Profile pictures: Rather safe than sorry
Could lead to kidnapping and other crimes.
With child kidnappings almost becoming a pandemic in South Africa, multiple warnings are being circulated on social media regarding the use of profile pictures.
Many of the warnings claim that the instruction came from the police and though this could not be verified, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2018/03/22/mec-speaks-out-on-kidnappingsmec-shocked-by-kidnapping-incidents-web/
People are warned not to use pictures of themselves, their children or grandchildren as profile pictures on their social media accounts. This could lead to a variety of crimes, of which the kidnapping of children is the main concern. Criminals or potential sexual predators can use these photos, and mine the data on profiles (such as where you live, work etc.) to create a ‘profile’ of you to track down you or your children. It is also advised that you do not post pictures of your children (especially not in their school uniforms) on platforms such as Facebook, no matter how tempting it might be to celebrate your child’s first day at school, or whatever the case may be.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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