Be cautious with missing persons!

[kattahj]

Swedish police made this point on Facebook, but I think it's important enough to share elsewhere:

A lot of Missing Person notices are posted on social media. When you see these, take into consideration that some people are missing with good reason, because they are hiding from abusive relatives, or they're in witness protection, or something like

Comments

[fjm]

I am ashamed to say that this never even occurred to me--and I have worked in a shelter!

[kattahj]

It never occurred to me either, which is a big reason why I felt it was important to spread the word. The rule to always question your sources gets huge ramifications in cases like these.

[victimstatus]

This is a really good point that I'd never even thought of! Thank you.

[kattahj]

Glad to spread the word!

[mon_deluge]

good point. thanks for sharing!

[kattahj]

Thank you!

[pauamma]

Sometimes the notice you read comes from someone who absolutely shouldn't know where the person in question is located.
That's unlikely to be the case in Sweden, but in some countries, "someone who absolutely shouldn't know" may include police or other law enforcement agencies.

ETA: I'm aware of the distinction between "police shouldn't be told", which is about gross human rights violations, and "person doesn't want police to know, without a legitimate reason". I'm referring to the former only.

[kattahj]

True enough. Most of the notices I've seen have been about missing children, but I suppose even in those cases, a corrupt police force may be using the notice for their own ends. I suppose if there's a suspicion that may be the case, don't call in any tip at all unless you can approach the person and make sure that's what they want.