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Scams & online safety
Spot scams, stay safe, and know what to do if something goes wrong. 26 guides in 4 sections.
Download the Scams & online safety handbook (PDF)
Caught out? What to do next
I think my account has been hackedIf you think an account has been hacked, act quickly but calmly.A pop-up says my computer has a virusA pop-up saying your computer has a virus, often with loud noises and a phone number, is almost always a scam.What to do if you clicked a bad linkIt happens to nearly everyone at some point.What to do if you gave away your card detailsIf you have typed your card number into a fake site or read it out to a scammer, you can act quickly to limit the harm.What to do if you gave away a passwordIf you have shared a password with a scammer or typed it into a fake page, the fix is simple: change it quickly.Recovering a hacked social media accountFinding your Facebook, Instagram or other social media account has been taken over is upsetting.
Spotting scams
How to spot a scam email, text or callScammers pretend to be banks, delivery firms, the tax office or people you know.Fake delivery texts: Royal Mail, DPD and EvriMany people get a text saying a parcel is waiting and a small fee is due.The fake bank call and the 'safe account' scamSomeone rings, says they are from your bank or the police, and tells you your money is in danger.HMRC, TV licence, Amazon and PayPal scamsScammers like to pretend to be big names that most of us deal with.Romance and investment scamsThese scams are slow and patient.Remote access scams and tech-support cold callsA caller says they are from Microsoft, your broadband provider or "tech support" and that your computer has a problem.Fake QR code scamsQR codes are those square black and white patterns you scan with your phone camera.WhatsApp scams: 'Hi Mum' and account takeoverWhatsApp is a handy way to keep in touch, which is why scammers use it too.Buying and selling safely on Facebook Marketplace, Vinted and eBayOnline marketplaces are a great way to find a bargain or clear out your home.
Passwords & account protection
How to create a strong passwordA strong password is long, unique and hard to guess.How to turn on two-step sign-inTwo-step sign-in (also called two-factor or 2-step verification) asks for a second proof that it is really you, usually a code, as well as your password.Has your email been in a data breach? Using Have I Been PwnedSometimes a company is hacked and customer details are leaked.Securing your Facebook and Instagram accountsFacebook and Instagram are the platforms where we see the most hacked accounts.
Safe browsing & protection
Staying safe onlineStaying safe online mostly comes down to a few good habits.How to check whether a website is realFake websites can look just like the real thing, so it helps to have a few simple checks.Do you need antivirus beyond Windows Security?Many people are told they must buy extra antivirus software.Ransomware basics and why backups matterRansomware is a type of harmful software that locks your files and demands money to unlock them.Staying safe on public Wi-FiFree Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, trains and libraries is handy.Shopping online safelyShopping online is convenient and, with a few habits, very safe.Keeping an older relative safe online: how to start the conversationIf you are worried about a parent, grandparent or friend falling for scams, it is natural to want to help.
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