Warnings
Always use due diligence when using the Internet
02.04.26 Unwanted Subscription Changes
Many people have difficulties in how to cancel paid subscriptions including where to find the unsubsribe option. By March 2027 new rules will be introduced. Until then, make sure when subscribing to check where the cancellation/ unscribe is located and available.
28.03.26 Impulse Control Disorders from Drugs Containing Dopamine Agonists.
There are a number of drugs which are stating the side effects are uncommon at a 1% risk when in fact it’s more like 17% and has greatly affected individuals and their families. Read the article to be more aware.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg0xxwn041o
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19.03.26 WhatsApp Scam
An innocent looking message in your WhatsApp with a link from a friend……Not.
If you press through, it goes to a familular looking site asking for your WhatsApp Pin to verify and now the Cyber Criminals have access to your account.
https://blog.avast.com/blog/onlinescams/whatsapppairingscam
25.02.26 Be Safe With a VPN on Your Devices
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a valuable tool for members if you do not have it. Why?
Your security, digital safety, privacy, and independence online for you and those you know.
A VPN provides essential protection on any internet device, using free internet access out and about, someone else’s internet access or at home/home business. Safeguard your data, personal information, reduce fraud and hide your user location.
A VPN is a software/App download addition to your device. If you are not sure what to do, seek advice from someone you know.
Through research and due diligence, you can find an appropriate VPN provider to use.
One suggestion – is PIA (Private Internet Access), they provide a number of options, their basic option is a good start. An additional saving can be obtained by using Topcashback to get a percentage refund of the outlay.
Always remember that you should use an updated antivirus and have your web shield/firewall active on an Internet device.
25.02.26 Credit Card and Debt
Here’s Martin Lewis longstanding three simple questions as a snap test…
1. Do you struggle to meet minimum monthly payments or pay all bills?
2. Is your total debt (not mortgage/student loan) over a year’s salary?
3. Do you have sleepless nights or depression/anxiety over debt?
If you answered yes to any of these, forget balance transfers, you need a stronger intervention, so get free, one-to-one debt-counselling help from Citizens Advice, StepChange, or National Debtline. They have powers to give you breathing space on your debt or can put you in a repayment plan or similar. While this may impact your ability to access credit, it’s usually worth it to get you out of the debt hole.
And if you need emotional support, try CAP. They’re there to help.
23.02.26 Credit Check and Fraud
If you have not already done so. Consider joining a free Credit service App/Website – Experian, Clearscore (Equifax), Credit Karma(TransUnion).
Identify with your access to these credit services any unknown ‘Hard’ searches. Which can indicate some application under your details and early recognition of fraud, enabling you to take early action. Such as notify the supplier, credit agency (notice correction) and Report Fraud (0300 123 2040 reportfraud.police.uk).
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/banking-security-and-fraud/
Head Light Glare and Night Driving Fear
Claim back that driving confidence. Are you concerned about driving at night and the high glare of modern vehicle lights, you are not on your own. Don’t let this stop you from travelling or night driving. Have a read of the below and seek some good advice.
Research by RAC published in 2025, found that 97% of drivers surveyed said they’d been dazzled from the glare of oncoming headlights. Six in 10 said headlight dazzle makes driving difficult and uncomfortable, and a one in four drive less at night as a result.
A small scale study in 2019 showed that yellow-tinted glasses neither reduced glare nor helped motorists see pedestrians more easily. Glasses with yellow lenses being sold online as ‘night vision glasses for driving’ and ‘anti glare’ or ‘night driving’ glasses, are not believed to be suitable.
You should look into advice from an eye care specialist you wish to consult and ask their advice for the best option for you. For example as in Glasses Direct advice on anti-reflective and anti-glare options, as well as any other relevant considerations.
Your Email Breach Check
If you wish to check if your email was included in any breaches (including other account data). Use the Have I Been Pwned, a legitimate site which can verify online.
Arsink Malware virus on Android device
From February 2026, this virus is hidden in Apps which downloaded online and not from the official Google Play Store.
It impersonates legitimate, popular applications, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Spotify, tricking users into installing them. Once installed, this malicious software can read text messages, steal contacts, log call history, and listen to conversations through the device’s microphone.
Experts are issuing urgent warnings to Android users to delete any suspicious apps and be cautious of downloading applications from unofficial sources.
You should delete any such Apps and have your device checked.
Always ensure your device firewall is active and you have a good antivirus installed.
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/2166991/android-users-placed-red-alert-apps
Report Fraud replaces Action Fraud from 19th January 2026
To report fraud in the UK, you now use the new Report Fraud service at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040, as the old Action Fraud website redirects to this new unified platform for cybercrime and fraud reporting, with immediate calls for ongoing cyberattacks. After reporting, contact your bank if financial details were given and consider other organizations like Citizens Advice for specific scam types.
https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/
https://youtu.be/CpZRbpNxCOM?si=loY-PcoFOiJi-5qh
Google – privacy concerns as Gmail has 2 changes. 9th January 2026
Today Google introduce AI changes which in short means it can read all your email content, which has an automatic opt in. You have the option to disable this, using both your mobile and computer.
Please see the article below or search on the Internet. The article, scrolling further into it, tells you how to disable it.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opt-out-gmail-ai-training-goog_l_69405837e4b0fa125e7f49a7
Contact limit changes 19th March 2026
The limit is to have changes. Check your provider and make sure you are aware or apply any customer options to suit.
BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2prjr4lpko?app-referrer=deep-link
Cyber Attacks
Criminals attacks to access your Google, Apple, Microsoft accounts.
See HERE
Refresh your awareness and consider looking at what are, and using Passkey security as part of your very important for any of your important accounts.
As for unexpected security prompts, if you have not initiated an account recovery process or clicked to reset a forgotten password or changed a device, then you must ignore the prompts or messages. Do not click. Do not share codes via email, text or call. Do not engage with anyone contacting you at that same time. It’s always an attack.
Scammer Hacks and Sim Card Swap Attacks
BBC report HERE on useful information on what to look out for. Especially if your Sim card is duplicated.
Gift Card Draining Fraud
There are multiple types of this kind of fraud. However, note the ones regarding buy off the shelf from outlets. Fraudsters downloading from displayed cards as an example. Another example, Amazon cards at Morrisons have been tampered with.
Tips: Check the cards for any tampering including the foil code cover. Less chance of tampering if the cards are behind a counter. Keep the receipt, and consider email digital gift cards.
Safe Driving in Winter
From a known insurance company, tips on winter driving HERE if you have not already considered them.
Email/Password breaches
Sites to check your email address
https://www.f-secure.com/en/identity-theft-checker
Flu
H3N2 New flu virus mutation warning could see ‘worst season in a decade’
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dr8gzdz1wo
Stop Fraud
https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime
WhatsApp Gold Viral Scam