Cybercrime

Have you been affected by, or do you want to know more about, cybercrime?

Cybercrime is when someone commits a crime on the internet or by using technology such as computers and smartphones. It can affect individuals and families, businesses and organisations of all sizes, as well as the public sector, for example local government or emergency services.

The main types of cybercrime are:

child sexual abuse, including grooming (making sexual advances to children) and viewing or distributing pornographic images of children
online bullying (cyberbullying) or stalking and harassment
spreading viruses and malware (malicious software)
hacking into your computer to shut it down or misuse it for illegal activity
spreading hate and inciting terrorism

Cybercrime also includes the following fraud and scams:

sending spam emails
‘phishing’ for passwords and other private data
fraud and identity theft

How you might be feeling

Cybercriminals hide behind devices and technology making you feel as if you’re facing an invisible enemy.

When someone pries into your personal online spaces, you might feel vulnerable and targeted. And, if you’re not familiar with digital technology, it can leave you at a loss as to what to do or where to turn.

If you or your child has been a victim of cybercrime, it can make you worried, frightened or frustrated.

It’s important to remember that whatever you’re feeling is normal and that you’re not alone. Around 50% of UK businesses have been a victim of cybercrime and 11% of UK adults – 5.8 million people – have fallen for an internet scam and had money stolen.

Get the help you need

If you’d like more information or support, contact us now.

As well as receiving help from us, you can also get support from other organisations and charities. See below or search our directory.

National Cyber Security Centre – Information and advice for individuals and businesses of every size, as well as the latest cybercrime news. You can also report incidents on the website.

Action Fraud – The National Fraud and Cybercrime Reporting Centre. Report cybercrime and get more information. It has a 24-hour cybercrime reporting helpline for businesses, charities or organisations that are suffering a live/in progress cyber attack. Call 0300 123 2040.

NSPCC – The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is the UK's leading children’s charity and has more information about cyberbullying.

It’s Not Okay – Greater Manchester initiative to protect young people and prosecute offenders. Each of the ten districts in Greater Manchester has a dedicated team dealing with child sexual abuse. Find contact details.

CEOP – Report online child sexual abuse to Child Exploitation and Online Protection, which is run by the National Crime Agency. It has content designed for children to use from four years up.

Internet Watch Foundation – Report suspected online child sexual abuse images or videos.

How to report cybercrime to the police

In an emergency, when a crime is being committed or has just been witnessed, there’s a risk of injury, or a risk of serious damage to property, dial 999.

In a non-emergency or to make a general inquiry, dial 101.

Report anonymously by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is independent of the police.

Increase your cyber security

You can reduce the risk of cybercrime with these five tips:

Install up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall on your computer

Set your internet browser to the highest level of security notification and monitoring

Don’t click any links or previews or open any attachments in strange emails – delete them straight away

You can also check with your virus protection software provider for information and lists of scam emailers

Report scam emails to Action Fraud

Worried about your child online?

If you’re worried about your child’s safety online, here are a few things you can do:

social networking sites – find out how they work, set appropriate privacy settings, block certain users or content, and report any abuse, fraud or unsuitable behaviour or content
content blockers or filters – these can be applied to your PC or your internet browser and can prevent dubious, adult or illegal content from being accessed
make your child aware – speak to your child about online safety and the things they can do to keep safe. Let them know they can come to you if they are ever worried about something they’ve seen or heard online

If you’re concerned that your child is being groomed, contact your local specialist child sexual exploitation team or make a report to CEOP.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place online and typically affects children and young people, although adults can also be targeted.

Unlike offline bullying, online bullying can follow you wherever you go, via social networks, gaming and your mobile phone. You can be bullied online and offline at the same time.

Cyberbullying can include:

being sent threatening or abusive text messages
embarrassing images or videos of you being shared with you and others
trolling (when you’re sent menacing or upsetting messages on social networks, chat rooms or online games)
being excluded from online games, activities or friendship groups
getting shamed online
being the target of a hate website or group
receiving messages encouraging you to self-harm
being the subject of an abusive poll where others vote
having your online identity stolen or hijacked by others, for example when they create fake accounts so they can cause trouble using your name
sexting (receiving sexually explicit messages)
getting pressured into sending sexual images or engaging in sexual conversations

What to do if your device has been hacked or you have a virus/malware

Visit the National Cyber Security Centre ‘How to recover an infected device’ page for what to do if you think your device has been infected.