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Latest guides
What Happens to Your Data After a Breach, and Why It Matters Years Later
Stolen data doesn’t disappear after a breach. It’s sold, combined and reused for years. Here’s the life cycle of stolen data and the few steps that protect you whichever company…
Is My Phone Listening to Me? What’s Really Behind Those Spooky Ads
Talked about tents and now you see tent ads? Research hasn’t found apps secretly recording conversations. Here’s how ad targeting really works and the settings that give you control.
How Scammers Get Your Phone Number, Email and Personal Details
Scammers who know your name and address haven’t been watching you. Here’s where they really get personal details (breaches, data brokers, public records and social media) and how to shrink…
Online Safety Myths: 10 Things People Believe That Aren’t True
Incognito mode doesn’t make you anonymous, and the padlock doesn’t mean a site is safe. Ten common online safety myths, what’s actually true, and what to do instead.
Why Smart People Fall for Scams: The Psychology Scammers Use
Scams aren’t intelligence tests, they’re pressure tests. Here’s the psychology scammers use, why it works on careful people, and the habits that break the spell.
Steam Parental Controls: How to Set Up Steam Families for Your Kids
Steam Families is Valve’s free tool for parents: choose which games kids can play, set playtime limits, turn off the store or chat, and approve purchases from your phone. Here’s…
Is Public Wi-Fi Safe? A Plain-English Guide for Travel, Cafés and Hotels
Public Wi-Fi is safer than it used to be, but fake hotspots, sign-in pages and old devices still catch people out. Here’s what it can expose, the settings that help,…
Clicked a Phishing Link? What to Do Next, Step by Step
Clicked a link in a scam text or email? The right steps depend on what happened next. Here’s what to do if you only clicked, typed a password, shared card…
Utility Shutoff Scams: How to Spot a Fake Power, Gas or Water Company
Real utilities don’t threaten same-day shutoffs or ask for gift cards. Here’s how utility scams work, how to check your account safely, and where to find real help if you’re…
Fake Debt Collectors: How to Tell a Real Collection Call From a Scam
Fake debt collectors use threats of arrest to make you pay right now. Here’s what a real collector must tell you, how to check any caller, your rights, and what…
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Scams & Fraud
How Scammers Get Your Phone Number, Email and Personal Details
Why Smart People Fall for Scams: The Psychology Scammers Use
Utility Shutoff Scams: How to Spot a Fake Power, Gas or Water Company
Fake Debt Collectors: How to Tell a Real Collection Call From a Scam
Online Marketplace Scams: How to Buy and Sell Safely on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp
All scam guides →
Scam A to Z index →
Online Security
What Happens to Your Data After a Breach, and Why It Matters Years Later
Is My Phone Listening to Me? What’s Really Behind Those Spooky Ads
Online Safety Myths: 10 Things People Believe That Aren’t True
Is Public Wi-Fi Safe? A Plain-English Guide for Travel, Cafés and Hotels
Clicked a Phishing Link? What to Do Next, Step by Step
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