Phishing and online fraudWhat parents need to know

Children who think that online information is ‘always true’.

23% 8-11 year olds

14% 12-15 year olds

What is phishing?Phishing is a type of online scam. It usually involves someone trying to get access to personal information (usernames, passwords, bank details etc.) by sending out phishing emails, websites, posts or other tricks.

The people behind the phishing ‘attack’ then use the data themselves or sell it online for fraudulent activity.

Frauds ‘phish’ for people’s personal information.

What does phishing look like?

Emails

Spotting phishing emails • Impersonal greetings/ probing

questions.• Spelling mistakes and incorrect/ over

use of punctuation.• Threats and warnings– ‘if you don’t

do this, your account will be closed’ • Sender is a non-professional email

address.

Pop ups or posts

Top tip: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Fake websites

Remind your child…• Don’t believe everything you see online.• If it doesn’t look quite right, they should investigate or ask an adult. • Think carefully before giving away any personal details online.• Always check that the website’s URL is the right one.• Don’t click on links that are on strange-looking, too-good-to-be-true

pop ups or posts. • Be discerning and critical of what you see online.