ORGANISED crime gangs are employing social media experts to help them with cyber scams.

Det Sgt Jon Lee said the social media gurus were now a vital part of some gangs, working alongside crooked lawyers, accountants and other professionals.

The detective, who leads Wiltshire Police’s anti-fraud team, said: “They will be expert in using social media to mine data.”

“They will use those personal details or they will sell those details to a third party.”

An explosion in social media and use of the internet has led to people giving out their personal details more freely than they would in the street.

The National Crime Agency has warned of social media scams where criminals target those who have contacted their banks over social media. Once they know someone's name and their bank, they are able to use those details to help develop a profile that can be used in other frauds.

This summer Wiltshire Police launched a new unit aimed at tackling cyber criminals targeting computer systems and data.

Det Insp Gemma Vinton, who leads the digital investigations and intelligence unit, said: "People really need to consider what information they’re giving out on any website or through any form of contact online.

"If something seems too good to be true it probably is."

She stressed that cyber crimes were not victimless: "There are people who are victims on the end of these crimes. There are people who feel vulnerable and unsafe in their homes as a result."