Staying Safe Online

The internet plays a major role in our daily lives, from shopping, banking and socialising to accessing information and keeping in touch with family and friends. While the digital world offers many benefits, it also presents opportunities for criminals who are constantly developing new ways to target individuals, families and businesses online.

Cyber criminals do not just target large organisations. Everyday internet users can become victims of online fraud, phishing emails, text message scams, fake websites, social media fraud, account hacking and identity theft. Criminals often exploit trusted brands, retailers, delivery companies and financial institutions to convince people to disclose personal information or make payments.

Children and young people can also face online risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, online grooming, cyberbullying, gaming scams and attempts to obtain personal information. As technology continues to evolve, regular conversations about online safety are becoming increasingly important within families.

Many online scams are designed to create a sense of urgency, encouraging victims to act quickly without checking whether a message, website or request is genuine. Fraudsters may send emails claiming there is a problem with your bank account, text messages about missed deliveries, or advertisements for heavily discounted products that never arrive.

The good news is that a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. By taking time to verify requests, protecting personal information and staying alert to suspicious activity, residents can enjoy the benefits of being online while helping to keep themselves and their families safe.

Neighbourhood policing teams continue to work with partner agencies to raise awareness of cyber crime and online fraud. Reporting suspicious activity and sharing crime prevention advice with family, friends and neighbours can help prevent others from becoming victims.

Crime Prevention Advice

✅ Use strong, unique passwords for every online account and avoid reusing the same password across multiple websites.

✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to provide an extra layer of security.

✅ Verify websites before making purchases and look for secure payment methods.

✅ Be cautious of unexpected emails, text messages or social media messages asking for personal or financial information.

✅ Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders.

✅ Keep devices, apps and antivirus software updated to protect against the latest security threats.

✅ Check privacy settings on social media accounts and limit the amount of personal information shared online.

✅ Discuss online safety regularly with children and encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable.

✅ Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media marketplaces and unfamiliar websites.

✅ Report suspicious emails, messages and online fraud attempts to the relevant platform, your bank or Action Fraud.

Remember

Stop. Think. Check.

Criminals rely on people acting quickly. Taking a moment to verify a message, website or request before responding can help protect your money, personal information and online accounts. Staying informed and practising good online security habits is the best defence against cyber crime.