A false claim circulating on messaging platforms about a woman being drugged by a business card in Limavady has been debunked, with police and fact-checkers warning such hoaxes can stoke community tensions.

The rumor, shared widely on WhatsApp and social media, alleged that a group of foreign nationals approached a local woman and handed her a card that caused her to lose consciousness. FactCheckNI, a nonprofit fact-checking service, examined the claim and found no credible evidence to support it.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Derry and Strabane branch shared the fact-check on its Facebook page, calling it useful analysis and advice. Officers said much online misinformation is designed to provoke fear or anger, and they encouraged the public to verify information before sharing.

FactCheckNI noted that nearly identical stories about drugged business cards have been in circulation internationally for decades and have repeatedly been found to be false. The inclusion of “foreign nationals” in the current version is particularly concerning, the group said, because unverified allegations can fuel suspicion and hostility toward migrants and minority communities.

Both police and FactCheckNI urged anyone who becomes aware of a serious incident to report it directly to authorities, rather than spread unconfirmed reports. They reminded the public that messages aimed at provoking fear or blaming entire groups should be scrutinized carefully before being believed or passed on.