Edinburg PD Debunks Viral "Missing Officer" Hoax – Here's What Really Happened

Confusion and concern spread across social media after a now-deleted post claimed an Edinburg police officer had gone missing. Authorities quickly stepped in, confirming the alarming message was nothing more than a cruel hoax.

The Viral Post That Fooled Thousands

Earlier this week, a fabricated social media alert circulated claiming:

• An Edinburg PD officer had disappeared under suspicious circumstances
• There was an active search underway
• The public should share the post to help locate the officer

The post included what appeared to be official police graphics and language – elements that helped the misinformation spread rapidly across platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Police Response: "It's 100% False"

Edinburg Police Department swiftly issued a statement debunking the viral post:

1. No officers are missing from the department
2. The post did not originate from any official police channels
3. Authorities are investigating the source of the false information

"This is not just a harmless prank," warned Chief Robert Treviño. "Spreading false information about law enforcement creates unnecessary panic and diverts resources from real emergencies."

Why These Hoaxes Are Dangerous

Experts point to several concerning consequences of police-related hoaxes:

• Erodes public trust in legitimate emergency communications
• Wastes valuable law enforcement resources
• Creates unnecessary fear in communities
• Potentially endangers officers by spreading false narratives

How to Spot False Police Alerts

Before sharing any emergency-related posts, check for these red flags:

1. No verifiable source or official department branding
2. Urgent calls to share without supporting evidence
3. Vague details about names, locations, or times
4. No corresponding reports on official news outlets

What Do You Think?

• Should there be harsher penalties for creating fake police alerts?
• Do social media platforms share responsibility for stopping these hoaxes?
• Could this incident make people skeptical of real missing person cases?
• Is spreading this kind of misinformation a victimless crime?