POLICE have warned residents to take care when using social media amid a growing number of reports of scam messages in North Wales.
Earlier today (August 17), a reader contacted the Journal saying they had encountered two such posts on Rhyl-based Facebook groups, both regarding missing people.
The reader said: “I messaged one of the people doing this (scam) to tell them I thought what they were doing was awful.
“I was immediately messaged by them saying that their elderly mother was sick, and could I send 300 US dollars to pay for her care.
"The person's profile said they lived in Zimbabwe, and when I was asked for money, they mentioned a Zimbabwe nursing home."
READ MORE:
Suspended sentence for Conwy man who racially abused police officers in Rhyl
Prison for Rhyl woman who carried knife in supermarket she stole alcohol from
Rhyl man guilty of drug possession and criminal damage at hotel to pay more than £450
Earlier this month, North Wales Police (NWP) also said in a statement that it was aware of concerns about posts circulating on social media regarding the Wrexham and Caernarfon areas.
NWP said: “Fake posts are being spread in different areas of the force and are without foundation.
“Please be careful what you share on social media if you don't know the source of the information.
“Whilst these platforms can be great communication tools, this is dependent upon the accuracy of what is shared.”
NWP are also highlighting important online safety tips as part of #GetSafeOnline week this week.
For more information, go to: www.getsafeonline.org/personal/article-category/shopping-banking or www.facebook.com/NWPCyberCrime.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here