London: Police in UK have warned parents and children of a Facebook scam involving fake modelling agencies that encourage kids to pose in underwear.
Leicestershire Police said the scam, using a number of social networking sites, appears to involve a number of false Facebook profiles posing as modelling agencies, even using agency logos to appear genuine, reports a daily.
They then contact children via email asking them if they are interested in modelling.
After a series of emails, the children are pressurised into sending photographs of themselves in their underwear.
The modelling agencies appear to be Leicester-based, the force said. The most recent used is the Pat Keeling Modelling Agency, a spokesman added.
However, Pat Keeling Modelling Agency does not have a Facebook site, and has pointed this out on its own genuine website.
"We would never approach people we do not know, people approach us.
``We do not use social networking sites to contact people. If someone is interested in modelling then they should visit a reputable modelling agency and have a face to face chat," said Pat Keeling.
Detective Sergeant Ed Jones, from Leicestershire Police’s paedophile and online investigation team, said, "Do not be fooled by these emails, a reputable modelling agency would never approach you in this way."
"Do not post pictures online of yourself posing in your underwear and if you are under 18 these photographs may be indecent under UK Law.
"You have no control when posting photos on the Internet where they may end up and they could appear on the Internet forever," he said.
ANI
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.