The free online safety course
Learn to spot scam emails, texts and phone calls, use strong passwords, and shop and bank safely — in six short, friendly lessons with a certificate at the end. Written in plain English for everyone, especially anyone who doesn’t feel confident online. Free, no sign-up, nothing to install.
★ Rated 4.9 on Google100% free6 short lessonsCertificate
Welcome
// WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Six short lessons, one big win
By the end you’ll spot the tricks scammers use — and know exactly what to do.
Spot scam emails & texts
The tell-tale signs of a phishing message — and how to check safely without clicking.
Handle scam phone calls
Why your bank and Microsoft never call about viruses — and the golden rule for hanging up.
Strong passwords, made simple
The ‘three random words’ trick, why you shouldn’t reuse passwords, and two-factor made easy.
Shop & bank safely
Simple habits for buying and banking online — and the one code you must never share.
Written for everyone
Plain English, no jargon, no time pressure — especially kind to less-confident and older users.
If something goes wrong
Exactly what to do, who to call (159, Report Fraud) — and why it’s never your fault.
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
Is the online safety course really free?
Yes — completely free, with no sign-up and nothing to install. It runs in your web browser, and nothing you type is stored or sent to us. It’s simply our way of helping people stay safe from scams.
Who is it for?
Everyone — but it’s written especially for people who don’t feel very confident with computers, including older users and anyone worried about scams. It’s plain English, gentle, and there’s no time pressure or pass mark.
How long does it take?
About ten minutes. There are six short lessons, each with a quick ‘what would you do?’ check. You can stop at any point and come back — it remembers where you got to.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes — when you finish you can pop in your name and download a ‘365 Techies Certificate of Completion’ to keep or print. It’s our own friendly certificate, not a Microsoft or accredited qualification.
I think I’ve been scammed — what should I do now?
Act quickly and don’t panic — it’s not your fault. If money or card details are involved, call your bank straight away (you can dial 159 to reach it safely), report it to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) on 0300 123 2040 (in Scotland, Police Scotland on 101), change your passwords, and tell someone you trust. You can also call us — friendly, local, and we never judge.
// GOT CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN?
This course is about keeping you safe. For the children in your life there’s a separate, free guide: parental controls for every app, console and phone — YouTube, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Minecraft, iPhone and Android — with every step checked against the makers’ own instructions and dated, plus Dorset Police’s guide to the social apps.
// FREE TOOLS
Keep going — more free safety tools
No sign-up, no catch — free tools built by our techies. See all our free tools →
Free tool
Spot the Scam Quiz
Can you tell a scam from the real thing? Take the free 6-round quiz.
Try it →Free tool
Link Safety Checker
Got a dodgy-looking link in a text or email? Paste it to spot the phishing signs — safely.
Try it →Free tool
Password Breach Checker
Has your password leaked? Check privately against over a billion leaked passwords.
Try it →Free tool
Password Generator
Create a strong random password or a memorable passphrase in one click.
Try it →Worried about a scam? Talk to a real person.
Whether it’s a dodgy email, a strange phone call, or you think you’ve been caught out — we’re friendly, local, and we never judge. Helping Dorset stay safe online since 1995.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM