'No credible evidence' to support viral Limavady 'drugging' social media claim as police urge people to 'think before you share'
Police in Derry and Strabane have urged people to ‘think before you share’ after FactCheck NI found there was ‘no credible evidence to support’ a recent, viral message concerning an alleged drugging in Limavady.
Writing on the Police Derry and Strabane Facebook page, a spokesperson shared a post from FactCheck NI that referred to the message ‘doing the rounds on WhatsApp’.
The message has also been shared around social media.
The post said: “A rumour circulating in Northern Ireland claims that a woman in Limavady was approached by a group of foreign nationals who handed her a business card that caused her to lose consciousness.
“Our latest fact check looked into the claim and found no credible evidence to support it. Similar stories have circulated internationally for years and have repeatedly been found to be false.
“Before sharing alarming messages, take a moment to check the facts. Misinformation can spread quickly and create unnecessary fear in our communities.”
Commenting, the PSNI spokesperson said this was ‘useful analysis and important advice from FactCheckNI.’
They continued: “There is so much misinformation online and some is intended to generate anger or fear in our communities. Think before you share and if you are aware of a serious incident please report to police.
FactCheck NI, which is the first not-for-profit fact-checking and training service in Northern Ireland, noted how similar viral stories ‘have circulated internationally that have used the same story of a drugged business card.’
They added: “Hoaxes focusing on drugged business cards have been doing the rounds for decades at this point. While this version follows a familiar pattern, the reference to the alleged perpetrators as “foreign nationals” is significant. In the absence of verified evidence, such details can contribute to fear, suspicion, and hostility towards migrants and minority communities.”
They continued: “Fear spreads faster than facts. Messages designed to provoke fear or blame entire communities should be checked particularly carefully before being believed or shared.”
You can read the full fact check and guidance on learning how to spot fear-based misinformation before sharing it at www.factcheckni.org and on https://www.facebook.com/factcheckni and follow the Police Derry City and Strabane on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PoliceDerryCityStrabane