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15-year-old Imogen from Melbourne catches paedophiles for a living.

 

Trigger warning: This post deals with the topic of child sex abuse and may be triggering for some readers.

A group of young vigilantes in Melbourne are attempting to uncover paedophiles on dating app Tinder by posing as an underage girl, Fairfax media reports.

Calling their investigation “The Tinder Experiment,” the group has set-up a fake profile on the dating app pretending to be 15-year-old ‘Imogen.’

The group, composed of three people in their early twenties, reportedly recorded conversations where ‘Imogen’ admitted her young age, despite her profile stating she was 18-years-old in order to meet Tinder’s minimum age requirements.

Whilst some men ended their communications with ‘Imogen,’ several still sent explicit messages and expressed a wish to meet with the 15-year-old after she posted a photo saying she was home alone.

The fake Tinder profile of “Imogen”.

 

 

Over the last several weeks, “The Tinder Experiment” have posted a series of secretly filmed videos on YouTube that document encounters with men who chose to meet with ‘Imogen.’

The first video includes two men aged 31 and 43 who were invited to what they believed was ‘Imogen’s’ house.

 

In the videos both men try to kiss ‘Imogen’ before another group member posing as her older brother interrupts them.

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The most recent videos document ‘Imogen’s’ encounter with another older man. The videos show explicit messages sent from the 42-year-old and two meetings in which other group members confront him.

It should be noted that the information provided by the vigilantes has not been independently verified or investigated by police. The men in the video have not had an opportunity to tell their side of the story – or deny the allegations.

Post continues after video:

Fairfax media reports Victoria police are now investigating, following the video uploads.

The members of “The Tinder Experiment”, who are choosing to remain anonymous, said on their social media accounts that they were concerned with drawing attention to inappropriate behaviour on Tinder.

“We want to highlight how easy it is for illegal behaviour to take place via mobile dating apps and how little consequences there is for the offenders,” the group told Fairfax media.

“We don’t think anyone realises just how common it is and how many people are getting away with it.”

Hidden camera captures meeting

There have been concerns expressed over the safety and benefit of the social experiment. Cyber safety consultant Susan McLean told Fairfax Media she wouldn’t recommend others trying the experiment.

“I can see this ending terribly for everyone involved. Yes we need these creeps arrested, but the police do this and they do this very well,” she said.

If this post brings up issues for you, please visit Bravehearts‘ website or call its Information and Support Line on 1800 272 831.

What do you think of The Tinder Experiment?