As communities come together and help to tackle the current health crisis, police forces across Wales are asking adults and children to #StaySafe online.

With more and more people turning to the digital world to carry out basic tasks, learn, work or socialise, it is important that people understand the best ways to stay safe online and avoid known dangers.

How we use our phones, laptops and tablets has significantly changed in weeks. We are using new apps, learning new skills or continuing an education online. Some of us are using video calling for the first time.

It’s ability to help us stay connected will help through this unprecedented time but we also need to make sure everyone entering the cyber world is safe.

All Wales Cyber Lead, Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “Staying safe online is important 365 days of the year. At the moment, emergency services are being stretched, dealing with day-to-day business as well as additional demand linked COVID-19.

“With more and more people turning to the digital world to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues, it is important that we all remember to stay safe while we are online.

“If you are checking your emails, in an online chat room or shopping online, there are many things to think about to ensure

Experts from the National Cyber Security Centre have identified a range of attacks unfortunately being used by cyber criminals to exploit people during this time.

These techniques often steal money, copy personal data or install dangerous programmes or files (known as malware) on your computer.

All Wales Cyber Lead, Chief Constable Pam Kelly continues:“We understand that it is important that people be online during this time, however, we’d like people to follow and share our advice.

"Only respond or click on links from known email senders. If a bargain or service looks too good to be true, it most probably is. Make sure you know who you are chatting to online. Never give out your personal information, if you have any doubt in your mind, stop typing.

“By following this advice, you are protecting yourself and reducing the demand on frontline operational policing”.

To help educate adults and children online, police forces across Wales are publishing easy to follow tips through their Facebook and Twitter. 

A number of organisations are available to help, Friends Against Scams and Action Fraud provide trusted advice. 

Sadly criminals come in all shapes and sizes and can contact you at the door, by phone, post or online.
- Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
- Contact your bank if you think you have been scammed.
- If you need advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
- If you are in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
- Online safety advice for parents: CEOP