The desperate search for four-year-old Gus Lamont, who vanished in Australia's harsh Outback, has attracted what authorities are calling 'a disturbing new phenomenon' - psychic vultures preying on family and public anxiety.
The Digital Ghouls Circling a Tragedy
Self-proclaimed mediums and psychics have flooded social media platforms with claims of using their 'special gifts' to locate the missing child. These individuals are offering everything from vague visions to specific location details, despite having no connection to the official investigation.
One TikTok user dramatically claimed: 'I'm being shown water and red earth. The boy is near a large rock formation.' Another insisted they'd made 'spiritual contact' with the child. These posts have garnered thousands of views and comments from concerned followers.
Police and Experts Issue Stern Warnings
Law enforcement officials involved in the massive ground and air search have expressed serious concerns about these unsolicited interventions. 'Well-intentioned or not, these claims can dangerously misdirect resources and raise false hopes,' stated Senior Sergeant Michael Thompson, the lead investigator.
Criminologists have described the trend as 'digital ghoulism' - where individuals exploit high-profile tragedies for social media clout. 'These psychics are essentially emotional vampires, feeding off public distress to build their online presence,' explained Dr Eleanor Vance, a psychology professor at Sydney University.
The Devastating Impact on Families
For Gus's family, already enduring unimaginable torment, the psychic circus has added another layer of anguish. 'Every false lead, every cryptic message, rips the wound open again,' revealed a family friend speaking anonymously. 'They're being bombarded with these so-called visions while praying for real news.'
Victim support organisations report increasing cases of families being harassed by spiritualists during crises. Many feel pressured to engage with these offers, fearing they might overlook genuine information.
Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny
Critics are now questioning why major platforms aren't doing more to curb this exploitative content. While most sites have policies against misinformation, enforcement appears inconsistent when it comes to psychic claims.
'These platforms profit from engagement, and dramatic psychic predictions generate significant interaction,' noted digital ethics campaigner Mark Williams. 'There's little incentive for them to police this content effectively.'
As the search for little Gus enters its most critical phase, authorities are pleading with the public to share only credible information through official channels, warning that psychic interference could ultimately jeopardise the child's chance of being found alive.
