A mum is warning other parents after a stranger tried to get her 17-year-old daughter to send photos of herself in her underwear by promising her free clothes in an apparent scam.
Clare Reoch's daughter Alicia was contacted by a stranger through the Snapchat app, who claimed to be starting a clothing company.
Over a series of messages, someone who claimed to be called Chelsea offered Alicia free clothes and asked her to give details about her size.
The messages soon became distributing, with the 17-year-old being asked to send photos of herself in her underwear so the clothes could be 'tailor made'.
Alicia, who was already suspicious that the messages weren't legitimate, ignored the request for photos and deleted the chat.
But mum-of-six Clare is concerned that other young people might be taken in by the messages, and is urging parents to talk to their children about it.
Read more of today's stories here
Clare, from Cheadle Hulme, told the M.E.N: "It's absolutely terrifying. What they have written and the way they have gone about it is vile.
"It makes your skin crawl.
"My daughter is very open with me and she showed me the messages, and they are just so blatant.
WARNING: Some readers may find the messages upsetting
"They move with the times, so it's about educating people. Parents need to speak to their children about it and get them talking about it".
Clare has reported the messages to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command of the UK's National Crime Agency.
She also shared photos of the chat on Facebook, to help warn other parents.
In the post, she wrote: "I doubt she has a clothing company and I really doubt her name is Chelsea.
"Please read these it’s on Alicia’s snapchat. Please share and make girls aware of how they operate.
"Just wanted to make everyone aware Alicia is 17 and very clever, she knows all about keeping safe on social media.
"I’m sharing this as I know some children and young adults are vulnerable.
"I have reported it to severe services. Unfortunately it’s about educating everyone as these monsters change up strategies and manipulate to get what they want.
"Show your children this post. Talk about it let them know they can come to you about anything.
"Childline have some great advice for online safety as do o2 the phone company. Thank you so much for sharing and making others aware."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.
