Ukrainian refugees desperate to find a safe place to stay in the UK are 'advertising' themselves on social media pages prompting fears that human traffickers will exploit them and 'shop' for victims.
The Record has seen multiple, unregulated Facebook groups where those fleeing war are posting photos of themselves asking for accommodation and offering to cook and clean in the hope they might be 'matched' with a sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
One post seen reads: "I am a 20-year-old student. Calm and shy. I can help with the household chores, cook and go to the market."
Another post, shared by a 16-year-old girl, is asking for a home for her and her mother.
With many men staying in Ukraine to fight, most of those looking for homes are vulnerable women and children, who are even offering their labour such as domestic work in exchange.
Scots can be seen offering rooms in response to posts, and although many people's motives to help refugees are well-intentioned, experts fear these avenues could be the perfect opportunity for human traffickers to strike in disguise.
Charity CARE for Scotland has sent a letter to Nicola Sturgeon urging both the Scottish and UK Governments to put safeguarding checks in place, while encouraging offers of accommodation to be managed through the third sector.
Lauren Agnew, trafficking policy expert at CARE (Christian Action Research and Education), said: “It is heartening to see the generous response from people across Scotland, keen to open up their homes and look after refugees.
"Unfortunately, there are some concerns associated with the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which could be abused by those with malign intentions.
"There is an industry of human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK and criminals will be viewing the influx of Ukrainian refugees as an opportunity to turn a profit. Both governments have a responsibility to act.
"Already, unregulated groups and accounts are springing up on social media. Human traffickers can masquerade on these sites as genuine individuals wanting to help when in reality they are online to ‘shop’ for their next victims to exploit.
"How can Ukrainians know groups or individuals presenting on social media are genuine and safe?"
Along with CARE, Scotland against Modern Slavery and Survivors of Human Trafficking Scotland, have all expressed deep concern that the Homes for Ukrainians Scheme allows refugees to be identified for sponsorship online.
Shan Saba from Scotland against Modern Slavery, which works with businesses to raise awareness of trafficking in the country, described the disturbing trend of Ukrainians 'advertising' themselves online as "absolute madness".
"Those who need accommodation are mostly children and women and these are the people likely to be exploited into forced labour and sex work," he said.
"The survivors we have helped have all experienced being exploited on places online like Gumtree on the false expectation they're applying for a job.
"So I am concerned about these Facebook groups because there lot of people who want to genuinely want to help there will be without a doubt people on these platforms looking to exploit."
Joy Gillespie from Survivors of Human Trafficking Scotland, added: "I'm deeply concerned about the safeguarding of Ukrainian refugees.
"It appears you have to find someone yourself as a sponsor to help through the UK scheme.
"We know in Scotland as a fact that victims are brought here to be exploited on the promise of a better life.
"So many people across the country are being so generous opening up their homes, but I think the Government is putting too much responsibility on them.
"Ukrainians are coming from a traumatic situation and I think a lot of people, although well-intentioned, won't have the skills to be able to deal with that. It's not just a roof over someone's head.
"That will make them even more vulnerable to exploitation if they suddenly don't have accommodation."
The Scottish Government says regulations have now been passed which came into place on March 24, to put in place a safe, fast and free vetting system for those who open their homes to displaced Ukrainians.
These enhanced checks will offer the same level of scrutiny as the initial checks carried out for those working with children and vulnerable adults.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We want Scotland to be a welcoming and safe haven and so ensuring the wellbeing and safety of those arriving from Ukraine, who are overwhelmingly women and children, is critical.
“That is why we have taken action to put in place enhanced disclosure checks for sponsors which will offer the same level of scrutiny as the initial checks carried out for those working with children and vulnerable adults.”
