Today’s online world brings huge benefits: easy access to banking, health services, social networks, shopping, and more. But with convenience comes risk - and online crime is rising.
From phishing emails to online impersonation, romance scams to fake parcel texts, the internet can be a gateway for criminals to access your money, identity, or private information.
This guide brings together advice and guidance from a range of trusted organisations and will help you:
- Spot common scams and know how to avoid them.
- Keep your devices and data secure.
- Use social media safely.
- Think critically about what you see online.
- Avoid fake news and misinformation.
- Know where to get help if something goes wrong.
- Help children and older adults.
Whether you're confident online or just getting started, a few simple changes can make a big difference.
Enter our competition before xx 2026 to win a range of great prizes from local businesses, helping you enjoy the benefits of being online while keeping balance, wellbeing and safety in mind.
With thanks to Jellybean Cyber and Staffordshire Police for their support and input into this online section.