STC Learning

Keeping Safe

Help & Advice

We are all at risk from scams and online attacks . Follow the advice below to minimize your risk
Phone Scams

Phone scams are one of the most common threats targeting seniors.

Common Tactics

  • Callers pretending to be from banks, government agencies, or tech support
  • Urgent threats (“Your account will be closed!”)
  • Requests for personal or financial information
  • “Family emergency” scams asking for money

How to Stay Safe

  • Never share personal details (bank info, PINs, passwords) over the phone
  • Hang up and call the official number yourself to verify
  • Be suspicious of unexpected or urgent calls
  • Use caller ID, but remember it can be faked
  • Register with the Telephone Preference Service (UK) to reduce spam calls

Golden Rule

👉 If it feels rushed or scary, it’s likely a scam.

Emails are a major way scammers try to trick people (phishing).

Warning Signs

  • Unknown sender or strange email address
  • Spelling mistakes or poor grammar
  • Urgent requests (“Act now!”)
  • Suspicious links or attachments

How to Stay Safe

  • Don’t click links in unexpected emails
  • Check the sender’s email address carefully
  • Never download attachments you weren’t expecting
  • Use the spam/junk filter in your email
  • If unsure, contact the company directly using their official website

Tip

👉 Legitimate companies will never ask for passwords by email.

Scam texts are becoming increasingly common.

Common Examples

  • “Your parcel couldn’t be delivered – click here”
  • Fake bank alerts
  • Prize or lottery winnings

How to Stay Safe

  • Don’t click links in unexpected texts
  • Don’t reply to unknown numbers
  • Block and delete suspicious messages
  • Contact the company directly if unsure

Tip

👉 If you didn’t expect the message, treat it as suspicious.

Passwords protect your accounts, so they must be strong and secure.

Best Practices

  • Use long, unique passwords (at least 12 characters)
  • Avoid obvious choices (names, birthdays)
  • Don’t reuse the same password across accounts

Helpful Tools

  • Consider a password manager to store passwords safely
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible

Simple Trick

👉 Use a phrase like: “BlueCarRunsFast!92” — easy to remember, hard to guess.

Browsing the internet safely is essential.

Risks to Watch For

  • Fake websites
  • Pop-ups claiming your device is infected
  • Requests to download unknown software

How to Stay Safe

  • Only visit trusted websites
  • Look for https:// and a padlock symbol in the address bar
  • Keep your device updated (phone, tablet, computer)
  • Install antivirus software if using a computer
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive tasks

Tip

👉 If a website looks unusual or confusing, leave it.

Social platforms can expose personal information if not used carefully.

Common Risks

  • Fake profiles or friend requests
  • Scammers posing as friends or celebrities
  • Oversharing personal information

How to Stay Safe

  • Only accept friend requests from people you know
  • Set your profile to private
  • Avoid sharing:
    • Address
    • Phone number
    • Travel plans
  • Be cautious of messages asking for money or help

Tip

👉 If a friend asks for money online, confirm with them another way first.

  • Take your time — don’t rush decisions
  • Trust your instincts
  • When in doubt, ask a trusted friend or family member
  • Keep learning — scams evolve constantly
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