Phishing & Scam Defence

Scams no longer look fake — many are AI-generated, personalised and emotionally targeted. This guide helps you spot them before they cause harm.

Why Scams Work So Well

Scammers use psychology, not hacking. They create messages that feel urgent, emotional or familiar — so you react fast.

Even confident adults fall for scams because they’re designed to look legitimate.

What You Should Know

  • Most scams begin through text, email or messaging — not hacking.
  • Fake bank alerts and delivery updates are extremely convincing.
  • AI tools let scammers mimic real company messages perfectly.
  • Children are targeted through gaming chats and “free skins / Robux”.
  • Scams succeed through speed — not because the victim is “stupid”.

How to Recognise a Scam Instantly

1. Unexpected Urgency

Messages that claim “final notice”, “your account will close” or “urgent action required” are designed to trigger panic.

2. Requests for Personal Information

Banks, HMRC and NHS will never ask you to confirm passwords or full personal details by text/email.

3. Strange or Shortened Links

Hover over or press and hold the link. If the address looks unusual, don’t click.

4. Asking for Payment or Codes

Gift cards, bank transfers, PayPal “friends & family”, or security codes = scam.

5. Too Good To Be True Offers

Free Robux, free cryptocurrency, free skins — these are nearly always account theft scams.

Protecting Your Household

1. Always Pause Before You Click

A three-second pause prevents most scam mistakes.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

2FA blocks unauthorised logins even if your password leaks.

3. Don’t Respond to Unknown Messages

Replying confirms your number is active — making you a bigger target.

4. Teach Children About Fake Rewards

Explain how scammers impersonate moderators or offer free items.

5. Verify Everything on the Official Website

Ignore the message — log in manually to check.

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