The Columbus Police Department announced on social media they are not hosting a hide-and-seek for Halloween. A viral AI generated flyer is circulating online inviting residents to meet at the police department for the phony event. “This event is NOT affiliated with #TeamCPD. Please don’t show up expecting a head start.”
The police department joked on their official Facebook page in response to the advertisement. “It’s cute, but no. This is not the type of hide-and-seek we’re hosting… and some of y’all do enough of that already.”
The Columbus Police department said the public is more than welcome to “seek out” Operation Cops & Treats on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at their headquarters (510 10th Street). “We’ll have candy, food, music and plenty of fun!”
The AI flyer advertising the fake event has targeted multiple law enforcement agencies in multiple states. Those agencies have also debunked the invitation.
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