Children on Facebook targeted by fake modelling agencies encouraging them to pose in underwear

Leicestershire Police have warned a number of false Facebook profiles appear to have been set up posing as modelling agencies

Parents and children were alerted today to a Facebook scam involving fake modelling agencies.

Leicestershire Police said the scam, using a number of social networking sites, appears to involve the fake agencies encouraging children to pose in their underwear.

The force said it seemed a number of false Facebook profiles had been set up posing as modelling agencies, even using agency logos to appear genuine.

They then contact children via email asking them if they are interested in modelling.

After a series of emails, the children are pressurised into sending photographs of themselves in their underwear.

The force said it was investigating reports from concerned parents.

The modelling agencies appear to be Leicester-based, the force said. The most recent used is the Pat Keeling Modelling Agency, a spokesman added.

Police are working with Facebook for this particular site to be removed but new sites may continue to be set up.

Pat Keeling Modelling Agency does not have a Facebook site, and has pointed this out on its own genuine website.

Pat Keeling today said: 'We would never approach people we do not know, people approach us.

'We do not use social networking sites to contact people.

'If someone is interested in modelling then they should visit a reputable modelling agency and have a face to face chat.'

Detective Sergeant Ed Jones, from Leicestershire Police's paedophile and online investigation team, said: 'Do not be fooled by these emails, a reputable modelling agency would never approach you in this way.

'Do not post pictures online of yourself posing in your underwear and if you are under 18 these photographs may be indecent under UK Law.

'You have no control when posting photos on the internet where they may end up and they could appear on the internet forever.

'If you do find yourself in a situation of this nature online you can use the CEOP Report Abuse Button which in now available as an app on Facebook or contact police.'

He said the website www.thinkuknow.co.uk also has more information and advice for anyone concerned by the sites.