Alert as fake nurse targets children's groups over Internet

Officers are looking into who is behind the suspected fake profile which has been used to try and join groups on a social media site including the Scouts, and events involving children.

One of the groups – Marchwood Mums – is run by Vicky Mostran who became suspicious when she received a request to join the network.

Vicky, 39, said: “I like to check out who is asking to join. As the administrator of the group I do feel I have some responsibility towards the members although obviously you can’t vet everyone thoroughly.

“We are quite a close-knit group and I didn’t recognise the name. When I looked at the profile there wasn’t much information about who they were and the person didn’t appear to have any friends connected to them.”

Vicky, a mum of two, also searched the image that was attached to the profile on line and found it matched a nurse in America with a different name.

“I knew then it was definitely not right so I reported it to the police. I am not sure how sinister it is as I saw that the person was also trying to befriend businesses and other organisations not connected with children in Marchwood, so I really don’t know what the motive behind this profile is.”

Vicky has issued a warning through her network and it has been taken up by Totton councillor David Harrison who said: “I wanted to publicise it because it is a concern to parents if someone is trying to gain access to a group, particularly if there are children involved. I hope the police discover who is behind this.”

A spokesman for Hampshire police confirmed they were investigating the report.

He said: “Hampshire Constabulary is rigorous in its review and investigation of all reported social media related crime. Hampshire Constabulary continues to encourage anyone who believes they are a victim of any crime relating to social media to contact police.”

Cyber Crime online safety advice is available on the Government's CyberStreet website cyberstreetwise.com/#!/street.