The mother of a missing Stornoway teenager has warned people to avoid a “scam fundraiser” claiming to be helping fund the search for her son.
Aleksandr Benga was last seen at around 8.45am on November 18 near the water wheel on the grounds of Lewis Castle.
His mother, Viktoria, took to social media to reveal a scam fundraiser had been set up in the search for her son - with police also issuing an alert.
She wrote: “Do not send money to anyone for this matter. Please be aware, there is no fundraising for Aleksandr."
The 16-year-old is described by police as 6ft 2in and of slim build with short brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans while carrying a yellow beanie hat with him. Specialist search officers from Aberdeen and Inverness have travelled to the island to assist with the ongoing extensive searches as partner agencies provide support.
Police Scotland said: “We have been made aware of a potential fraudulent fundraising page circulating on social media regarding the search for Aleksandr Benga, who was reported missing from Stornoway last month.
“Aleksandr’s family have not set up any fundraising and we would urge the public to be vigilant with such sites and report anything of concern to us.”
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