I think & ask

Making better online
decisions is easy.

You decide Pause and check Shop smart Don’t take the bait No rushing Watch out for FOMO Online relationships AI and fake content Phishing Safe gaming

Can you spot the fake?

Before you share or reply, look twice

AI can create realistic images, videos and voices

AI can create realistic images, videos and voices

Today, it’s possible to create fake images, videos and voices using artificial intelligence.

There are also social media profiles that copy photos, names or content to pass themselves off as other people, influencers, brands or creators.

Before you share or reply, it’s important to pause and check whether what you’re seeing is real.

What scammers can do

What scammers can do

They use fake content or profiles to grab your attention, gain your trust, get hold of data, gain followers or ask for money.

  • Create fake images, videos or audio.
  • Post fake profiles on social media.
  • Impersonate friends, known people or brands.
  • Use fake giveaways and promotions.
  • Spread misleading information.

They want you to believe in their act

They want you to believe in their act

An account can use a photo with a similar name or posts that look real to win your trust.

That’s why it’s worth paying close attention to the details and checking who is behind it before replying, sharing content or clicking a link.

Tips for making better decisions

Warning signs
  • The account has little activity or was created recently.
  • You’re asked to act quickly, share something or click a link.
  • They promise prizes, gifts or unrealistic benefits.
What you can do
  • Check the name, photo and bio, as well as the verification tick.
  • Check the number and type of posts and comments.
  • Check with a source you trust, like an official website or a saved contact.
  • If you’re unsure, don’t share or reply.
Quick rule

Stop, look twice and verify before you believe it, share it or reply.

Looking

real

doesn't mean

it's real

Looking

real

doesn't

mean it's

real

Does the message look real? Well, it may not be

If a message is rushing you, that’s a good time to slow down

The message arrives when your mind is elsewhere

The message arrives when your mind is elsewhere

It looks urgent and real. And everything suggests you have to decide right now.

Many messages try to get you to act fast so you don’t have time to check whether they’re real.

Urgency plays on FOMO

Urgency plays on FOMO

FOMO stands for fear of missing out. It’s that feeling of having to act now so you don’t miss out. Scammers use it to get you to click or share data without thinking.

  • You’ve won a prize.
  • Get this exclusive offer before it disappears.
  • Only a few spots left.
  • Your account will be suspended today.

Common types of scam messages

Common types of scam messages

Fake messages can arrive by email, text, phone call or a QR code. Sometimes they look real, so it’s worth taking a calm look before touching anything.

  • Phishing: fake emails that look legitimate.
  • Smishing: fake texts, even inside real conversations.
  • Vishing: calls that pretend to be from companies or people you know.
  • Quishing: QR codes that lead to fake websites.

Tips for making better decisions

Warning signs
  • They are trying to rush you.
  • They mention missed opportunities or negative consequences.
  • They promise prizes, gifts or exclusive perks.
  • They ask for personal data or passwords.
What you can do
  • Don’t get swept up by urgency: stop and think before you act.
  • Check the sender, number or account. Looking familiar doesn’t guarantee it’s genuine.
  • Be wary of links and QR codes: they can lead you to fake pages.
  • Verify the information through official channels.
  • Don’t share passwords, verification codes or sensitive data.
Quick rule

If a message is rushing you, stop and verify before clicking or sharing information.

If they

rush

me

If they

rush me

I slow down

When it looks too good
to be true

Before you buy, check the seller, the price and the payment method

Wanting something badly can make you rush

Wanting something badly can make you rush

The latest trainer drop. Tickets to a sold-out gig. Half-price items that everyone is desperate to get.

When we want to get something we like, it’s easy to make quick decisions without checking all the details.

Why the trick works

Why the trick works

Many offers use urgency to grab our attention.

The pressure of not wanting to miss out can make us let our guard down.

  • Get it before it’s gone.
  • Limited edition.
  • Last tickets available.
  • 50% off for one hour only.

You can check an opportunity too

You can check an opportunity too

Something being urgent doesn’t mean you can’t take the time to check it.

A quick search, checking the seller or keeping payment within the platform can make a big difference to reveal who is behind this opportunity.

Tips for making better decisions

Warning signs
  • They offer prices that are too good to be true.
  • They offer sold-out or hard-to-find products.
  • They pressure you to pay quickly or on another app.
  • They want to move the conversation to another app or social network.
  • They promise free rewards, coins or exclusive items.
What you can do
  • Buy from official websites and platforms whenever possible.
  • Check the seller: ratings, reviews and how long they’ve been active.
  • Be wary of anything that rushes you.
  • Keep payment within the platform.
  • Never share passwords, verification codes or login details.
  • If something seems too good to be true, look into it a bit more.
Quick rule

Before you buy, check the seller, the price and the payment method.

I protect

my money

I protect

my money

If it’s too good to be true,
it’s worth another look

Not everyone in your DMs is who they say they are

If someone asks you for secrecy, money or trust too quickly, stop

Online trust is different to in person

Online trust is different to in person

The internet lets you meet new people, make friends and be part of communities with shared interests.

It also makes it possible for some people to hide who they really are or pretend to be someone else to win your trust.

How they might try to manipulate you

How they might try to manipulate you

Not everyone online is who they say they are. Some people pretend to win your trust and get you to lower your guard. They can:

  • Pretend to be your age.
  • Pretend to be a friend, creator or someone you know.
  • Promise easy money or quick rewards.
  • Ask you for personal information.
  • Ask you for help receiving or moving money.

Easy money can be fake money

Easy money can be fake money

If someone asks to use your bank account to receive or send money, even if they say it’s just a favour or offer you a cut, they could be dragging you into illegal activity.

Just because it seems simple doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Tips for making better decisions

Warning signs
  • You’re asked to keep conversations secret.
  • You’re offered easy money for doing very little.
  • You’re asked to use your bank account to receive or send money.
  • You’re asked for intimate photos or personal information.
  • You’re made to feel pressure, fear or shame into doing something.
What you can do
  • Take your time getting to know people online.
  • Be wary of easy-money offers.
  • Never receive or send money on behalf of other people.
  • Don’t share private photos or personal information with people you only know online.
  • Talk to a trusted adult if something makes you feel uncomfortable or unsure.
Quick rule

If someone asks you for secrecy, money or trust too quickly, stop and check.

I know

when to

step back

I know

when to

step back

Real trust takes
time, even online

Your judgement protects you too

You don’t need to know everything or always get it right. What matters is stopping when something doesn’t seem right, checking before you act and asking for help if a situation becomes complicated. Every time you choose to review, ask questions or wait a little before deciding, you’re protecting your online life.