Nourishing Norfolk Network warns over scam social media posts

Norfolk Trading Standards said social media posts asking for help could be difficult to verify

People have been warned by a community group not to be duped by social media posts asking for urgent donations of baby milk formula, nappies and food.

The Nourishing Norfolk Network said it had spotted some worrying online posts claiming to be from those fleeing domestic abuse.

But co-ordinator Billie Lawler cautioned: "Sometimes the wording doesn't quite seem to hold true."

Norfolk Trading Standards said such posts "can be difficult to verify".

In a statement, it said: "Unfortunately, scammers use a number of tools in their attempts to exploit people.

"This can include using social media platforms to send posts asking for items to support those in need or appearing to be fundraising for charitable causes.

"We know scammers will often create a sense of urgency to take action so people can feel persuaded to contribute quickly and feel they don't have time to check the story."

Ms Lawler, who is Norfolk Community Foundation's co-ordinator for the Nourishing Norfolk Network, said anyone in genuine need of food and help would never be turned away from its food hubs, dotted around the county.

She said she feared it would make members of the public less likely to support bona fide causes.

Speaking about the suspicious posts, she said: "You hope that the person, if they are genuine, are going to get the help they need.

"Then there's that frustration that if this isn't genuine, then some lovely people are going to be scammed out of money here, which is heart-breaking."

Help offered

The Nourishing Norfolk Network runs a membership scheme to offer affordable, healthy food as well as some free items.

Although identification was normally required, Ms Lawler said the network "would never turn our back on someone who has the bravery to walk across the threshold to reach out for help".

"If they were to tell us that they had fled domestic violence - as in this story - we would take that at face value.

"Any type of help, support and advice that we can offer is given through the food hubs."

Norfolk Trading Standards advised that people looking to help others online avoid making donations via bank or money transfer services, not to buy gift cards to share the codes, and instead point anyone in need to a relevant local charity or organisation.