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."

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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.