Hoax missing boy post uses picture of animal rescue volunteer in Philippines

Posts claiming that a photograph shows a five-year-old boy who has gone missing after leaving home on his bike have been shared in Facebook groups. But these appeals for information are hoaxes. 

Full Fact has seen examples of these posts in community buy and sell groups in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, and Lethbridge, Canada.  

The posts both use exactly the same text which says: “Help!!! MISSING Child!! #Gawler

My grandson Josh only 5years old went out on his bike earlier today and he still hasn’t returned.He doesn’t know where he’s going, new surroundings.There is a silver alert activated on him. Please help bump this post so we can get him home safely!! [sic]” 

We have written before about posts shared thousands of times on Facebook which used almost…