This year for Safer Internet Day we are thinking about an important issue: online scams. A scam is where someone tries to trick somebody else to get something from them, like money, items in a game, or personal information. Scams can happen online when we’re using technology, like a phone or a tablet, and offline, when we meet people face to face.

There are lots of types of scams online:

- a message or an email with a suspicious looking link

- something that seems too good to be true, like you’ve won a prize

- another player in a game agreeing to trade but then taking something and not giving anything in return

- a video, app, advert or website that says it can show you how to get free money in your favourite game

It’s important that everyone feels safe when they are using technology. How can you stay safe even if you see a scam online?

- Look for signs that something might be a scam. Does it seem too good to be true?

- Keep your personal information, like your name, school, email, phone or bank details safe and private.

- Don’t click on links, pop-ups or messages if you don’t know who they’re from or what they are for.  

- Talk to a trusted adult, especially if you are worried, upset or unsure.

- Ask them to show you where the block and report buttons are and for help using them.

If you have been scammed, it’s never too late to talk to a trusted adult and get some help.

Who are the trusted adults you could talk to about things online?  

- Parents or Carers 

- Grandparents  

- Aunties and Uncles 

- Sports club leader 

- Teachers and teaching assistants  

It’s really important to tell a trusted adult if something happens online that worries or upsets you.