// CYBER THREAT
Online scams explained
From fake delivery texts to ‘your account is locked’ tricks, online scams are everywhere. Here’s how to spot them and protect your money and identity.
- ● Plain English
- ● How to protect yourself
- ● Real help on call
/01 — WHAT IT IS
Know your enemy
Online scams use fake messages, websites and calls to trick you into paying money or handing over personal and banking details. Common ones include fake delivery notices, ‘your account is locked’ warnings, bogus refunds and tech-support scams.
If something feels off, it usually is. Slowing down and checking directly beats every scam.
- Pressure to act immediately
- Requests for payment or codes
- Too-good-to-be-true offers
- Unexpected refunds or wins
- Links to fake login pages
- Callers claiming to be ‘support’
/02 — HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Stay one step ahead
Go direct
Visit websites and apps yourself, not via links in messages.
Never share codes
No genuine company asks for your full password or one-time codes.
Web protection
Malwarebytes blocks known scam and fake sites.
Strong, unique passwords
A password manager keeps every account separate and safe.
Slow down
Scammers rely on panic — take a breath and check.
Have someone to ask
We’ll happily check anything suspicious for you.
Our partner Malwarebytes Premium blocks threats like this in real time — prefer to protect your own device?
Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you.
/03 — IF YOU’VE BEEN HIT
What to do right now
-
01
Stop & contact your bank
If you’ve paid or shared bank details, call your bank right away.
-
02
Secure your accounts
Change passwords and turn on MFA; contact us to help.
-
03
Report it
Report to Action Fraud, and we’ll help secure your devices.
// NEED THIS FIXED RIGHT NOW?
Skip the DIY — call 01202 775566 and we can be looking at your screen within minutes. You watch everything we do, and most problems on this page are fixed in one short remote session. (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm.)
// MORE THREATS EXPLAINED
Know the other scams too
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
I think I’ve been scammed — what now?
Contact your bank immediately if money or card details are involved, change your passwords, and call us to secure your devices and accounts.
How do I avoid online scams?
Never act on urgency, go to websites directly, never share codes or full passwords, and ask us if you’re unsure.
Are tech-support scam calls real?
No — Microsoft and others never cold-call about your computer. Hang up and, if worried, call us.
Worried about online scams?
We protect Dorset homes and businesses from threats like this every day — with layered security, Malwarebytes Premium and a real person to ask.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM