A police officer has posted a warning about 999 myths being shared on social media.
PC Adam Pace advised Twitter followers that they should never believe or share the myths, as they are ‘putting people in danger' if they believe them.
His tweet reads: “Here is another viral post about calling 112. NEVER believe or share 999 myths on social media. You are putting people in danger who believe them.
“Ask yourself; why is a random person on Facebook, writing public service messages [?]”
The Response Officer for Nottinghamshire Police then gives an example of one of these messages, which encourages users to let their friends know about 112.
The message falsely advises that calling 112 on your mobile will take you straight to the police – even if you have no signal.
112 is in fact a genuine emergency number, which provides the same purpose as 999.
The only difference is that 112 works throughout the EU.
Calls to both 999 and 112 can work when you have no signal – but only IF they can hijack another network.
This is what the ‘emergency calls only’ message means on some phones.
Messages to look out for
Leicestershire Live found different versions of the message circulating the area on Facebook.
These include: “Did you know you can dial 112 instead of 999, you will be put through to someone more local and if phoning from a mobile they can locate you to within 6m!”
Another reads: “Did you know you can dial 112 instead of 999 from a mobile phone (UK) if there is no reception where you are? It even works without a SIM card.”
Other fake messages include myths that ‘112 tracks your location’, or that ‘112 sends police officers even if you don’t speak’.
It is a common misconception that the police will always attend a silent emergency call.
However this is one myth that has a shred of truth to it – as according to official police sources , the call will be put through if suspicious noises are heard in the background.
In this case the caller may also be asked to press 55 to put the call to the police.
The scams you need to know about
What to do if you see one
The police advise that people treat unofficial advice in messages like these with suspicion.
PC Pace told Leicestershire Live: “Please be sceptical about 999 advice from unofficial sources on social media.
“If you share or re-tweet this information, you are potentially putting people in danger.
“If in doubt, you can fact check on the internet and look for advice from your local police force.”
