A widely shared social media post warning of a supposed serial killer in Wyoming has been debunked by the Uinta County Sheriff’s Office and the fact-checking website Snopes, KGAB AM 650 reports.
The false alert, which has appeared on Facebook pages in Cheyenne and other parts of the state, claims that a man named Robert Thibodeau is posing as a homeless person to attack residents or steal vehicles.
The details of the hoax vary depending on the location where the post is circulated. In some versions, the alleged individual is described as armed with a knife, while others simply reference car theft. Despite its alarming claims, authorities confirm the post is entirely fabricated.
The Uinta County Sheriff’s Office addressed the situation in a Facebook post, urging residents to disregard the hoax. Their message reads:
SCAM ALERT
A post has gone around Facebook this week talking about a serial killer at large named Robert Thibodeau. If you see a post like the one below or similar ones, ignore the post as it is a hoax. The post will be a copy and paste and will change the location pending where they are sending the post to.
The false warning has also been reported in other parts of the country, with Snopes verifying its nationwide spread. The scam often targets local communities by tailoring details to specific areas, making it seem more credible.
Local law enforcement emphasizes that sharing unverified claims on social media can cause unnecessary panic. They encourage residents to fact-check suspicious posts and rely on trusted sources, such as official law enforcement announcements, for accurate information.
