If you were to believe social media, you might think a serial killer and kidnappers were terrorizing the Chambersburg area.

In just the past month, Chambersburg Police Department warned the community about four Facebook posts claiming dangerous individuals were targeting local people. Each post had several clues they were bogus. Police confirmed there was no truth behind them.

"If you think serial killers are running around Chambersburg without us knowing it, then we have a problem," Police Chief Ron Camacho said.

Social media posts falsely warning residents about criminal activity have been an issue for years, according to Trooper Megan Frazer, Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson.

"A lot of these posts are just trying to spread fear," she said.

However, Camacho said there has "definitely (been) an uptick" locally. The posts CPD alerted residents to were the first ones he's dealt with since joining the borough's force in 2016.

“I can remember dealing with some disinformation, but never something like this,” he said.

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What did the fake posts say?

A post on Aug. 11 followed three in mid-July.

A user going by the name "Zie Mthunzi" wrote a post in the "Chambersburg/Franklin County PA and Close Surrounding Area Only Yardsale" Facebook group alleging a "serial killer or abductor" was on the hunt in the area.

"He drives a truck with red lights and hits Cars of women alone and once...

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