Social media users warned of Southport attack funeral scams
Scammers have been setting up social media accounts to offer fake live streams of funerals in exchange for donations.
People are being warned of online scams in which people are offering fake live streams of the funerals of the Southport attack victims, in exchange for donations.
Merseyside Police have issued the warning, claiming they are aware of a number of accounts in Facebook that provided a fake link to a 'live stream' of Bebe King's funeral at the weekend. There was also a link to a donations page
Detective Inspector Steve Frame said: “We are aware of social media accounts offering people the chance to view live streams of funerals in exchange for donations.
“To take advantage of such a tragic incident is appalling and we want to give people advice on how to avoid being scammed.
“Many frauds start by tricking people into entering their details into an apparently legitimate site. Take care when accessing websites, particularly those promoted by social media accounts they may not be what they appear to be.”
Police have now issued advice to the public, advising them not to automatically clink on links on unexpected social media posts, and to not use email addresses or phone numbers to prove that a message or call is authentic.
The final funeral of the three girls is set to take place on Friday morning. A service for Elsie Dot Stancombe - who was 7 - will take place at St John's Church in Birkdale.