Fake news warning over stories claiming attacks on women in town
Police have issued a warning to social media users after a fake news scam circulated online about attacks on women in a town.
Dyfed Powys Police said they have seen an article posted on Facebook that claims attacks on women over 55 in Knighton had prompted the force to encourage women to carry a new safety device.
However, the police have now said the incident contained in the article did not happen, and the post is purely designed to sell safety alarms.
Within the story it states that Emily Jones, 58, was walking to her car after a shopping trip in Knighton and was approached by a man who tried to take her bag away.
It goes on to say the women remembered she had an alarm and pulled it, which then let out a loud noise and scared off the man.
The article, which was post by 'safelifealliance', also states that in March police reported a dramatic increase in attacks in Knighton, with women suffering serious injuries. It then offered the alarm for half price.
The article prompted police to warn people that no such attacks have occurred, and urge people not to click on links highlighting similar safety products.
A spokeswoman for the force said: "Please be aware that if these news stories pop up in your newsfeed, they are a scam. No such incident has occurred in Knighton, Powys, so please do not be alarmed.
“Also, don’t be tempted to click on the links to the highlighted safety products. Protect your personal details online; stay safe and secure.
“If you have been scammed, or would like advice on how to stay safe, call us on 101, email contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or get more information from Action Fraud and Get Safe Online.”
