Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, is encouraging people to make sure they know who they are talking to online.

Online criminals set up fake and realistic profiles on social media and dating apps to build relationships with potential victims, often romantic.

The criminals then use this relationship for financial gain. The act of creating a fake online profile is known as ‘catfishing’.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Social media and online dating have grown exponentially in the last decade and they are great tools for communication and building relationships.

“However, there are people out there that will use these platforms for criminal activity and try to con others out of money or persuade someone to meet in person to commit physical and/or sexual crimes.

“I would urge anyone who is using these platforms to communicate with others who they do not know in real life, to make sure that the profile matches the person and to never provide these people with bank details or money.

 

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