Death of Pennsylvania Father Resurfaces in Fargo-Moorhead Area as a Scam
A disturbing social media post is gaining traction in the Fargo-Moorhead area, sparking concern and confusion across the Red River Valley. The post, shared on the popular Fargo-Moorhead SALES AND MORE Facebook page, falsely claims that a local man, Brian Posch, has gone missing under alarming circumstances. However, this post is not only misleading but also a scam, exploiting a real tragedy that occurred earlier this year.
The False Post and Its Origins
The alarming post reads: “HELP FIND HIM – 36-year-old Brian Posch went missing yesterday morning here in #Moorhead. His truck was found last night with his baby girl inside but unfortunately, there is still no sign of him. He is 5/9″ and 165 lbs. A silver alert has been issued for Keith who is considered to possibly be in EXTREME danger and in need of medical assistance. We are asking for the community’s help. ONLY TAKES 2 SECONDS to share…”
At first glance, the post appears genuine, but there are glaring inconsistencies. The most notable is the change in the name from Brian to Keith within the same post. Moreover, this post seems to reference a real-life incident from April 2024 in Pennsylvania, where 36-year-old Brian Posch was reported missing. Tragically, he was found dead four days later, inside his truck, which was submerged in a river. A GoFundMe page from that time reveals that Brian left behind his wife, Alanna, and their 1-year-old daughter, Mila.
A Recurring Problem in the Area
This isn’t the first time the Fargo-Moorhead community has been targeted by such scams. In June, a fake post circulated on social media, falsely claiming that a child had been brought to the Fargo Police station, and authorities were searching for the parents. A similar scam appeared in July, with a post about a lost child in Moorhead. The Moorhead Police Department later confirmed that this, too, was a hoax.
These incidents highlight a troubling trend where scammers use social media to spread false information, often exploiting real tragedies to manipulate emotions and drive engagement.
How to Protect Yourself from Social Media Scams
Experts advise that before sharing any alarming posts on social media, it’s crucial to verify the information. Look for credible sources and check for inconsistencies, such as changing names or unclear details. If something seems off, it likely is.
Additionally, reporting scams directly to Facebook can help prevent these false posts from spreading further and causing unnecessary panic or distress within the community.
As scams like these continue to surface, it’s essential to remain vigilant and to rely on trusted sources for information. Always exercise caution when interacting with unverified posts on social media.
