Online crime and social media

What is online crime?

Online crime can be:

Hacking; to steal information, money, or data.
Identity theft; when someone steals your identity.
Online grooming; when someone older makes friends with you for the wrong reasons, they may encourage you to do something sexual, illegal or something you are uncomfortable with.
Cyber-bullying; can mean lots of different things, this may include, someone using the internet to send hurtful or upsetting messages to others, spreading rumours or starting group chats about you, commenting on your posts or pictures saying nasty things, and always targeting you in an online game.

Online risks

The internet and social media can be used to do lots of things, including discover new information, make your own posts, keep in touch with your friends, and have fun gaming.

But sometimes people use the internet to cause harm, bully or hurt people. Have a read of our tips below on how you can make safer choices online and when using social media.

If you have experienced online crime, we’re here to help and support you.

Think twice: Before posting or sending pictures, think if you would want your parents, friends or future employers to see this. Even if you trust the person you are sending the pictures still think.
Do you know who your online friends really are?: Meeting up with someone you only know online, can be dangerous, even if this is a friend of a friend, as this person is still a stranger. If someone you only know online ever asks you to meet up, for personal information or for photos/videos of you then tell an adult straight away and report them together on www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Use strong passwords: The longer your password is, the more secure it will be. Use a different password for each of your social media, gaming or online accounts.
Keep personal information safe: When using the internet and social media don’t give away things like your full name, password, or home address. Remember personal information can be seen in images and videos you share too.
Be selective with friend requests: If you don’t know the person, don’t accept their request or respond to their messages. It could be a fake account and someone pretending to be someone they are not.
Know your security settings: All online and social media platforms – Snapchat, Instagram, TIKTOK, etc. – have security settings. Know how you can change these to keep information private, where to report something and how to block someone.
Click links with caution: Social media accounts are regularly hacked. Look out for language or words that do not sound like something your friend would post. Can you trust that the link you’re clicking on from a supposed “friend” doesn’t contain a virus or some sort of spying program? Do not accept something if you are unsure of who the person is or what they’ve sent you.
Do not link your accounts: Many websites and apps give you the option to ‘Log in with Instagram’, rather than creating a separate account. But by doing this, your social network may share all the information it holds about you, including the date and place of your birth, and your email address along with photos. With just one log-in for different sites, if one site is hacked, then all your accounts can be too.
Cover your webcam: When you are not using your webcam make sure it is covered, as a virus may allow someone access to it without you knowing. When using your webcam make sure it is only with people you know and that it is turned off when you are away from your device.
Tell a trusted adult: If something or someone ever makes you feel upset, worried or confused. There are lots of people who will be able to help you like your teachers, parents, carers or contact Childline – 0800 11 11 or www.childline.org.uk.

Reporting a crime

If you think you have been a victim of a crime and want to report a crime, you can tell a parent, carer or adult you trust. Victim First Futures can also help you with this if you are unsure.

If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If it is not an emergency but you still want to report something to the police, you can call 101 or report online via the Leicestershire Police website.