The archive

Online threats we've
flagged before

The back catalogue. These have rolled off the live radar, but the tricks still go around — and the move that beats each one hasn't changed.

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Human-checked. No bots posting straight to your feed. 7 older waves flagged, 5 November 2025 – 8 May 2026.

Deepfakes

Crooks are using AI to fake images for blackmail

Blackmailers are taking ordinary photos and videos of young people and using AI to twist them into fake or embarrassing images, then using those to threaten them. The pictures aren't real, but the threats are — and the goal is to scare you into paying or sending more.

The move If someone threatens you with an image, don't pay or panic — block them, screenshot the threat, and tell a trusted adult straight away.
Practise it: How Exposed Are You? →
ScamsAndroidGoogle Play

"See anyone's call history" apps were faking the whole thing

Apps claiming to show you the call log of any phone number got over seven million people to pay up — but they did nothing they promised. Google pulled them, but copycats with new names keep popping back up.

The move Before you pay for any app, search reviews outside the store and check exactly what it's asking permission to access — if it can't actually deliver what it claims, it's a scam.
Practise it: Permission Panic →
Phishing

That 'your data's been breached' alert might be the scam

Scammers are sending fake breach warnings designed to panic you into clicking a link or typing in your login. The whole point is to rush you — fear makes people skip the checks they'd normally do.

The move Don't tap the link — open the real site or app yourself and check your account there.
Practise it: Would You Click? →
Deepfakes

That panicked voice on the phone? Could be AI

Scammers can now clone someone's voice with AI to fake an urgent call, like a mate or family member begging for help fast. The whole trick runs on panic, so they push you to act before you think.

The move If a call feels urgent or off, hang up and reach that person back on a number you already have before you do anything.
Practise it: Spot the Fake →
Deepfakes

Nearly all of us use AI now — and half are watching for fakes

New research for Safer Internet Day 2026 shows almost every young person in the UK uses AI, and most say it makes life better. But more than half are uneasy about it being used to make fake or dodgy images of them — deepfakes built from real photos.

The move If a fake image of you or a mate shows up, don't panic-react — screenshot it, report and block, and tell someone you trust who can help.
Practise it: Spot the Fake →
Account takeoverInstagramTikTokYouTube

Got followers? Scammers want your account, not your content

People with a following on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are being targeted with fake 'brand deal' DMs that hand over login details or drop malware. Once they're in, they hijack the account to push scams to everyone following you.

The move Turn on 2FA now, and if a brand slides into your DMs, verify it through another channel before clicking anything.
Practise it: Swipe to Survive →
Account takeoverWhatsApp

They don't need your code if they can watch your screen

Scammers are video-calling people on WhatsApp out of nowhere, claiming to be from your bank or an app's support team and that something dodgy has happened to your account. Then they talk you into sharing your screen — and every verification code and password that pops up, they're reading in real time.

The move No bank or support team will ever ask you to share your screen or install an app to fix your account — end the call and open the real app yourself.
Practise it: Swipe to Survive →