Millions of us each year pick up our phone and swipe right in the hope of finding ‘the one’, and with the pandemic limiting even the most basic of social interactions, statistics suggest more of us are using apps than ever before. For the majority of us these apps are a useful tool to connect in a busy world, but to criminals they serve as a playground to hunt for the vulnerable. From romance fraud to sexual predators, Livvy Haydock investigates the dangers these app’s pose, if big tech does enough to protect its users, and what we as individuals should do to keep ourselves safer. Details of organisations that can provide help and support with fraud, sexual abuse and bereavement are available from the following organisations:

Action Fraud provide a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.
Phone: 0300 123 2040
www.actionfraud.police.uk

UK Safer Internet Centre provides e-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.
www.saferinternet.org.uk

Get Safe Online offers unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety, including advice for parents about safeguarding children online.
www.getsafeonline.org

Sexual abuse:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/22VVM5LPrf3pjYdKqctmMXn/information-and-support-sexual-abuse-and-violence

Bereavement:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4MmhHDSbdDmTpVJhBs2v4Py/information-and-support-bereavement