Virginia Kidnapping Rumors Called False by Criminologist and State Police
LYNCHBURG, VA — Amid growing concern sparked by viral videos on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, a Virginia criminologist is urging the public to be cautious about believing social media claims. The alarming rumors allege that dozens of children have been kidnapped across the state, but officials say the panic is not based on facts.
State Police Say Numbers Don’t Support Viral Claims
The Virginia State Police have publicly stated that the number of missing children reported last week was actually 10 below the weekly average for 2025, contradicting online posts suggesting a dramatic increase. (WSET)
Criminologist: ‘No Cults or Mass Kidnapping Rings’
Local criminologist and former police officer Tod Burke says the viral posts are a prime example of how misinformation spreads online.
“Social media can be extremely useful, but it can also be dangerous, particularly when you’re dealing with false reports and misinformation,” Burke said.
He emphasized that while kidnappings do happen, they are extremely rare and most often involve family-related situations rather than abductions by strangers.
“There’s not this big cult going around kidnapping children,” Burke explained. “Do kidnappings occur? Yes. But more than likely, we’re talking about a missing child who will be found unharmed.”
Social Media vs. Reality: How Fear Spreads
Burke also noted that the current number of reports may actually reflect better communication between law enforcement agencies, not an uptick in actual cases. He urged parents to focus on verified sources of information and avoid reacting to unconfirmed viral claims.
The Virginia State Police echoed this, warning residents to verify claims with official sources and refrain from sharing unsubstantiated posts that can cause unnecessary fear and divert law enforcement resources.
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