The Comox Valley RCMP is warning residents to be careful about what they share online, particularly posts claiming to involve police investigations or public safety concerns.

Police say they’ve noticed an increase in misleading and fraudulent social media posts that reference the Comox Valley RCMP or use local place names to attract attention.

The posts may claim someone is missing, wanted by police, or that a serious incident has happened.

Police say some originate from anonymous users, recently created accounts, or pages with little connection to the local community.

The RCMP says sharing false information can have serious consequences.

For example, fake missing person posts may encourage people to publicly share information about where someone was last seen, where they work, what vehicle they drive, or where they may be staying.

Police say that information could potentially be viewed by someone who shouldn't have access to it.

The RCMP is reminding residents to check whether information comes from an official police or trusted news source before sharing it.

Residents should also be cautious of recently created social media accounts and posts that appear to have been copied across unrelated communities.

Anyone with information about a legitimate missing person should provide it directly to police rather than posting it publicly online.

The RCMP says legitimate public safety information will typically be shared through official police channels, established local media, or verified government and law enforcement platforms.