The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source: Fox News
Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:24 PM
Knoxville Police Warn Of Internet Hoax Surrounding Missing Women
Police say an email chain is circulating claiming 5 to 10 young women in Knoxville have been taken by a suspected "cartel." The email chain claims law enforcement officials are keeping the information out of the media so the cartel will not learn that it is being investigated. It also asks that women spread the information to their friends on social media.
Officials say they have received numerous questions about the email.
"A lot of what you read on some Facebook pages is false or greatly exaggerated and misleading at best," said Knoxville police in a statement. "The claims made concerning the women are simply not true."
Police reminded residents to be aware of their surrounding, park in well-lit areas and, if possible, travel in pairs.
"If you do see something or someone who looks or is acting suspicious, report it," said Darrell DeBusk, the public information officer for KPD.