Paedophiles use Fortnite vouchers to target NI children online

By Chloe St John

Police in Larne are urging parents to talk to their children about internet safety.

It follows reports that a 12 year old boy was added by a stranger on Snapchat - who then offered to pay him £500 worth of Fortnite vouchers in exchange for pictures of himself.

He was offered £100 for his face and more for more graphic images

We're told one picture was sent which was not of a graphic nature and when more was requested, the boy sensed something wasn't right and stopped communicating.

Police say he's since been threatened that he would have his picture posted on Facebook if he didn't continue.

PSNI Larne said:

"Folks. Please please please be careful online. No one will give you money or vouchers if you send them pics. It simply will not happen. There is always an ulterior motive behind it and some creep on the other end looking to exploit you.

To paraphrase an old phrase if its too good to be true it usually is.

Parents its worth while looking into safe online practices and monitoring your kids internet usage and time to ensure they are safe."