Problem with paranoia, thinking I see people I know

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I've been having this issue over the past few years and it hadn't really come up before. Usually in public places, hallways, etc, I see people that somewhat resemble friends or acquaintances of mine, and I get nervous because they probably aren't expecting to see me at that particular location and at that time. However, upon closer inspection it turns out that they are different people that only slightly resemble those whom I know. Sometimes it's a problem and a few times I've accidentally said "Hey" to people whom I don't know. I think it's because I'm overly paranoid at times, but I'm not sure. Has anyone else had similar issues?

How's your face recognition?

I hardly have any trouble recognizing faces of people that I do know or have seen, but I feel like the false "clues" from people who just slightly resemble these people tend to mislead me too much and it makes me nervous.

I get that to some degree, but it's because I often panic when I see certain people I know and will have to have an awkward conversation with them, or try and avoid them and escape, so sometimes I'll think I see someone and my heart jumps but they turn out to look nothing like the person.

this is why i detest living in a small midwestern town. you can't go anywhere without running into people you work with, rent from, are neighbors with, etc. and they all know each other and they're all conversing in Wal Mart because it's the only store they know, and you have to hear all these incessant conversations full of empty textbook platitudes "how are you/i'm good/how are you/i'm good how are you". it makes going out difficult especially when they've made you into a pariah to begin with. i have to shop in the next small city over just to do groceries. i adore my anonymity.