Scam alert. MWC file photo.

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Scammers continue to evolve their tactics.

The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office says they have received reports of a new method, which targets Facebook users with what appears to be a well-meaning post about a missing pet or child. Users are encouraged to share the post, and then after it receives traction the original user alters its content.

“After it gets positive reactions and spreads far and wide, they’ll change the post from a lost or missing person or animal to a product,” said Marathon County Sheriff’s Detective Bradley Tatro. “That now has a bunch of shares and likes.”

Tatro says the new post will likely lead to a product or investment product that doesn’t exist, meaning anyone who drops money for the advertised item will be duped while putting sensitive information at risk.

The posts often originate from a local Facebook group such as a yard sale or neighborhood group. Many will come from brand-new accounts with very few followers or friends. The writer will also turn off comments to encourage more sharing. Tatro says a quick check of all of those factors can protect yourself and your followers. “If [the post] doesn’t have comments turned on, there’s probably some reason for that,” said Tatro. “Look at the profile of the entity posting it. If it’s a new profile, [look at] how many followers or friends they have.”

He says a quick call to local law enforcement or pet shelters can confirm if the person or pet depicted is indeed missing.