This year’s theme for Safer Internet Day is ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online’
There are many online scams taking place in the UK which can include misleading websites, emails, phone calls, text messages to name a few.
Romance scams – with valentines day tomorrow, there is likely to be a rise in romance scams. Scammers tend to use social media or apps to manipulate, persuade and exploit people in parting with money. Some signs to look out for if any individual is being scammed include but are not limited to:
Become secretive about their relationship.
Provide excuses for why their online partner has not video called or met them in person.
Withdraw from conversation when you ask questions about their partner.
Express very strong emotions and commitment to someone they have only just met.
Have sent, or are planning to send, money to someone they have not met in person.
Take out loans or withdraw from their pension to send money.
Software scams - Scammers will pretend to be tech support and try to gain remote access to devices. They will make contact saying things like “your computer is infected with a virus”. They will typically make contact randomly various means, pretending to be from a known organisation, such as Microsoft, Apple, or a phone/internet provider.
They misuse common remote access software brands, like: AnyDesk, LogMeIn, and GoToAssist to access computers remotely and gain personal and company information that they can use to exploit and make money. In 2024, a total of £92,558 was lost to this type of scam in West Sussex.
how to spot scam messages or calls
Scammers try to quickly gain trust and aim to pressure people into acting without thinking. If a message or call makes you suspicious, stop, break the contact, and consider the language it uses. Scams often feature one or more of these tell-tale signs:
Authority - Is the message claiming to be from someone official? For example, your bank, doctor, a solicitor, or a government department. Criminals often pretend to be important people or organisations to trick you into doing what they want.
Urgency - Are you told you have a limited time to respond (such as 'within 24 hours' or 'immediately')? Criminals often threaten you with fines or other negative consequences.
Emotion - Does the message make you panic, fearful, hopeful or curious? Criminals often use threatening language, make false claims of support, or tease you into wanting to find out more.
Scarcity - Is the message offering something in short supply, like concert tickets, money or a cure for medical conditions? Fear of missing out on a good deal or opportunity can make you respond quickly.
Current events - Are you expecting to see a message like this? Criminals often exploit current news stories, big events or specific times of year (like tax reporting) to make their scam seem more relevant to you.
how to check if a message is genuine
If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. Don’t use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from their official website. Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal or company information via email, or call and ask you to confirm your bank account details. If you suspect someone is not who they claim to be, hang up and contact the organisation directly. If you have paper statements or a credit card from the organisation, official contact details are often written on them.
online scams training
West Sussex Council are running a free webinar on how to recognise and protect yourself from the most common scams. Learn more about phishing emails and other types of online fraud and receive practical tips and strategies on how to spot the red flags and stay safe in today’s digital world.
You can register by clicking on this link: 22nd April 2025 1-2.30pm
resources and further reading:
Viewing Generative AI and children’s safety in the round | NSPCC Learning
Over three quarters of the UK public want child safety checks on new generative AI products | NSPCC
Foster carers and adoptive parents - UK Safer Internet Centre
Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report internet scams and phishing - GOV.UK