Police have not warned about chemical-laced facemasks

A message warning citizens about people going door to door and handing out chemical-laced facemasks is being circulated on WhatsApp.

Users claim under the pretext of a new initiative, the masks are doused in chemicals that cause the people to faint. Users said it is the modus operandi of some unscrupulous elements to rob the people. It is being claimed that the message was issued by the police.

FACT CHECK:

The information in the viral message is not true and this is not the first time this misinformation has been shared. This claim has been found to be false in many different countries around the world. It should be noted that the message does not include the town, region, or even country where this scam is supposed to have surfaced.

NewsMeter could not find any evidence that the Telangana police or other police departments have issued such warnings. No news reports of this scam taking place were found either.

NewsMeter contacted the local police for clarification. We received confirmation that the viral message is fake and was not issued by the Telangana police.

It is suggested that citizens check the ID of anyone knocking on doors claiming to be a government employee and not let them into their property if they have concerns.