What makes a website risky?
Some websites are designed to trick you, these are scams. They might pretend to be a company you trust, show a fake login page to steal your details, or try to install harmful software on your device.
If you’ve just seen a page blocked for “security” reasons, it’s likely the network spotted one of these risks and stopped it loading to protect you. You don’t need to do anything, closing the tab is enough.
How to spot a scam
Scams are getting harder to spot. A few things that should always make you pause:
- It rushes you. “Act now,” “your account will be closed,” “you have 24 hours.” Real organisations don’t pressure you like this.
- It asks for too much. Passwords, bank details, or payment in unusual ways (gift cards, transfers) are red flags.
- The web address looks off. Slight misspellings, extra words, or an address that doesn’t match the real company.
- It’s too good to be true. Unexpected prizes, refunds or deals you never signed up for usually are.
What to do if you think you’ve been caught out
- Don’t panic, acting quickly makes a real difference:
- Change your password for any account you think is affected.
- If you’ve shared bank or card details, contact your bank straight away.
- Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, and forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Learn to spot scams with confidence
We run free, friendly sessions in the community to help people recognise and avoid online scams, at any age, whatever your starting point.
Phone: 0161 399 8505
Email: support@inclusivebytes.org
You can also ask a member of staff wherever you are right now.