Fairfax County Police Department News

Fairfax County, VA — The internet is part of our everyday lives as we use it to stay connected with friends and family, manage finances, shop, work, and keep up with what is happening around us. While being online brings a lot of convenience, it also comes with real safety concerns. FCPD is committed to helping keep our community safe, both in-person and online. A few simple habits can go a long way in protecting yourself in the digital world.

Tips to Help You Stay Safe Online

Protect your personal information
Be mindful of what you share online. Information like your home address, phone number, or financial details should never be posted publicly. Scammers and cybercriminals often look for this information to commit fraud or identity theft.

Review your privacy settings
Most social media platforms allow you to control who sees your posts and personal details. Take a few minutes to review these settings and make sure your information is only visible to people you trust.

Be cautious of phishing attempts
Scam emails, text messages, and direct messages are common and often look legitimate. If a message feels unexpected or urgent, pause before clicking links or responding. When in doubt, verify who the message is really from.

Use strong, unique passwords
Strong passwords help protect your accounts from being compromised. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

Stay informed
Online scams are constantly changing. Staying aware of current threats and common tactics can help you recognize red flags before problems occur.

Talk to your children about online safety
If you have children, regular conversations about internet safety are important. Teach them not to share personal information such as their full name, address, school, or phone number with anyone online. Keep an eye on the sites and apps they use and make sure they are age appropriate. For more information about keeping your children safe, check out FCPD’s Detectives Behind the Internet – Keeping Your Kids Safe | Fairfax County Police Department News (wordpress.com).

Report suspicious activity
If you come across threatening or suspicious behavior online, report it by calling 911 or the non-emergency number at 703-385-7924. If you become a victim of an online financial crime, file a report through Financial Crimes Online Reporting, also known as FiCOR.

By taking these simple steps, you can help create a safer online space for yourself, your family, and your community.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to learn more about joining FCPD.

Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes, locate missing people, and support investigations.

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