Staying Safe Online

Most online danger is not a hacker breaking in – it is someone tricking you into handing over money or information. This is called a scam, and the trick almost always works the same way: it tries to rush you and scare you. Once you spot that pattern, you can stop most scams cold.

Watch for messages that create panic and a deadline. A text might say "Your account is locked – click here in 24 hours or lose access." A pop-up might shout that your device has a virus. A caller might claim to be your bank and ask you to "confirm" your password. Real banks, governments, and companies do not work this way. They will not call or text you out of the blue and ask for your password or a security code.

Here is the safe move every time: stop and go around the message. Do not click the link in the text or email. Instead, open your web browser yourself and type in the address you already know, or call the number printed on the back of your card or on a past bill. If the message was real, you will see the same notice when you log in the normal way. If it was fake, you just dodged it.

Be careful with links and attachments from anyone you did not expect to hear from – even if it looks like a friend, because accounts can be taken over. If a deal seems too good to be true, or a stranger online quickly asks for money, gift cards, or your personal details, treat it as a scam until proven otherwise. Gift cards are a huge red flag: no real company or agency asks to be paid in gift cards.

Finally, slow down. Scammers win by getting you to act before you think. Give yourself permission to wait, hang up, and check with someone you trust. "Let me call you back" is a complete and powerful answer.