A MAN is raising awareness of the dangers of ‘catfishing’ after finding his photos were being used to lure in women on fake social media accounts.

Jack Goldring, from East Mersea, believes the same person has been using his name and photos on various dating websites for more than a year.

The interloper has now set up a Facebook account using Jack’s name and photos.

The 24-year-old, who is in remission from cancer, has contacted the police a number of times, saying it has been reported as harassment.

He said it is something which is becoming more common and wants others to be aware of the dangers.

He said: “This person was using my photos on gay websites, Tinder and Plenty of Fish.

“He was using the name Brodie at first, and was using my photo. It has always been other people who got in contact with me.

“A lady who moved to Colchester joined the gym and was speaking to a friend about a guy she was talking to, called Brodie. She had been speaking to this guy for hours on the phone at night.

“ She showed her a photo and the girl told her it was actually me.

“She got in touch with me and we called the police.”

As no crimes have been committed, it has been hard for police to take action.

However the most recent incident prompted Jack to call the police again.

He said: “Another girl came forward on Sunday, she said she had been speaking to this guy on the phone.

“It’s really worrying, he’s started using my name now. It’s stealing my identity and it’s so frustrating.

“I don’t know what he is saying to these people, it must be a very sad and lonely person. He will never be able to actually meet these people as it’s not him.”

The culprit made a fake Facebook profile, saying he was from Ipswich and worked in Marks and Spencer.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed they were looking into the incident.

They said: “We received a report detailing the harassment of a man in his 20s. We carried out a thorough investigation and, due to a lack of evidence the case was filed.

“This incident will be reviewed if further information becomes available.”