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 which claims a serial killer named "Robert Thibodeau" is attacking communities.
The viral posting 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 that is designed to victimize people and separate them from their money or personal information.
If you see a post regarding the scam, deputies ask that you do no 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 it promotes a "miracle" product or service, or a promotion for a fake charity.
CCSO said residents should rest assured that they would inform the public immediately of any potential threat to resident's safety.
DOWNLOAD the free NBC2 News app for your latest news and weather alerts.