Online Safety

Age UK North, South & West Dorset
Units 1&2, 5 Crown Square
Poundbury
DORCHESTER
Dorset
DT1 3EN
United Kingdom

Telephone: 01305 269 444

When using the internet you might be worried about using it safely.

Our guide is designed to give you confidence and keep you safe whilst being online.

Find out more.

Knowing what to look out for

Whether you’re online for the first time, or you’ve been using the internet for years, you can fall victim to a scam. They can be complex and are designed to catch you out. But some of these scams are more common than others. Before you worry about what you can do to stay safe, it’s a good idea to know a bit about the sort of scams you might come across.

Email scams
Scammers send emails to try and get you to give them your personal details. They might either try and direct you to a fake website, claim something’s wrong with an account or device you own or claim you’ve won a prize. Sometimes there might be a file attached to the email. The scammer wants you to open or download this as it could harm your device by releasing or downloading a virus (malware).

You should look out for:
• Errors in the spelling or grammar, or wording that just doesn’t seem quite right.
• Requests for personal information, such as usernames, password or bank details.
• Anything that’s time-sensitive and wants you to act fast

Top tip
Don’t open any attachment or click on any links that you’re suspicious of.

Fake websites
Scammers set up fake websites as a way to get your personal information. This could be a fake banking website where they ask you to update your details or account information, for example. There are also websites set up to get you to pay for free services. These are usually government services, such as renewing your passport.These websites aren’t illegal, but are set up to make you
pay for free services.

Top tip
Don’t fill out any personal details or make any transactions on a website until you’re sure it’s safe. If online banking, always search for the website yourself.

What to do if you fall victim to a scam

Anyone can fall victim to a scam. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about and you shouldn’t hesitate to let someone know if you think you’ve been scammed. But who should you tell?

• You should let the police know first.
• You should then let Action Fraud know online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Provide as many details as possible.
• You might want to talk to a loved one about what’s happened as it can be upsetting.
• If you think the scam has had an effect on your computer, such as a virus, you should talk to a computer technician to get it fixed.

Action Fraud
Tel: 0300 123 2040

Action Fraud Website

How to stay as safe as possible

There are several things you can do to stay as safe as possible online.

• Pause and think. It might seem simple, but it’s one of the best things to do to stay safe. We can all be guilty of doing or clicking things online without thinking. But if you’re at all suspicious of an email or website, then don’t act. Take your time, trust your instincts and get in touch with the organisation directly through their official website or contact number. If it seems dodgy or too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use strong passwords. A strong password is a very effective way to stay safe online. Avoid common words, anything easily guessable (such as ‘password’ or ‘123456’) and don’t include personal information. Websites often have certain criteria for a strong password. It’s important to use different passwords for different accounts and never share them – genuine companies will never ask for your full password.
• Protect your wireless network. Make sure you have a ‘key’ – a type of password – on your wireless network (Wi-FI) so no one else can access it. There should be instructions on how to do this that come with your wireless router.
• Keep your devices safe. You may use your mobile phone or tablet to access the internet. You can install similar software to protect yourself from viruses (companies such as Avast, Kaspersky and Norton offer mobile options) as well as password-protecting your device. It’s also important to keep the operating system of your device – such as Windows or Mac OS – updated as these help keep your device as safe as possible.
• Install software on your computer. Anti-virus software will detect and remove viruses before they can infect your computer. Anti-spyware software will prevent unwanted adverts and pop-ups and can stop anyone tracking your online activity, such as credit card numbers and bank details. You can buy packages online or in a shop from reputable sources such as Norton or McAfee.

General Information

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/

Getting Started

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/getting-online/

Staying Safe Online

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/internet-security/

Managing Your Money Online

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/online-banking/