Facebook is billed as the place to share and connect, and would-be refugees are using it as a tool to flee war in the Middle East. They utilize social media to help them find people smugglers through a whole host of information services available online to allow users to research prices, fees, bribing costs as well as dangers of various routes.

Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Viber are also useful when contacting smugglers, friends and families. Then there are GPS tracking devices and maps all at their finger tips – ideal when navigating their way to the nearest border crossing.

Impertinent ads are being posted while Facebook pages urge the desperate to make their way to the Turkish coastal region of basmane, the informal headquarters for traffickers.