MONROE, N.C. — NBC Charlotte saw an alarming post on a Facebook page out of Monroe this week and took it straight to police.
The story goes into specific and scary details of a stranger sneaking into the backseat of a woman's car. However, neither the Union County Sheriff's Office nor Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police has any records of this type of incident.
"There are those that are going to see it and think there is actual validity to it," said Tony Underwood with the sheriff's office.
The story spreading without confirmation of an actual incident instead stirs up unnecessary fear. In fact, the post is getting hundreds of interactions through shares, likes and people tagging loved ones as a warning.
"When you post something that is that specific, it sounds as though it is an actual event without any confirmation of where or when it happened and no agencies reporting this," Underwood said.
We reached out to a person who shared the story on Facebook and their response was in part, "No idea when or where. Some people have said a post like this has been going around for years."
So rest assured, this time, this story did not happen in Mecklenburg or Union County.
"Thankfully, this story is not active, not something that we are aware of happening in this community," Underwood said. "I've been in law enforcement for 30 years, and I haven't heard of it happening anywhere. Not saying it couldn't happen and certainly hope that it doesn't."
Of course, always remain aware of your surroundings. Lock your vehicle when you are pumping gas, and hide all valuables.