GREEN BAY, WI — A viral social media post claiming that Green Bay Police Officer Kate McArthur is missing and that her vehicle was found with blood stains inside has been confirmed as a hoax by the Green Bay Police Department. Authorities are warning the public not to share or engage with the misleading information, which appears to be part of a broader scam circulating on Facebook.
The post in question, which has gained traction in Facebook’s “buy and sell” groups rather than through official law enforcement channels, alleges that a 28-year-old officer named Kate McArthur has gone missing and that her car was discovered submerged in a canal. It also falsely claims that a Silver Alert was issued — a tool reserved specifically for individuals with cognitive impairments, such as dementia.
Officials say the post raises multiple red flags. For one, it is not being shared by the Green Bay Police Department or any credible local news sources. It refers generically to “Female Officer Kate McArthur,” an unusual and unprofessional phrasing for an official missing persons bulletin. More importantly, the post lacks vital information, such as a case number, agency contact, or instructions for those with tips — all of which are standard in legitimate public safety announcements.
“Scammers are manipulating people’s goodwill,” a spokesperson for the department said. “They exploit emotionally charged situations to spread misinformation widely. Once the post has been shared enough times, they typically alter the content to promote rental scams, phishing schemes, or malware links.”
The department is urging residents to verify any missing persons reports through official law enforcement sources and not to spread unverified claims. Anyone concerned about a possible missing person case is encouraged to check the Green Bay Police Department’s official website or Facebook page for accurate updates.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale in the digital age, reminding the public to stay vigilant and discerning about the content they consume and share online.