 In modern fiction , the vampire tends to be depicted as a suave , charismatic villain . Despite the general disbelief in vampiric entities , occasional sightings of vampires are reported . Indeed , vampire hunting societies still exist , although they are largely formed for social reasons . Allegations of vampire attacks swept through the African country of Malawi during late 2002 and early 2003 , with mobs stoning one individual to death and attacking at least four others , including Governor Eric <unk> , based on the belief that the government was colluding with vampires . 
