Whatsapp messages say Mumbai is on high alert. Is this true?

Messages that there is a threat to Mumbai's local trains due to terrorist activities are doing rounds on social media. Find out if it's really true.

Did you receive a message on Whatsapp about terrorists entering Mumbai and that the city is on high alert? Well, news that Mumbai local trains are on a high alert has been doing rounds since morning and people are panicking over it without even confirming the news. Thankfully, the Mumbai Police posted a tweet to confirm that it is just a rumour and that there is no threat to the local trains.

This is what the Mumbai Police tweeted from their official Twitter account:

Rumour Alert- Please do not believe in rumours about a threat to the local trains. Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 21, 2016

Do not just randomly believe and spread messages that cause panic and might not be true. Next time you receive such messages, keep this four tips in mind to avoid spreading rumours:

• Confirm the news first before you blindly fall for it. Check out the Mumbai Police or any concerned city's website to see if they have officially put out any news.
• Browse social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook and find the verified accounts (the ones that have a blue tick) of the police department. Check if they have put up anything. If not, then send them a message to confirm the news or post it on their timeline.
• If you are on the receiving end of any such messages, ask the person how he/she knows that this is true. If the person is relying on the individual who sent him the message, you would probably want to do one of the things mentioned above to confirm the news before you spread it.
• The most important thing is to ask people to stop spreading such rumours if they are not sure about it. For example, if you came across a tweet like the one above, take a screenshot and send it to the person you got the forward from. It's not a right thing to do, spreading panic and false rumours.

While it's true that you need to be prepared for the worst, it's not wise to spread fear and rumours. Make the best of social media, don't misuse it. Be smart, responsible and stay safe. Share this post with everyone you know to stop spreading rumours and be a responsible citizen.

Image Source: Shutterstock

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