Fresh intel

On the radar
right now

What's actually happening out there and the one move that beats each one. No fear-mongering, no jargon.

Human-checked. No bots posting straight to your feed. Last updated 15 July 2026.

📌 PinnedScamsWhatsApp

WhatsApp usernames are coming — here's the catch

WhatsApp is rolling out usernames so people can message each other without swapping phone numbers. Handy, but it also means someone can hit you up without you knowing who they really are — and scammers can lean on that to pose as a mate or a brand.

The move Before you trust a new message, check who's really behind it on another channel you already have for them.
Practise it: Swipe to Survive →
Seen via Which? - News
📌 PinnedPhishing

Fake World Cup ticket sites are out to score your cash

Scammers are spinning up websites that look exactly like the official FIFA shop, selling tickets and merch that don't exist. Hand over your card and details and they just vanish with both.

The move Only buy from the official seller — get there by typing the address in yourself, not from an ad, DM or search result.
Practise it: Would You Click? →
PrivacyRoblox

Roblox age checks decide who can message you

Roblox now uses an age check to unlock chat and decide who's allowed to message you. That doesn't set everything for you — check your privacy settings so only the people you actually want can reach you.

The move Open your Roblox chat settings and keep chat to people you actually know and trust. Roblox already limits you to around your own age — if you want it locked down further, Parental Controls can do that too.
Practise it: How Exposed Are You? →
Seen via Childnet
Privacy

Your chatbot isn't your mate (and that's fine)

Spending hours pouring everything into an AI chatbot can quietly mess with your mood, because it feels like it gets you when it actually can't. It's not a real friend, and it's no replacement for actual people when things get heavy.

The move Set yourself limits, take proper breaks, and take the big stuff to a person you trust — not a bot.
Privacy

Some face unlock systems can be fooled by a photo

Some phones, usually ones that just use the front camera, can be fooled by a photo of your face. Face scanners that map your face in 3D are much harder to trick.

The move Use a strong PIN, passcode or fingerprint for your phone lock, and turn on 2FA for your most important accounts.
Practise it: How Exposed Are You? →
Seen via Which? - News
MalwareWhatsApp

That random WhatsApp 'document'? It can hijack your PC

People are being targeted on WhatsApp with messages carrying what looks like a business document — but it's really a script file in disguise. Open it on a Windows PC and it can quietly install software that hands a stranger control of your computer.

The move Don't open attachments you weren't expecting — check with the sender on another channel first.
Practise it: Swipe to Survive →
Scams

That 'handmade' shop with the sad story? Might be all fake

Some accounts on social media are pulling people in with emotional sob stories, deepfake videos and 'artisan' shops selling stuff that doesn't actually exist. The sad story rushes you so you pay before you think to check anything.

The move Slow down, check the shop's URL properly, and look the seller up somewhere else before you send a penny.
Practise it: Spot the Fake →
Seen via Which? - News
Account takeoverInstagramMetaTelegram

Hackers tricked Instagram's AI bot into stealing accounts

People are being targeted via Instagram after hackers worked out how to social-engineer Meta's AI support bot into resetting passwords. Once they're in, they lock the real owner out and take over the account. It's proof that even an official help tool can be played.

The move Turn on two-factor authentication now, so a password reset alone can't get anyone into your account.
Practise it: How Exposed Are You? →
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? →

Looking for older waves? Browse the radar archive →