A viral social media scam is circulating on Facebook, claiming that a serial killer is attacking people across Southwest Florida.
The post began circulating on Facebook in early December 2024 and claims that a serial killer named "Robert Thibodeau" is attacking communities.
The viral post claims the man knocks on people’s doors, saying he is homeless before attacking his victims. It also claims he used a knife to attack a mother and stole a vehicle from a grandmother while pretending to help her with groceries.
NBC2 viewers have also reported seeing the post in local community groups in Southwest Florida.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office said this is a scam that is appearing across the nation and is designed to victimize people and separate them from their money or personal information.
Lt. Bobbi Jo Edwards with the Collier County Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Bureau wants to reassure the community: "There is no serial killer out in our community. We live in a very safe community, and none of that is occurring."
If you see a post regarding the scam, deputies ask that you do not share it. Instead, report it to the platform you saw it on.
If it appears on the feed of a group page you follow, deputies also recommend you report it to the page administrators so they can remove it.
Once posts like this gain traction, the scammers swap it out for a post about a fraudulent giveaway. Deputies said the giveaway promotes a "miracle" product or service or a promotion for a fake charity.
The CCSO said residents should rest assured that they would inform the public immediately of any potential threat to residents' safety.
DOWNLOAD the free NBC2 News app for your latest news and weather alerts.