Personal Information and Money

Being safe using a computer can be difficult. There are lots of different ways you can be tricked and conned out of money. These are called scams.

You can be scammed by:

• Email - these are sometimes called 'phishing' emails
• Websites
• Pop ups
• Online gambling
• Social Media / Instant Messaging

The information on this web page can help keep you safe.

Things you should know

Be careful who you give your personal information to

Never tell anyone your PIN for your bank card. This is a secret number for your bank card.

Do not post pictures online of your bank card, as the information could be used to access your personal bank account.

Emails

Phishing Emails

These are emails from scammers pretending to be real businesses like your bank, which may say your payment has been declined and you need to click on a link to resolve this.

Do not click on the link in the email - check with the business first as they will be able to tell you if the email was really from them. If you are not sure how to check if the email is real, you may need to ask someone to help you.

Remember a bank will never ask you for personal details in an email.

Scam Emails

These are emails which may tell you a sad story and ask for money. Some emails may offer you free gifts or prizes. Beware these may be scams. Do not reply. Delete the message.

Do not open emails from people you do not know. If you do open them, some may ask you for personal information which they may use without you knowing.

Buying things

Think before you buy.

Only use secure shopping websites. This means only buy from a company that you know and trust.

If a gift is free you should not be asked to pay for it.

Talk to your doctor before buying any health goods online or before signing up for medical treatment, like slimming pills.

Online dating

Some people on dating websites may not tell the truth. They may not be who they say they are.

Remember, if you plan to meet someone you have never met before:

• Meet them in a place where there are lots of people, like a café, pub or shopping centre.
• Let a friend know where you are going. Let them know when you are back home safely.
• If they begin asking you to send them money, you should not do so as it may be a scam. If you are unsure, talk to someone you trust first.

Pop ups

These are windows which pop up onto your screen trying to sell you something.

If you click on it, you will open up their website. You may open a gambling or porn site. These sites may shock or upset you, or ask you for money.