In a deeply distressing turn of events, scammers are exploiting the funerals of three young girls who tragically lost their lives in the Southport stabbings. As the community mourns, cybercriminals are preying on their grief, offering fake livestream links to the funerals in exchange for donations.
The latest scam targets the funeral of Bebe King, 6, who was one of the victims of a brutal knife attack that also claimed the lives of Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9. The incident, which shocked the seaside town last month, occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance party. The accused, Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
As the community prepared to pay their respects to Bebe King, police discovered fraudulent social media accounts circulating phony links to her funeral service, scamming mourners by requesting donations. With Elsie Dot’s funeral scheduled for Friday morning at St John’s Church in Birkdale, Merseyside Police have issued an urgent warning to prevent further exploitation.
Police Warning and Cyber Safety Advice
Detective Inspector Steve Frame from Merseyside Police condemned the scammers, stating, “To take advantage of such a tragic incident is appalling. We want to give people advice on how to avoid being scammed.”
The police advise:
- Be cautious of unsolicited links: Avoid clicking on links in unexpected emails, texts, or social media posts, especially those offering to livestream funerals for donations.
- Verify the source: Use known email addresses or phone numbers, such as those found on official websites or the back of your bank card, to confirm the legitimacy of a message or call.
- Beware of spoofing: Scammers often fake email addresses and phone numbers. Do not rely on these as proof of authenticity.
Elsie’s Special Day
Elsie Dot’s funeral, described as “Elsie’s special day,” is expected to be a poignant event. Mourners will line the streets in bright colors as the cortege passes by Farnborough Road School, where Elsie was a pupil.
Elsie’s father, speaking to his colleagues at Royal Mail, shared his grief, describing his daughter as “the most polite young girl you could ever meet,” who “lit up every room she entered.” The family encourages the Southport community to come out in support, offering Elsie the best possible celebration of her short but impactful life.
A Community United in Grief
This funeral is the third and final one for the young victims of the horrific attack. The tragedy has left a deep scar on the Southport community, with even King Charles breaking from his summer holiday to visit the town. His Majesty met with survivors, families, and visited a memorial garden filled with flowers, teddies, and balloons—a testament to the community’s collective sorrow and solidarity.
As Southport prepares to say its final goodbyes, the police continue to urge vigilance, ensuring that the grieving community isn’t further victimized during this painful time.