Gardai urge caution in meeting online acquaintances in person

IN the wake of the recent murders in Sligo, gardai have issued advice to the public in general when speaking with or intending to meet up with persons they have met online.

People should wait until they feel comfortable with an individual before revealing their phone number, place of work or address, they advise.

Get a face picture from the person you intend to meet. Be very cautious of a person who doesn’t share a recent face picture with you, particularly after you have shared yours. If they don’t want to share a face picture, consider asking them to go on a live video call (many apps have this option built in so you don’t have to share your mobile number).

Ask for their social media handles; do you any have friends in common on Instagram or Facebook? Be wary of new accounts with low follower count and few posts.

Let friends know where you’re going – send a text to a trusted friend or in a group chat, include your live location so you can be found if you do need help.

Meet in a public place first. Take you time to chat and feel confident you want to proceed before going somewhere private.

Think before accepting food or drink. Unless you have seen him/her prepare it it’s best not to accept to avoid being spiked.

Trust your instincts – if you think something feels wrong it probably is.

If an emergency unfolds, call 999 or if something happens don’t be embarrassed to report it.