Warning after Hampshire teen's Snapchat account hacked
The 15 year old girl's account was taken over by hackers.
Criminals used the victim's account to send messages to her contacts and friends encouraging them to harm themselves.
They have then demanded money from the victim so she can regain control of the account.
Hampshire Constabulary's Cyber Crime Team is urging people to be vigilant.
Detective Inspector Paul Masters said:
"Although this particular incident affected someone in the Southampton area, this is just one of a series of reports of this same type of fraud being committed throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."
"In this case, the victim has done the right thing by refusing to pay anything and by contacting all her friends to let them know individually to ignore the messages from her Snapchat.
"But we need to alert the general public - in particular young people and their parents - to be on their guard and to follow some simple advice."
TIPS TO STAY SAFE
DI Masters added:
"If you have had something similar happen to one of your accounts, you can report it online to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or at risk from harm, dial 999.".