Our DDSL (eSafety and Prevent), Malcolm Jeffrey, spoke in Assembly to warn pupils about online scams

What is eSafety?

eSafety means using the internet in a way that keeps your personal information, data, and wellbeing safe. Whatever you are doing online, it’s essential for you to know how to avoid dangers like scams, identity theft, and cyberbullying.

I am going to focus on one of the most common online threats: scams.

What is a Scam?

A scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving away your personal information, money, or something valuable. Scammers use all sorts of methods, like fake websites, phishing emails, or social media fraud to get what they want. Increasingly, AI is being used to scam people as well.

There are a few types of scams to watch out for:

1. Phishing: Fake emails or messages that look like they’re from trusted companies, asking for personal information or passwords.
2. Online Shopping Scams: Again, fake websites that promise amazing deals, but never deliver the product.
3. Romance Scams: People pretending to form relationships online, only to ask for money later.
4. Prize Scams: Scammers claiming you've won a prize, but they ask for payment or personal details to “claim” it.

Real-Life Example of a Scam 

Last year, scammers pretended to be Brad Pitt on an online Brad Pitt forum.  It seems that scammers pretended to be Brad Pitt (even though he has NO online presence) and managed to get over £350,000 out of two women. Upon further research, it turns out that there was another scam, that used Artificial Intelligence to make fake videos, and they managed to get £700,000 out of one 53 year old French Woman. They have been arrested, but the money has not been recovered. Rather sadly, the woman who was scammed has been ridiculed by other people on social media, another example of the potential dangers involved.

Scams can have tragic consequences as well. For example, two years ago, a woman called Karen Ringham fell victim to a romance scam, where the scammer convinced her to send large sums of money, claiming he was stranded overseas. She eventually lost over £100,000, (money that she borrowed) and the emotional toll was so great that she took her own life.

This highlights how scams can affect not just your wallet, but your mental and emotional wellbeing.

How to Spot a Scam

Here are a few warning signs:

• Too good to be true: If an offer seems too amazing, it is probably a scam.
• Urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency, like “act now or lose out.”
• Suspicious links: Hover over links to see if they’re real. Be careful with strange email addresses or links.
• Asking for personal information: Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information (like passwords or credit card numbers) over email or text.

How do you Protect Yourself from Scams

1. Verify before you click: If you get a message that seems odd, check the website directly or contact the company.
2. Don’t share personal information: Never give out personal details unless you’re sure the request is legitimate.
3. Use strong passwords: Make them long and unique.
4. Report suspicious activity: If you think you have encountered a scam, report it immediately to a trusted adult or authority.

What Do You Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you’ve been scammed:

1. Stay calm.
2. Speak to a member of staff or your parents
3. You will need to contact your bank or card provider to stop any transactions.
4. You will need to change your passwords.
5. And you must report the scam to the police or online platforms.

Remember, Safer Internet Day is about creating a safer internet together. We all have a role in protecting ourselves and helping others stay safe online. Stay cautious, think critically, and never hesitate to report something that feels off.

It has happened to pupils at this school, and we have successfully helped them to get past their mistakes, so please, please, please, do not suffer in silence.

I think that one of the most important messages to give you is that you must come to us if you are worried about yourself, your friends or about something you have seen that you are uncomfortable about.  We are here to help.  If you have made a mistake we will not judge, we will do all we can to sort it out and to prevent it from harming or upsetting you, and you can come to the safeguarding team, your housemasters and housemistresses, your tutors, your matrons and indeed any member of staff.

You need to be critical about what you see, AND please be careful, please be thoughtful, please be kind and please be considerate of others and yourself, with everything you do online.  Think twice, click once.

Malcolm Jeffrey - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (eSafety and Prevent)

#KSBPSHEE #KSBWellbeing