The family of little Ruby Young are warning supporters to be wary after discovering a fraudster posing on social media as the toddler’s mum.

A woman, believed to be from Dublin, set up an account on Instagram posing as Vikki Young, and has been posting pictures of two-year-old Ruby.

The family are trying to raise £500,000 for Ruby to go to America and receive life-saving treatment for the aggressive cancer which currently grips her.

A supporter messaged the Help Ruby Laura Smash Cancer Facebook page to alert them to this woman, who has allegedly also posed as other people in the past – including other parents of very ill children.

“We do not know their motives, but it is upsetting, and the whole thing is very creepy" - Karen Barnes

Ruby’s gran Karen Barnes has alerted the police and said: “Police are investigating and hopefully the account will be closed down and the person responsible tracked down very quickly.

“We do not know their motives, but it is upsetting, and the whole thing is very creepy.”

Family friend and fundraising co-ordinator Anita Marinelli added: “Just to be clear, we do not use Instagram for Ruby, and we have no plans to in the future either.

“Our social media campaign is over Facebook and Twitter. It may be that people who are supporting us will post things on Instagram from their own accounts, but nothing from us will come from there.”

Vikki and dad Rob got bad news last week as Ruby’s treatment has not been as effective as they hoped.

This week the family will be meeting with consultants to discuss what else can be done to help Ruby, under the restrictions of what the NHS can provide.

Vikki said it is becoming more crucial to raise this money and take her little girl to the States.

To help, visit the JustGiving page or text RLYJ88 and the amount you wish to give to 70070.

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