Communicating Online Safely

'Social Engineering'

Deception or impersonation – what we call ‘social engineering’ – is a common ploy used to get access to accounts. Someone will try and get to know you, and find out any information about you, which could help to guess your password or secret answer. Remember, someone needs to know your date of birth, postcode, and the answer to your secret question to get your Yahoo! password.

Chat/Games/Message Boards/Personals

When you are chatting, playing games, or posting online, keep in mind you never know who’s on the other end. For your personal safety and the safety of your online accounts, be very careful about the information you disclose, even if it seems harmless.

If you decide to meet someone in person, play it safe and take a friend with you. Let someone you trust know when and where you'll be meeting and pre-arrange a time to call so they know you are all right. If you have any doubts about the meeting, don’t go. Children should never arrange to meet someone they have only met online.

Job Classifieds

Make informed decisions before sharing your National Insurance number with a potential employer. Most employers will not ask for personal information until you arrive at their offices for face-to-face interview and are given a formal job application.

Don't provide credit card or bank account numbers, or engage in any financial transactions over the phone or online with a potential employer/recruiter. Exercise caution when dealing with prospective job contacts outside of the United Kingdom.