1 What we do
We're an integral part of the Community Safety & Wellbeing Team in West Sussex County Council. Our role is to raise online safety awareness amongst our communities and professionals across West Sussex.
We run many events, offering different packages, giving top tips and advice to help you stay safe when you’re online.
Supporting documents
- Amazon scam leaflet (PDF, 551KB)
- Banking, card and payment scams (PDF, 962KB)
- Computer software service scams (PDF, 963KB)
- Digital footprint leaflet (PDF, 1.5MB)
- Digital safety resources for businesses (PDF, 574KB)
- Fitness apps leaflet (PDF, 1.5B)
- Fleeceware leaflet (PDF, 2.2MB)
- Investment fraud leaflet (PDF, 576KB)
- Keeping your child safe online (PDF, 3.6MB)
- Prevent social media and email hacking (PDF, 958KB)
- Protect yourself from viruses (the digital kind!) (PDF, 964KB)
- Safe and secure video calls leaflet (PDF, 1.6MB)
- Tax phishing scams leaflet (PDF, 689KB)
2 Online safety advice
Many people have concerns about using the internet, however, there are practical steps you can take to use it safely.
Below are resources which offer advice on how to remain safe while using the internet:
- Creating a strong password
- Software and app updates
- Software attacks and internet security software
- Keeping your mobile device safe and secure
- Advice on apps and how to use them safely
- Scam emails and email security
- Keeping safe while browsing the internet
- Backing up your device to prevent loss of data
Children
Almost all of us are likely to be spending more time online at the moment, including children.
The Government has produced some guidance for parent and carers to keep children safe online. This outlines resources to help keep children safe from different risks online and where to go to receive support and advice.
3 Training events
Safe Against Scams
Due to the success of previous sessions, West Sussex Community Safety and Wellbeing Team, alongside Trading Standards, are running more Safe Against Scams webinars. Please share the information about these sessions with your friends and family so we can prevent as many people as possible from becoming a victim of fraud.
The Remote Digital Support Service can provide support with accessing the webinars from your own device or give you the opportunity to view the webinars on an iPad at your local library. Please request support or register your interest by phoning 033 022 23455.
More than ever before, we have been relying on technology to enable us to work, learn and connect with each other. Inevitably, this has been exploited by criminals who have used this to their advantage.
The pandemic has seen a rise in scams, including phone, courier and romance fraud, which have all become an increased concern in West Sussex. Not only is there the financial impact on victims but the emotional impact can be even more significant.
Our free monthly scams awareness webinars raise awareness of these different types of scams, how to spot them and what to do if you or your family become a victim.
The 'Safe Against Scams' webinars are on the following dates:
- Thursday 26 May 2022 - 1.00pm
- Wednesday 29 June 2022 - 1.00pm
4 Report online crime
If you or your business become a victim of cybercrime you can report it to Action Fraud.
If you suspect that a child or young person has been, or is being, groomed or exploited this must be shared with one of the agencies below:
- Police: 101 or in an emergency 999
- West Sussex Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 01403 229900
- NSPCC Online Safety helpline: 08088 005002
5 Digital Ambassadors
Would you like advice and support about how to be safe online? Are you interested in learning more about digital safety and current online scams? The Get Safe Online West Sussex Digital Ambassadors can help!
There are a range of ways to support digital safety needs. Our Digital Ambassadors offer:
- 1-2-1 bookable sessions at your local library
- drop in events at your local library
- presentations and informal chats at community groups
- community events.
If you would like some free digital safety support from a friendly and patient volunteer, or you are interested in becoming a Digital Ambassador and help prevent people becoming a victim of online crime, please contact us via email: DigitalAmbassadors@westsussex.gov.uk.