ALAPPUZHA: Gangs exploiting girls by promising to make them a member of the 'fan page' in the name of actors on social media are increasing. Police warn that money and dignity will be lost if not vigilant.

Parents who bought smartphones for their children for online studies are anxious about this. When friendship turns into love, they grab nude pictures and then starts threatening them. A teenager who fell into their trap was caught with the help of the cyber cell in Thrissur. He is a minor from Kollam. It is directed that if anyone comes across such incidents in the district should inform the police authorities immediately.

They track down girls active on social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp and then make them fall into their trap. They will be invited to join the fan clubs of many actors. Will make friends with them and persuade them to send photos. If they refuse to send photos, they will be threatened after morphing their images. Many pictures of girls were recovered from the minor caught. Although no such incidents have been reported in the district so far, police have asked to be vigilant.

Points to be noticed

• Make sure that the mobile phone, laptop and computer given to children for online studies are used only for learning purposes
• Excessive use of social media should be banned
• If private images are shared on Internet, they cannot be retrieved or completely erased
• Parents should know who their children are interacting with on social media
• Service of police to help children. Special counselling is also there