Serial killer in Daytona Beach? Police say it's a hoax that was spread through social media

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Daytona Beach Police say no serial killer is roaming the streets. However, for a brief time, many thought it was cause for alarm.

‘Hoax’ stemmed from a Facebook post, police say

What we know:

Daytona Beach Police have confirmed there is no serial killer in the area, debunking a Facebook post that warned of a suspect going door-to-door, claiming to be homeless, and then attacking people. Police have stated the post is a hoax and clarified that the information circulating online is false. Other police departments, including Pembroke Pines, have also addressed similar fake reports.

What we don't know:

Details about who started the fake post or why it spread so widely remain unclear. There’s no information about whether similar hoaxes are being planned or will appear in the future.

The backstory:

This incident follows a growing trend of fake reports circulating on social media. In recent weeks, Sanford Police also had to address a fraudulent report that used their name and badge to trick people into thinking someone had been robbed. The scammer attempted to convince the victim to provide money for stolen items, preying on their kindness.

"Person who sent it was kind of saying, ‘Hey, I was victimized. Here is a media release where it said my purse, my phone was stolen. Can you give me some money to replace my things?’ I am assuming they were trying to prey on that person’s kindness," said Michael Hernandez of the Sanford Police Department.

What they're saying:

Law enforcement officials, including Hernandez, expressed concern about the negative impact these hoaxes have on public safety. Thankfully, the potential victim reached out to verify it and quickly learned it was a scam and didn’t send a dime.

"It’s definitely concerning because the first thing is you want people to feel safe," said Hernandez. 

He and other police officers urge people to verify information before reacting or sharing it. They also advise paying attention to discrepancies in reports, such as mismatched names or inconsistent dates, which could indicate a scam.

Often there are clues to let you know someone might be trying to scam you, Hernandez explained.

"One part of the media release they had Sanford and a different part had Stanford," said Hernandez, "Also, the date at one point said 2025, but at a different point it’s 2024. So again, the mistakes start adding up."

Timeline:

The hoax about the serial killer emerged recently but was quickly addressed by Daytona Beach Police. The Sanford Police fraud report was reported earlier this month. Law enforcement is holding an event on Friday at the Dr. Velma Williams West Community Center at 10 a.m., where residents can learn more about protecting themselves from scams and misinformation.

Why you should care:

Misinformation, particularly regarding public safety, can create unnecessary fear and panic. By learning how to recognize scams and hoaxes, residents can help prevent the spread of false information and protect themselves from being tricked. Additionally, the upcoming event provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about safeguarding themselves against scams.

Big picture view:

This issue underscores the challenges local law enforcement faces in combating misinformation, especially in a time when social media can amplify false claims rapidly. Officials are emphasizing the need for vigilance when it comes to things you read online. The public’s trust in safety can be easily shaken by such hoaxes, making it important for authorities to address these incidents quickly.

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