youshouldnot.click

A 5-minute guide for everyone who has ever clicked anything

You should not click.

Most scams don't need a hacker. They need you to tap one link, in a hurry, on a busy day. Let's see what a single click gives away.

(We know. We just told you not to.)

The quiz

Phish or fine?

Ten messages, all made up, all based on real tricks. Decide whether each one is a scam (a phish) or fine to trust.

Keep these

Six habits that stop most scams

You don't need to be a computer person. You need to be a slightly suspicious person for about four seconds.

  1. 1

    Slow down

    "Act now" is the scammer's favourite phrase. Anything genuinely urgent will still be urgent in five minutes.

  2. 2

    Go the long way round

    Don't tap the link. Open the app yourself, or type the address you already know.

  3. 3

    Never read out a code

    A one-time code is a key to your account. No bank, shop or delivery firm will ever ask you for it.

  4. 4

    Check with a call

    "New number, Mum"? Ring the old one. Use a number you already have, never the one in the message.

  5. 5

    Tiny fees, huge prizes

    A $1.45 delivery charge and a $500 gift card are the same trick in different hats.

  6. 6

    Say no to nosy apps

    A torch doesn't need your contacts. If a permission makes no sense, tap "Don't allow".

Already clicked? Don't panic.

It happens to clever, careful people every day. What matters is the next ten minutes.

  1. Gave a password? Change it now, and anywhere else you use the same one.
  2. Gave card or bank details? Call your bank on the number on the back of your card.
  3. Installed something? Delete the app, then restart your phone or computer.
  4. Tell someone. Scammers count on embarrassment. Reporting it helps the next person.

Send this to someone who clicks everything.

Bonus: the link itself is the lesson. Watch them hesitate.