Online Safety
Welcome to the latest edition of the Healthier Lives Newsletter from Moray Reach Out!
Today we’re focusing on Online Safety – helping you stay safe, confident, and informed when using the internet.
The online world helps us keep in touch with family and friends, shop, learn new skills, manage our finances, and access health services. However, it’s important to know how to recognise scams and protect yourself online.
Why Online Safety Matters
Did you know?
- Thousands of people across Scotland are targeted by scams every day.
- Criminals often pretend to be trusted organisations such as banks, the NHS, delivery companies, utility providers, or government departments.
- Anyone can become the target of a scam, regardless of their age or experience using the internet.
The more we understand how scams work, the easier they are to spot.
Top Tips for Staying Safe Online
- Think before clicking on links in emails or text messages.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.
- Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Keep your phone, tablet, and computer updated.
- Never share your passwords, PINs, or bank details.
- If you’re unsure, stop and ask someone you trust.
- Always visit websites by typing the address yourself rather than clicking a link.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
- Parcel Delivery Scams: Messages claiming you have missed a parcel and need to pay a small delivery fee.
- Bank Scams: Someone pretending to be your bank asking you to move money or confirm your account details.
- Tech Support Scams: Pop-ups or phone calls claiming your computer has a virus.
- Romance Scams: Someone builds trust online before asking for money.
- Prize & Competition Scams: Messages saying you’ve won a prize but need to pay a fee first.
- Job Scams: Fake job adverts promising high earnings for very little work.
Can You Spot the Scam? 🔎
Example 1 – Parcel Scam
Text Message
Royal Mail: We were unable to deliver your parcel today due to an unpaid delivery fee of £1.99. To rearrange delivery, please click here:
www.royalmail-delivery-fees247.com
Can you spot the warning signs?
Take a moment before reading the answers below.
The Answers
🚩 Were you actually expecting a parcel?
🚩 The message creates urgency so you react quickly.
🚩 The website address doesn’t look like an official Royal Mail website.
🚩 Asking for a small payment is a common way of stealing bank details.
🚩 It doesn’t include your name or any delivery reference.
✔ Remember…
- STOP – Don’t rush.
- THINK – Does it seem genuine?
- CHECK – Contact the organisation using their official website or telephone number.
Example 2 – Gift Cards
Text Message
Hi, it’s me. I’ve broken my phone and I’m using a new number.
I’m really stuck and need your help. I need to buy some gift cards for something important but I can’t get to the shop right now.
Could you buy £200 worth of Amazon gift cards and send me the codes?
I’ll pay you back when my phone is sorted.
Thank you xx
Can you spot the warning signs?
Take a moment before reading the answers below.
The Answers
🚩 A new number – Scammers often pretend to have a new phone number because their “old phone is broken” or “lost”.
🚩 Emotional pressure – They create a stressful situation to make you act quickly without checking.
🚩 Request for gift cards – Genuine family members, organisations, or companies will not ask you to pay using gift cards.
🚩 Sending codes or payments – Once gift card details are shared, the money is usually gone and difficult to recover.
🚩 No verification – Always check it is really your family member by calling them on a trusted number or asking a question only they would know.
✔ Remember…
- STOP – Don’t panic or rush to help.
- THINK – Does this request seem unusual?
- CHECK – Contact your family member directly using a number you already have.
Try This Week
Choose one thing to improve your online safety.
✅ Change an old password.
✅ Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
✅ Review your Facebook privacy settings.
✅ Learn how to block unwanted callers.
✅ Speak to a friend or family member about online scams.
Support & Resources
Whether you’re looking for advice or want to learn more about staying safe online, these organisations can help.
- Police Scotland: Advice on staying safe online, protecting yourself from fraud, and reporting concerns or suspicious activity.
- Friends Against Scams: A free online resource offering guidance and training to help you recognise, avoid, and report scams, helping to keep yourself and others safe.
- UK Safer Internet Centre: Trusted information covering digital safety, online scams, privacy, social media, and staying safe on the internet.
- NSPCC: Helpful online safety guidance for parents, carers, families, and anyone supporting children and young people.
Think You’ve Been Scammed?
✔ Stop communicating with the scammer.
✔ Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared financial information.
✔ Change your passwords if needed.
✔ Report the scam.
✔ Speak to someone you trust.
Remember – there is no shame in being scammed. Criminals are becoming increasingly convincing, and anyone can be targeted.
Join Our Community
You can also follow our Healthier Lives Facebook group to stay connected.
This is where we:
- Share helpful information from local organisations
- Post updates on upcoming events and opportunities
- Create a space for people to share their own experiences & support one another
Or join our newsletter for the most up-to-date information.
Get Involved
As Healthier Lives develops, we will be sharing:
- Workshops and training sessions
- Accessible health and wellbeing information
- Local activities and opportunities
- Resources and support services
- Opportunities to connect with others
Our aim is to create a supportive community where people feel empowered to take positive steps towards better health and wellbeing.
Coming Next
Each month, we’ll focus on different topics to support your wellbeing, including:
- Fitness & staying active
- Nutrition & healthy eating
- Building connections & relationships
We’d love to hear from you!
What topics would you like us to cover in future newsletters or workshops?
Your feedback will help shape Healthier Lives and ensure it meets your needs.