The claim: A man is allegedly terrorizing towns for money and stabbing people

Several Facebook users are posting in local groups across the country about a man allegedly terrorizing citizens for money.

"BE ON THE LOOKOUT for this man, he is terrorizing homes in Mesquite," reads a Sept. 10 Facebook post that has been shared over 1,800 times. "He is saying that he got evicted from the house he was living and he needs money to travel back to Houston. He’s been doing this to many as said by the police. . (sic) He stabbed a 67year (sic) old woman last night when she refused to give him money. HE IS (sic) now wanted by the police for several crimes. If he knocks on your door, please call 911. WARN OTHERS."

Almost identical posts have appeared on Facebook pages all over the country. Some users even posted the same content on pages associated with locations that are hundreds of miles away from each other on the same day. For example, one user posted the same message in pages linked to Lenoir City, Tennessee, Mesquite, Texas and Borden, Indiana. Other posts claimed the alleged crime took place in Fort Stockton, Texas and Avon, Ohio.

But, the claims are false.

Several police departments told USA TODAY no such crime occurred in their communities.

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USA TODAY reached out to several users who shared the claim for comment.

Police departments: No such crime reported in our communities

All of the...

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