area.”
The viral posting claims the man knocks on people’s doors claiming to be homeless before attacking. It claims he used a knife to attack a mother and stole a vehicle from a grandmother while pretending to help her with groceries.
“Thank you for your concern and willingness to watch out for your fellow neighbor, but please do not fall victim to these scammers,” Beasley continued. “If you have any question about posts such as this, feel free to contact us for verification. You can almost rest assured if someone this violent is on the loose you will find this information on our page or any of our other local agencies social media sites first. Thank you all!”
Sometimes scammers will use posts like this to gain shares and engagement, then edit the post to something else entirely that will include a link aimed at stealing money or information. Be wary of posts like these unless you know they are from a reputable source.
