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Hold video meetings with people inside or outside of your organization.

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Level 1: Start and join video meetings

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Hold video meetings with people inside or outside of your organization. Examples: Video conference with international teams, hold remote interviews, conduct webinars, and more. Make sure you have everything you need to start using Google Meet. Check requirements for Google Meet Get Meet: Web (meet.google.com), Android, or iOS (Optional) Moving to Google Meet from another meeting solution?

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Tips for making a voice or video call on WhatsApp Desktop.

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(Pocket-lint) - WhatsApp has long offered voice and video calls through its iPhone and Android apps, but the feature is also available on its desktop app.

Making a voice or video call using WhatsApp's desktop app works in both portrait and landscape orientation, and appears in a resizeable standalone window on your computer so you have the freedom to move it around. It is also set to always be on top.

Currently, the feature is only available for one-to-one calls, but WhatsApp has said it has plans to include group voice and video calls in the future. All voice and video calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted.

Here's how to make a voice or video call using WhatsApp desktop and what you need.

To make or receive a voice or video call using WhatsApp desktop, you will need the following:

The latest version of the WhatsApp desktop app (available for Windows PC and Mac)

An audio and microphone output device

A camera for video calls

An active internet connection on your phone and computer. Your phone needs to be online to establish the call, but the call won't go through your phone.

Grant permission to WhatsApp desktop to access your computer's microphone and camera.

It's worth noting that WhatsApp Desktop calling is only supported on MacOS 10.13 and newer, and Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer.

Follow these super easy steps to make a voice call using WhatsApp desktop.

1. Open the WhatsApp desktop app on your computer

2. Scan the QR code using your phone (open WhatsApp on your phone > Tap Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device)

3. Open the individual chat with the person you want to make a call to

4. Click on the voice call icon

5. Tap on End Call when you're done

You can mute or unmute your microphone by clicking the microphone icon during the call. It's also possible to switch from a voice call to a video call during the call - more on that below.

To make a video call using WhatsApp desktop, follow the simple steps below:

1. Open the WhatsApp desktop app on your computer

2. Scan the QR code using your phone (open WhatsApp on your phone > Tap Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device)

3. Open the individual chat with the person you want to make a video call to

4. Tap on the Video call icon

5. Tap End Call when you're finished

As with voice calling, you can mute or unmute your microphone by clicking the microphone icon during the call. You can also turn your camera off by tapping on the camera icon during the call.

During a voice call with a contact, you can ask to switch to a video call, like you can with Apple's FaceTime for example.

To switch between a voice call and a video call using WhatsApp desktop, follow the steps below:

1. Follow the steps above to start a voice call with a contact

2. During the call, hover over the Camera icon

3. Click on the camera icon

4. The contact you are talking to will then get the option to select OK or Switch to change the call to video, or Cancel to decline

5. If they select OK or Switch, the voice call will switch over to video

Answering a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop is very simple.

Three options will appear when someone voice calls you or video calls you and you have WhatsApp Desktop on and connected to your WhatsApp account.

Accept will accept the call. Decline will decline the call and Ignore or "x" will ignore the call.

Get Malwarebytes Premium today to go beyond antivirus and stop worrying about online threats. Available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chrome, Malwarebytes secures your devices, files, and privacy 24/7. Real-Time Protection uses AI and machine learning to keep you safe from online threats, even emerging threats that no one has ever seen before. Malwarebytes effortlessly crushes adware and potentially unwanted programs that slow down your devices. The all-in-one cyberprotection dashboard highlights your security status in real time, so you're not kept in the dark on what's going on with your devices. Start protecting your devices today with Malwarebytes.

Writing by Britta O'Boyle.

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How to make a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop

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(Pocket-lint) - WhatsApp has long offered voice and video calls through its iPhone and Android apps, but the feature is also available on its desktop app. Making a voice or video call using WhatsApp's desktop app works in both portrait and landscape orientation, and appears in a resizeable standalone window on your computer so you have the freedom to move it around.

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Information and advice for how to look out for scams and how avoid them. Also provides information about what to do if you become the victim of a scam.

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A practical guide
highlighting common
tactics used in romance
fraud. Safeguarding
through knowledge and
empowerment.

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Coronavirus disease ( also known as COVID-19) is dominating the news and sending people across the globe into panic. Of course, it was only a matter of time before cybercriminals would find ways to take advantage of this global crisis. As if the prospect of the virus isn't bad enough, several coronavirus scams have been doing the rounds online.

These include phishing schemes, fake treatment claims, and investment scams, among others. Organizations including the Better Business Bureau (BBB), World Health Organization (WHO), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued warnings to alert the general public to the circulation of various coronavirus scams.

Thankfully, if you know what to look out for, you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and avoid falling victim to their ruse. In this post, we explain more about the COVID-19 scams to watch out for and provide tips to help you stay safe online.

Here are some of the main coronavirus scams you may come across:

Fake treatments

Although some people claim that there is overreaction regarding the severity of COVID-19, let's face it, it's a dangerous virus. As such, plenty of people are frantically searching for preventative treatments and cures.

And when there's demand, there's supply. New websites and ads popped up, claiming to offer products that can prevent or cure coronavirus. In addition, many existing companies are starting to flaunt coronavirus claims around their products.

For example, proponents of Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) have long claimed it can cure everything from HIV to autism, even though the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple warnings to the public not to consume it. However, this solution can still be found for sale on multiple websites.

Claims circulated saying this chlorine dioxide solution-essentially a type of bleach-can help prevent and cure coronavirus. The FDA specifically states in its COVID-19 FAQ page that this is not the case.

Elsewhere, at least seven companies have been issued FDA warnings to stop claiming their products have benefits in relation to COVID-19. These include an aromatherapy business, a producer of silver drinks, and a holistic clinic.

It's not just treatments that companies are selling. Some are making grand claims about disinfectants too. It's true that some home disinfectant products can help in the fight against the spread of the virus. One group in China knowingly marketed a disinfectant under false claims.

For information about coronavirus symptoms, testing, and treatment, you should consult a healthcare professional or a reputable website such as those run by the WHO, CDC, FDA, or your government's health department.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time scammers have taken advantage of a global health crisis to peddle questionable wares. Outbreaks of Zika virus, Ebola, and SARS all prompted the FTC and FDA to send warning letters to various companies.

Masks and other equipment

As you've probably heard, sales of protective masks have gone through the roof, with many companies struggling to meet demand. Again, when there's high demand, crooks are standing ready to make a quick buck.

Other items that may be for sale include protective gloves and coronavirus testing kits. The latter are not commercially available, so anyone claiming to sell them is definitely trying to scam you. For example, below is a Russian site (coronavirustest.ru) claiming to sell "the best and fastest virus test" that "will determine if there is a virus in the blood" in just five minutes.

There are several schemes that could play out when it comes to purchasing coronavirus-related products online:

Non-delivery: There's a chance that you'll simply never see these items after payment, as the seller will accept payment and not ship the product. A tell-tale sign of this scam is if you see in-demand items at a very low price, designed to lure in as many people as possible.

Extortionate prices: In other cases, sellers might be jacking up prices on products they know are in high demand. You may see extortionate prices for some items, including masks selling for up to $1,000. One buyer in the UK claimed to have lost £15,000 trying to purchase masks.

False claims: You might receive a product that doesn't live up to claims. For example, with the testing kit above, if you do actually receive a physical product, it's probably not going to work as promoted. Elsewhere, standards agencies have been quick to crack down on mask claims. For example, the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) challenged Novads OU regarding claims made in several mask advertisements.

Defective products: Similarly, you may receive a low-quality or defective product. Although it's real and seemingly fairly priced, it could be expired, damaged, or even used. What's more, the entities selling these types of goods are unlikely to be offering or honoring return policies.

Stolen personal information: When you're purchasing directly from an e-commerce site, it's tough to know where your information is going. Not only could these sites take your money, but they might also steal your personal and banking information for use in other crimes such as credit card fraud and identity theft.

Some platforms are taking steps to prevent these scams taking place. For example, eBay has blocked all new listings for healthcare masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, and is removing some existing ones. That said, a quick search for face masks on the site still delivered over 1,500 results.

Amazon has pulled over a million coronavirus-related products and Facebook has put a temporary halt to ads for face masks. Google is the latest company to follow suit. What's more, governments are starting to take a stance against mask resellers, with Japan promising fines of up to 1 million yen ($9,565) or a year in prison.

Sellers of related products should beware too as they might also be the target of scams. In a cancelled payment scam, a buyer will send payment only to cancel it once the product has shipped, leaving the seller out of pocket. Other scammers will purchase goods for resale using a stolen credit card information. This could potentially leave the seller on the hook for the money.

Phishing emails and texts

Another way scammers are leveraging the coronavirus panic is to pilfer information from unsuspecting victims. Phishing emails, as well as phishing voicemails and text messages (known as vishing and smishing, respectively), are intended to trick recipients into handing over private information.

WHO recently issued the following warning regarding phishing emails:

"Criminals are disguising themselves as WHO to steal money or sensitive information. If you are contacted by a person or organization that appears to be from WHO, verify their authenticity before responding."

One email purporting to come from WHO encouraged recipients to click on a button link to find out about safety measures for preventing the spread of coronavirus. The link takes you to a phishing site which prompts you to enter a username and password. Phishing sites are designed to look like legitimate sites, but actually steal your information. Another phishing email, purporting to be from the CDC, encourages people to click a link to see a list of coronavirus cases in their area.

Note that you might come across multi channel attacks where a fraudster will send both an email and a text message or phone call, to make the ruse seem more believable. Data breaches often result in the leak of a phone number paired with an email, which is how cybercriminals get this information in the first place.

According to CheckPoint, 4,000 coronavirus-related domains have been registered since January. Three percent of these are malicious, and a further five percent are deemed suspicious. This means that domains linked to coronavirus are 50 percent more likely to be malicious compared to other domains registered within that period.

Malware

Not all malicious emails are phishing for information, and other messages might be designed to install malware on the user's device. A seemingly harmless email could ask you to click a link or attachment, for example, for more information about the outbreak.

When you click the malicious link or attachment, malware is downloaded and executed on your device. One example is a campaign that uses the coronavirus outbreak to spread the popular trojan Emotet via an email attachment. This is also a common method used for installing spyware and ransomware.

Charity schemes

In any global crisis, people tend to look for ways to help their fellow humans financially. Fraudsters prey on their kindness and create fake GoFundMe pages and other charity-based schemes.

For example, you might see people asking for help with repatriation expenses, medical bills, and quarantine-related costs. You may also see fake charities purporting to help with everything from feeding children to helping animals in the wake of the virus.

These scams are often promoted through social media, but may come through email, possibly even from a friend who has fallen for the scam.

Note that there are still many worthy causes to donate to at this time, including many genuine GoFundMe and similar pages, but you should always proceed with caution. In addition, lots of reputable charities are ramping up efforts to help those in need in the midst of this crisis and need your help. Just be sure to do some research before sending funds.

Investment scams

With the markets taking a massive hit, people are understandably worried about protecting their investments. Enter scammers with the solution to all your problems. In February, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a warning to the public to be on the lookout for coronavirus-related investment scams.

One type of scheme is tied to products and services that may be helpful in coronavirus prevention, detection, or treatment. Scammers claim that stocks of publicly-traded companies providing these products or services will increase dramatically. They persuade people to purchase these stocks with promises of future gains.

Then, once the stock price has increased (due to mass interest), the scammers sell their stock at the inflated price. The stock price plummets, leaving duped investors with worthless stocks. This is known as a "pump-and-dump" scheme.

General misinformation

While some fake news can be seemingly harmless, in many cases, it can have a real impact on people's lives. It can even prove fatal as was revealed in Iran where more than 40 people have died after consuming bootleg alcohol, believing it would cure the coronavirus.

Misinformation may be used for various reasons, including to ramp up social media engagement or drive website traffic, but it can have serious consequences. For example, overstating the number of coronavirus cases in a particular area could send nearby residents into a frenzy.

Fake news about the coronavirus outbreak may also be used to sway public opinion about the government, political parties, and individual politicians. It can have a significant and lasting impact on the political climate of various countries.

In some cases, governments have been implicated in the spread of fake news. For example, the US has accused Russia of spreading disinformation regarding the coronavirus. Officials claimed to have uncovered a network of thousands of social media accounts spreading conspiracy theories that essentially blame the US for the outbreak.

Offline impersonation scams

Although this article is focused on online scams, it's worth mentioning that police departments in New Jersey recently issued a warning about scammers going door to door posing as CDC officials.

It's unclear what intentions these imposters have, but it's worth putting the word out to friends and family, especially the elderly and vulnerable. The CDC is not deploying teams to go door to door, and you should not let these people into your homes.

Tips to help you avoid COVID-19 scams

Knowledge of these scams is the best defense. Note that scammers will continuously find ways to take advantage of people, so as the situation continues to unfold, you need to be on high alert for other types of schemes that might evolve. Here are our top tips for avoiding coronavirus scams:

1. Use common sense

Although this global crisis is inciting panic, it's important to keep a level head and think rationally. For a start, if something seems too good to be true, it likely is. If you're being offered "secret information" or an "exclusive deal" by a stranger, consider if this is legitimate.

It's also worth noting that friends and family members may not be educated about these schemes and could be more likely to make poor decisions when feeling scared or overwhelmed. It's especially important to check in with elderly friends and relatives. According to statistics, seniors are at high risk of developing serious symptoms due to the coronavirus. This makes it even more likely than usual that they'll be targeted with scams.

2. Learn to spot phishing emails and sites

Phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated, but there are still some common tell-tale signs that something's not right. First, look at the sender's email address and check that it looks real. Scammers will often register domains with slight misspellings to make an email address look legitimate.

Other common signs of a phishing email are poor spelling or grammar, and a sense of urgency in the tone. Charity scams in particular will often use high-pressure tactics to get you to hand over money quickly. If you have any doubt about the authenticity of an email, contact the company directly using a phone number or email address found via a web search.

Government agencies such as the WHO or CDC will never ask you to send money or banking information.

Never click attachments or links in an email that you don't fully trust. If you're unsure about where a link is sending you, you can hover over the anchor text to see the URL. If it doesn't match what you're expecting, don't click.

If you do end up clicking a link, there are ways to check if you've landed on a phishing site. Looking for a secure site (with HTTPS in the address and a padlock symbol in the address bar) can help, although many phishing sites now have this feature. Other tell-tale signs of a phishing site are outdated copyright information, poor grammar, and lack of an "about" page and contact information.

3. Only purchase from trusted sites

If you do need to stock up on supplies, be it medication or other household goods, make sure you're purchasing from reputable sites. As mentioned, looking for HTTPS sites can help, but it's not foolproof. Ideally, stick to well-known companies and avoid third-party sellers.

When you make any purchase online, it's better to use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards usually offer more protection and give you a better chance of getting your money back if you are scammed.

4. Use antivirus software

While antivirus software won't help in the social engineering element of a scam, it can help protect you to some extent. A good antivirus should be able to detect and block known threats, for example, to prevent malware from being downloaded onto your device.

If malware does find its way through initial defenses, antivirus software might be able to detect it so you can remove it as soon as possible.

5. Visit reputable sites for coronavirus information

The problem with getting all of your news from your social media newsfeeds is it's often difficult to tell where it's really coming from. Even some reputable news sites pick up on stories with misinformation.

For reliable coronavirus news, you're best off sticking with sites like those run by the WHO and CDC. These may not be updated as regularly as your favorite tabloid news site, but the information will likely be more reliable.

While severity of the COVID-19 outbreak will diminish eventually, it looks set to be around long enough for many more scams to take place. In general, these types of schemes are under-reported. Often, people assume that no one will be able to help them, or they feel embarrassed about falling for a scam.

The spread of coronavirus could compound both of these factors. Due to the widespread panic we're seeing, people are likely to fall for more obvious scams than usual. Plus, with the current global crisis, they might feel that their seemingly small misfortune is too insignificant to report.

However, if you've fallen victim to a scam or suspect scam-related activity, it's prudent to report it as soon as possible. If you've lost money, no matter how hopeless it seems, there's a chance you could be reimbursed. Perhaps more importantly, it's important to get the word out to family, friends, and the general public to minimize the number of people who become victims.

We go into detail about how to report a scam in a separate post, but here's a brief list of where to turn depending on which country you're in. Note that you should also inform your local law enforcement agency of any scams.

US

UK

Canada

Australia

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Avoid coronavirus scams: What you need to know

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Coronavirus disease ( also known as COVID-19) is dominating the news and sending people across the globe into panic. Of course, it was only a matter of time before cybercriminals would find ways to take advantage of this global crisis. As if the prospect of the virus isn't bad enough, several coronavirus scams have been doing the rounds online.

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From the Blog

Blog

Who are you really talking to online?

The internet is a fantastic innovation that has, in many ways, made life more convenient, given us more choice, brought enrichment and for many, made...

Our Partners & Supporters

Our Mission

Our Mission

Get Safe Online is the UK's leading source of unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety.

Our website is a unique resource providing practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online. It contains guidance on many other related subjects too - including performing backups and how to avoid theft or loss of your computer, smartphone or tablet.
Read more about who we are

Get Safe Online around the world

Get Safe Online has a presence in 24 countries around the world. Each country benefits from its own Get Safe Online website, customised to deliver the best and most relevant experience for individuals and businesses. Many of the countries also have a community of Get Safe Online Ambassadors and Advocates working on our behalf.
Read more about our International Sites

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Get Safe Online | The UK's leading Online Safety Advice Resource

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The UK's leading online safety advice resource. Providing free, impartial internet safety advice to help keep you and your family safe online.

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Child Exploitation and Online Protection command

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Thank you for visiting the Me & My Shadow website. Please note that this website is no longer being updated. It will remain live as an archive, but some of the information may be out of date. In 2019 we will be migrating some of the content to Tactical Tech's other websites, so please stay tuned!

take control of your data

What are digital traces?

Through your computer, mobile phone, and other digital devices, you leave behind hundreds of digital traces (also called data traces) every day: bits of information about you that are created, stored, and collected.

When your digital traces are put together to create stories about you or profiles of you, these become your digital shadows. These can give others huge insight into your life; and they can also be totally wrong. Either way, once they're out there, they are almost impossible to control....

We leave hundreds of digital traces every day. What are they and how do we create them?

Once digital traces are created, they usually leave our immediate control and land up in the hands of others.

A closer look at the often-made claim that "effective anonymisation is possible".

We're being followed around the internet, and tracked through our mobile phones. What personal data are companies and institutions collecting, and what for?

GO: SEE HOW YOUR DATA IS BEING COLLECTED

"SO WHAT? I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE"

"I've got nothing to hide"; "It's just the internet"; "But I'm just one in millions".....and four more.

How to change settings, block trackers, and choose usable alternative tools.

Investigations
into the data society

We live in a world currently suffering from an extreme case of Obsessive Collection Disorder. What is actually going on? Where do we fit in? What does all of this mean for us? This section takes a deeper, more in-depth look at things.

Who is reading over your shoulder when you read the news online?

More to come......

Watch this space!

Stuff We Like

Resources on privacy from other excellent organisations and individuals:

40 maps that will help you better understand where the internet came from, how it works, and how it's used by people around the world.
-Timothy B. Lee

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Thank you for visiting the Me & My Shadow website. Please note that this website is no longer being updated. It will remain live as an archive, but some of the information may be out of date. In 2019 we will be migrating some of the content to Tactical Tech's other websites, so please stay tuned!

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How long it would take a computer to crack your password?

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Think U know: Resources for different age groups, parents and carers- can be used to run age appropriate online safety sessions

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The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team aim to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse.

We do this through our education programme, providing training, resources and information to professionals working with children, young people and their families.

I am:

Respecting me, you, us: building healthy relationships and creating positive cultures is a CEOP Education resource for 12 -14 year olds developed in association with clinical psychologist, Dr. Elly Hanson.

Under 18 and worried about online sexual abuse?
To report, click to visit the CEOP Safety Centre.

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The CEOP Education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Education Team aims to protect children and young people aged 4-18 from online child sexual abuse.

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Family members of online daters are being urged to help protect their relatives from becoming a victim of romance fraud, as new figures show almost £92 million has been lost through dating scams this year alone.

Could you recognise a cloned company scam? Criminals are copying real websites to steal savings.

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Family members of online daters are being urged to help protect their relatives from becoming a victim of romance fraud, as new figures show almost £92 million has been lost through dating scams this year alone. Could you recognise a cloned company scam? Criminals are copying real websites to steal savings.

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Coronavirus disease ( also known as COVID-19) is dominating the news and sending people across the globe into panic. Of course, it was only a matter of time before cybercriminals would find ways to take advantage of this global crisis. As if the prospect of the virus isn't bad enough, several coronavirus scams have been doing the rounds online.

These include phishing schemes, fake treatment claims, and investment scams, among others. Organizations including the Better Business Bureau (BBB), World Health Organization (WHO), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued warnings to alert the general public to the circulation of various coronavirus scams.

Thankfully, if you know what to look out for, you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and avoid falling victim to their ruse. In this post, we explain more about the COVID-19 scams to watch out for and provide tips to help you stay safe online.

Here are some of the main coronavirus scams you may come across:

Fake treatments

Although some people claim that there is overreaction regarding the severity of COVID-19, let's face it, it's a dangerous virus. As such, plenty of people are frantically searching for preventative treatments and cures.

And when there's demand, there's supply. New websites and ads popped up, claiming to offer products that can prevent or cure coronavirus. In addition, many existing companies are starting to flaunt coronavirus claims around their products.

For example, proponents of Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) have long claimed it can cure everything from HIV to autism, even though the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple warnings to the public not to consume it. However, this solution can still be found for sale on multiple websites.

Claims circulated saying this chlorine dioxide solution-essentially a type of bleach-can help prevent and cure coronavirus. The FDA specifically states in its COVID-19 FAQ page that this is not the case.

Elsewhere, at least seven companies have been issued FDA warnings to stop claiming their products have benefits in relation to COVID-19. These include an aromatherapy business, a producer of silver drinks, and a holistic clinic.

It's not just treatments that companies are selling. Some are making grand claims about disinfectants too. It's true that some home disinfectant products can help in the fight against the spread of the virus. One group in China knowingly marketed a disinfectant under false claims.

For information about coronavirus symptoms, testing, and treatment, you should consult a healthcare professional or a reputable website such as those run by the WHO, CDC, FDA, or your government's health department.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time scammers have taken advantage of a global health crisis to peddle questionable wares. Outbreaks of Zika virus, Ebola, and SARS all prompted the FTC and FDA to send warning letters to various companies.

Masks and other equipment

As you've probably heard, sales of protective masks have gone through the roof, with many companies struggling to meet demand. Again, when there's high demand, crooks are standing ready to make a quick buck.

Other items that may be for sale include protective gloves and coronavirus testing kits. The latter are not commercially available, so anyone claiming to sell them is definitely trying to scam you. For example, below is a Russian site (coronavirustest.ru) claiming to sell "the best and fastest virus test" that "will determine if there is a virus in the blood" in just five minutes.

There are several schemes that could play out when it comes to purchasing coronavirus-related products online:

Non-delivery: There's a chance that you'll simply never see these items after payment, as the seller will accept payment and not ship the product. A tell-tale sign of this scam is if you see in-demand items at a very low price, designed to lure in as many people as possible.

Extortionate prices: In other cases, sellers might be jacking up prices on products they know are in high demand. You may see extortionate prices for some items, including masks selling for up to $1,000. One buyer in the UK claimed to have lost £15,000 trying to purchase masks.

False claims: You might receive a product that doesn't live up to claims. For example, with the testing kit above, if you do actually receive a physical product, it's probably not going to work as promoted. Elsewhere, standards agencies have been quick to crack down on mask claims. For example, the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) challenged Novads OU regarding claims made in several mask advertisements.

Defective products: Similarly, you may receive a low-quality or defective product. Although it's real and seemingly fairly priced, it could be expired, damaged, or even used. What's more, the entities selling these types of goods are unlikely to be offering or honoring return policies.

Stolen personal information: When you're purchasing directly from an e-commerce site, it's tough to know where your information is going. Not only could these sites take your money, but they might also steal your personal and banking information for use in other crimes such as credit card fraud and identity theft.

Some platforms are taking steps to prevent these scams taking place. For example, eBay has blocked all new listings for healthcare masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, and is removing some existing ones. That said, a quick search for face masks on the site still delivered over 1,500 results.

Amazon has pulled over a million coronavirus-related products and Facebook has put a temporary halt to ads for face masks. Google is the latest company to follow suit. What's more, governments are starting to take a stance against mask resellers, with Japan promising fines of up to 1 million yen ($9,565) or a year in prison.

Sellers of related products should beware too as they might also be the target of scams. In a cancelled payment scam, a buyer will send payment only to cancel it once the product has shipped, leaving the seller out of pocket. Other scammers will purchase goods for resale using a stolen credit card information. This could potentially leave the seller on the hook for the money.

Phishing emails and texts

Another way scammers are leveraging the coronavirus panic is to pilfer information from unsuspecting victims. Phishing emails, as well as phishing voicemails and text messages (known as vishing and smishing, respectively), are intended to trick recipients into handing over private information.

WHO recently issued the following warning regarding phishing emails:

"Criminals are disguising themselves as WHO to steal money or sensitive information. If you are contacted by a person or organization that appears to be from WHO, verify their authenticity before responding."

One email purporting to come from WHO encouraged recipients to click on a button link to find out about safety measures for preventing the spread of coronavirus. The link takes you to a phishing site which prompts you to enter a username and password. Phishing sites are designed to look like legitimate sites, but actually steal your information. Another phishing email, purporting to be from the CDC, encourages people to click a link to see a list of coronavirus cases in their area.

Note that you might come across multi channel attacks where a fraudster will send both an email and a text message or phone call, to make the ruse seem more believable. Data breaches often result in the leak of a phone number paired with an email, which is how cybercriminals get this information in the first place.

According to CheckPoint, 4,000 coronavirus-related domains have been registered since January. Three percent of these are malicious, and a further five percent are deemed suspicious. This means that domains linked to coronavirus are 50 percent more likely to be malicious compared to other domains registered within that period.

Malware

Not all malicious emails are phishing for information, and other messages might be designed to install malware on the user's device. A seemingly harmless email could ask you to click a link or attachment, for example, for more information about the outbreak.

When you click the malicious link or attachment, malware is downloaded and executed on your device. One example is a campaign that uses the coronavirus outbreak to spread the popular trojan Emotet via an email attachment. This is also a common method used for installing spyware and ransomware.

Charity schemes

In any global crisis, people tend to look for ways to help their fellow humans financially. Fraudsters prey on their kindness and create fake GoFundMe pages and other charity-based schemes.

For example, you might see people asking for help with repatriation expenses, medical bills, and quarantine-related costs. You may also see fake charities purporting to help with everything from feeding children to helping animals in the wake of the virus.

These scams are often promoted through social media, but may come through email, possibly even from a friend who has fallen for the scam.

Note that there are still many worthy causes to donate to at this time, including many genuine GoFundMe and similar pages, but you should always proceed with caution. In addition, lots of reputable charities are ramping up efforts to help those in need in the midst of this crisis and need your help. Just be sure to do some research before sending funds.

Investment scams

With the markets taking a massive hit, people are understandably worried about protecting their investments. Enter scammers with the solution to all your problems. In February, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a warning to the public to be on the lookout for coronavirus-related investment scams.

One type of scheme is tied to products and services that may be helpful in coronavirus prevention, detection, or treatment. Scammers claim that stocks of publicly-traded companies providing these products or services will increase dramatically. They persuade people to purchase these stocks with promises of future gains.

Then, once the stock price has increased (due to mass interest), the scammers sell their stock at the inflated price. The stock price plummets, leaving duped investors with worthless stocks. This is known as a "pump-and-dump" scheme.

General misinformation

While some fake news can be seemingly harmless, in many cases, it can have a real impact on people's lives. It can even prove fatal as was revealed in Iran where more than 40 people have died after consuming bootleg alcohol, believing it would cure the coronavirus.

Misinformation may be used for various reasons, including to ramp up social media engagement or drive website traffic, but it can have serious consequences. For example, overstating the number of coronavirus cases in a particular area could send nearby residents into a frenzy.

Fake news about the coronavirus outbreak may also be used to sway public opinion about the government, political parties, and individual politicians. It can have a significant and lasting impact on the political climate of various countries.

In some cases, governments have been implicated in the spread of fake news. For example, the US has accused Russia of spreading disinformation regarding the coronavirus. Officials claimed to have uncovered a network of thousands of social media accounts spreading conspiracy theories that essentially blame the US for the outbreak.

Offline impersonation scams

Although this article is focused on online scams, it's worth mentioning that police departments in New Jersey recently issued a warning about scammers going door to door posing as CDC officials.

It's unclear what intentions these imposters have, but it's worth putting the word out to friends and family, especially the elderly and vulnerable. The CDC is not deploying teams to go door to door, and you should not let these people into your homes.

Tips to help you avoid COVID-19 scams

Knowledge of these scams is the best defense. Note that scammers will continuously find ways to take advantage of people, so as the situation continues to unfold, you need to be on high alert for other types of schemes that might evolve. Here are our top tips for avoiding coronavirus scams:

1. Use common sense

Although this global crisis is inciting panic, it's important to keep a level head and think rationally. For a start, if something seems too good to be true, it likely is. If you're being offered "secret information" or an "exclusive deal" by a stranger, consider if this is legitimate.

It's also worth noting that friends and family members may not be educated about these schemes and could be more likely to make poor decisions when feeling scared or overwhelmed. It's especially important to check in with elderly friends and relatives. According to statistics, seniors are at high risk of developing serious symptoms due to the coronavirus. This makes it even more likely than usual that they'll be targeted with scams.

2. Learn to spot phishing emails and sites

Phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated, but there are still some common tell-tale signs that something's not right. First, look at the sender's email address and check that it looks real. Scammers will often register domains with slight misspellings to make an email address look legitimate.

Other common signs of a phishing email are poor spelling or grammar, and a sense of urgency in the tone. Charity scams in particular will often use high-pressure tactics to get you to hand over money quickly. If you have any doubt about the authenticity of an email, contact the company directly using a phone number or email address found via a web search.

Government agencies such as the WHO or CDC will never ask you to send money or banking information.

Never click attachments or links in an email that you don't fully trust. If you're unsure about where a link is sending you, you can hover over the anchor text to see the URL. If it doesn't match what you're expecting, don't click.

If you do end up clicking a link, there are ways to check if you've landed on a phishing site. Looking for a secure site (with HTTPS in the address and a padlock symbol in the address bar) can help, although many phishing sites now have this feature. Other tell-tale signs of a phishing site are outdated copyright information, poor grammar, and lack of an "about" page and contact information.

3. Only purchase from trusted sites

If you do need to stock up on supplies, be it medication or other household goods, make sure you're purchasing from reputable sites. As mentioned, looking for HTTPS sites can help, but it's not foolproof. Ideally, stick to well-known companies and avoid third-party sellers.

When you make any purchase online, it's better to use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards usually offer more protection and give you a better chance of getting your money back if you are scammed.

4. Use antivirus software

While antivirus software won't help in the social engineering element of a scam, it can help protect you to some extent. A good antivirus should be able to detect and block known threats, for example, to prevent malware from being downloaded onto your device.

If malware does find its way through initial defenses, antivirus software might be able to detect it so you can remove it as soon as possible.

5. Visit reputable sites for coronavirus information

The problem with getting all of your news from your social media newsfeeds is it's often difficult to tell where it's really coming from. Even some reputable news sites pick up on stories with misinformation.

For reliable coronavirus news, you're best off sticking with sites like those run by the WHO and CDC. These may not be updated as regularly as your favorite tabloid news site, but the information will likely be more reliable.

While severity of the COVID-19 outbreak will diminish eventually, it looks set to be around long enough for many more scams to take place. In general, these types of schemes are under-reported. Often, people assume that no one will be able to help them, or they feel embarrassed about falling for a scam.

The spread of coronavirus could compound both of these factors. Due to the widespread panic we're seeing, people are likely to fall for more obvious scams than usual. Plus, with the current global crisis, they might feel that their seemingly small misfortune is too insignificant to report.

However, if you've fallen victim to a scam or suspect scam-related activity, it's prudent to report it as soon as possible. If you've lost money, no matter how hopeless it seems, there's a chance you could be reimbursed. Perhaps more importantly, it's important to get the word out to family, friends, and the general public to minimize the number of people who become victims.

We go into detail about how to report a scam in a separate post, but here's a brief list of where to turn depending on which country you're in. Note that you should also inform your local law enforcement agency of any scams.

US

UK

Canada

Australia

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Avoid coronavirus scams: What you need to know

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Coronavirus disease ( also known as COVID-19) is dominating the news and sending people across the globe into panic. Of course, it was only a matter of time before cybercriminals would find ways to take advantage of this global crisis. As if the prospect of the virus isn't bad enough, several coronavirus scams have been doing the rounds online.

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A PDF with advice for looking after your mental health in Welsh.

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Here is a financial support leaflet from Welsh Government in Welsh.

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Here you will find all of our User Guides Padlets.

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I have developed a brief overview of how to set up a Facebook Group. They can be useful for communicating with volunteer groups and were requested during a Digital Drop in.

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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Resources for Page Admins | Facebook Help Center

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BBC World Service - Coronavirus Global Update - Downloads

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Podcast downloads for Coronavirus Global Update

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Keeping in Touch Webinar 15/04/2020 Participant Questions and Answers

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Keeping in Touch Webinar 15/04/2020 Participant Questions and Answers

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Keeping in Touch Webinar 24/04/2020 Participant Questions and Answers

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Keeping in Touch Webinar 24/04/2020 Participant Questions and Answers

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A nice set up video call for someone who may struggle with Tech. Please note that YouTube is a social networking website and any comments made by other users do not represent Digital Communities Wales. We hope the video tutorials are helpful.

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How to Video Call to Any Amazon Echo Show from any Smartphone | Easy to Use | Stay in Touch

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Select Your Cookie Preferences

We use cookies and similar tools that are necessary to enable you to make purchases, to enhance your shopping experiences and to provide our services, as detailed in our Cookie Notice. We also use these cookies to understand how customers use our services (for example, by measuring site visits) so we can make improvements.

If you agree, we'll also use cookies to complement your shopping experience across the Amazon stores as described in our Cookie Notice. This includes using first- and third-party cookies, which store or access standard device information such as a unique identifier. Third parties use cookies for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalised ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. Click 'Customise Cookies' to decline these cookies, make more detailed choices, or learn more. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie Preferences, as described in the Cookie Notice. To learn more about how and for what purposes Amazon uses personal information (such as Amazon Store order history), please visit our Privacy Notice.

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Echo Show 5 | 2nd generation (2021 release), smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera | Charcoal

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See your day with Alexa at the ready: set alarms and timers, check your calendar or the news, make video calls with the 2 MP camera, and stream music or series-all with your voice

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To get started, plug the included power adapter into a power outlet, then into your device. These steps also work with Echo Spot.

Follow the on-screen prompts to:

When you see the home screen with rotating pages, your device is ready to use.

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To get started, plug the included power adapter into a power outlet, then into your device. These steps also work with Echo Spot. Follow the on-screen prompts to: When you see the home screen with rotating pages, your device is ready to use.

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Portal voice command availability varies. . Screen images simulated. User experience may vary. Requires wireless Internet connection and Facebook or WhatsApp account. WhatsApp is not available on tablets. Features, functionality and content vary and may not be available on all Portal models or in all areas and languages. Some features may require a Facebook account and downloading the Portal mobile app. Additional account registration, terms and fees may apply.

*Offer valid from 6 March 2022 (16:00 PT) to 28 March 2022 (15:59 PT). Limited to four devices per transaction. Valid on qualifying purchases at portal.facebook.com, while supplies last. Product availability varies: some items may not be in stock. No rain checks offered. Not valid on prior orders or purchases. Offer is non-transferable and not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, bundles or coupons. Savings automatically applied at checkout. Offer may be cancelled or modified at any time without notice. Void where prohibited.

© 2022 Meta. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

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Portal Video Calling Devices | Portal from Facebook UK

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Portal voice command availability varies. . Screen images simulated. User experience may vary. Requires wireless Internet connection and Facebook or WhatsApp account. WhatsApp is not available on tablets. Features, functionality and content vary and may not be available on all Portal models or in all areas and languages.

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This article applies to Portal
See Portal TV article
Before setting up your Portal, make sure that you've reviewed our health and safety guidelines. To set up your Portal, you'll need a Facebook or WhatsApp account.

If you would like to use screen reader to set up your Portal, learn more about setting up your Portal using screen reader. If you're having trouble while using your Portal's touchscreen during setup, learn more about turning off accessibility options.

1. Place your Portal on a stable flat surface, such as a tabletop or counter.

Do not place your Portal near sinks, showers, pools or other areas where it might get wet.

Do not place your Portal near sources of heat, such as hobs, ovens or radiators.

Do not place Portal where it may be tipped over easily.

2. Plug your Portal in with the included power cord.

Plug the included power cord into Portal first, then into an appropriate outlet.
Make sure that the included power cord is fully plugged into your Portal before plugging it into an appropriate outlet.

Your Portal works when connected to a rated AC power source with 100 V to 240 V AC at 50 Hz to 60 Hz. Please review our health and safety guidelines for more information.

Arrange any cables and cords so that people and pets are not likely to trip over or accidentally pull on them as they move around or walk near the Portal.

Assemble your Portal:

Select your language and connect to Wi-Fi:

1. Select your language, then tap Next.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi.

1. Select your Wi-Fi network.

2. Enter your Wi-Fi password and tap Join.

3. Tap Next.

4. Tap Continue. Your Portal may need to download the latest software in order to complete setup. Once the download is complete, you may be asked to restart your Portal.

Once your Portal is plugged in, follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup.

If you have trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi, learn how to check your signal.

Give your Portal a name and log in with Facebook or WhatsApp:

1. Give your Portal a name. Tap an option from the menu or tap to create a Custom name, then tap Next.

2. Log in with Facebook or WhatsApp:

1. Tap the box next to Facebook or WhatsApp, then tap Next.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Follow the on-screen instructions to continue setup.

Once you have finished connecting an account, follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete setup. You can do things such as connect your Portal to music accounts, set up Amazon Alexa, display your photos and learn more about using Portal.

"Hey Portal" and other functions are affected by language selection. Learn more about "Hey Portal" availability. Some features, including Facebook Watch, Facebook Gaming, Facebook Live and display settings aren't available when you set up your Portal with WhatsApp only or when a WhatsApp-only login exists on a shared device. See portal.facebook.com/usage for more information.

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This article applies to Portal See Portal TV article Before setting up your Portal, make sure that you've reviewed our health and safety guidelines. To set up your Portal, you'll need a Facebook or WhatsApp account. If you would like to use screen reader to set up your Portal, learn more about setting up your Portal using screen reader.

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Portal voice command availability varies. . Screen images simulated. User experience may vary. Requires wireless Internet connection and Facebook or WhatsApp account. WhatsApp is not available on tablets. Features, functionality and content vary and may not be available on all Portal models or in all areas and languages. Some features may require a Facebook account and downloading the Portal mobile app. Additional account registration, terms and fees may apply.

*Offer valid from 6 March 2022 (16:00 PT) to 28 March 2022 (15:59 PT). Limited to four devices per transaction. Valid on qualifying purchases at portal.facebook.com, while supplies last. Product availability varies: some items may not be in stock. No rain checks offered. Not valid on prior orders or purchases. Offer is non-transferable and not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, bundles or coupons. Savings automatically applied at checkout. Offer may be cancelled or modified at any time without notice. Void where prohibited.

© 2022 Meta. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

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Portal from Facebook: Help Centre - Setting up Portal

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Portal voice command availability varies. . Screen images simulated. User experience may vary. Requires wireless Internet connection and Facebook or WhatsApp account. WhatsApp is not available on tablets. Features, functionality and content vary and may not be available on all Portal models or in all areas and languages.

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YouTube is great for finding tutorials on how to use certain features of a device. Please note that YouTube is a social networking website and any comments made by other users do not represent Digital Communities Wales. We hope the video tutorials are helpful.

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Welsh subtitles

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How to use Attend Anywhere for patients (Welsh subtitles)

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Appointments by Attend Anywhere (Welsh Subtitles)

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Here is a helpful video about how to use Facebook Messenger. Please note that YouTube is a social networking website and any comments made by other users do not represent Digital Communities Wales. We hope the video tutorials are helpful.

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How to Use Facebook Messenger - Stay in Touch With Friends & Family

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Official information from NHS Direct Wales.

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Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.

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Official information from the UK Government.

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We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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Find information on COVID-19, including guidance and support.

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Official information from Public Health Wales.

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Public Health Wales is the national public health agency in Wales and exists to protect and improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities for people in Wales. We are part of the NHS and report to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport in the Welsh Government.

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The latest up to date news from the BBC.

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Visit BBC News for up-to-the-minute news, breaking news, video, audio and feature stories. BBC News provides trusted World and UK news as well as local and regional perspectives. Also entertainment, business, science, technology and health news.

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Coronavirus: How to clean your smartphone safely.

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While you may want to clean your smartphone, some substances can damage the device.

Dr Lena Ciric, a microbiologist from University College London, says you can effectively clean your phone using just household soap and water.

Video journalist: Chris Fox

EASY STEPS: What can I do about the virus?

A SIMPLE GUIDE: What are the symptoms?

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Here’s how to clean your device effectively using household soap and water.

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Some tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety.

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Anxiety UK have experienced a big rise in callers since the outbreak of coronavirus.

David Smithson, the charity’s operations director, gives his advice on how to deal with anxiety during this difficult time.

And we hear from three women with pre-existing anxiety disorders about why coronavirus has been especially challenging, and the strategies they have been using to cope.

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Anxiety UK have experienced a big rise in callers since the Covid-19 outbreak.

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COVID-19: Guides & resources from Digital Unite.

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Breadcrumb

1. Home |

2. COVID-19: Guides & resources

Here are some of our most relevant guides to help you and your learners stay connected when you can't be together.

If are helping someone with technology remotely, then visit our Remote Digital Champion guides for lots of practical advice.

Would you like these guides on your website? It’s free and easy to do. Find out more here.

Staying connected

Email & Skype

Staying in touch with family, friends and loved ones has never been so important. Here are some guides that you might find useful yourself but which are also great for sharing with those who are not too confident online.

Social media

We all know that social media can be a great way to stay in touch with family and friends but's also great for finding out what's happening locally and for plugging in to local support networks.

Video calling with Zoom

Zoom is one of the most popular video calling applications.

Our range of resources show you how you can use Zoom to connect with others and help them with their digital skills .

Health & wellbeing

Finding reliable COVID-19 news & information

It can be hard to know where to go. This guide helps!

Healthy living & fitness

If your normal fitness routine is disrupted, here are some great ideas for keeping fit: the best online home workouts and more!

Mental health

Times like these are scary and can affect our mental health. This great guide from The Mental Health Foundation offers expert reassurance and advice.

Hobbies & interests

We've got lots of ideas for things to do while holed up and home - from online reading and learning to activities and interests, games and more.

Online shopping

This is a good time to explore the world of online shopping. These guides will show you how! They're also good for sharing with friends or relatives who could benefit from being able to shop online.

Indoor activities with kids

With the kids off school we've got a fantastic list of websites to help you keep them educated and entertained!

We hope that you'll find these guides useful - for yourself and for anyone that you are helping to stay connected.

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We hope that you'll find these guides useful - for yourself and for anyone that you are helping to stay connected.

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Here you can find help and support from the Samaritans.

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Netflix have created an extension for Google Chrome called Netflix Party. Once enabled you can share what you are watching with another user (who must also have Netflix Party) and watch your favourite programmes together! Follow the link for more detail on how to download and use the extension.

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Teleparty | Watch together on Netflix, Youtube, HBO Max + more

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Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) lets you watch TV together with your friends. Have a watch party on Netflix,Youtube,Disney Plus,Hulu,HBO,and Amazon Prime!

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Zoom is another website and mobile app that allows you to make audio and video calls over an Internet connection. Zoom requires an account to use its features. However, only one person needs to have an account to setup a chat meeting, which they can then share as a link to other friends or family. If two users have an account, then you do not need to set a meeting up to create a video call, instead you can call that person from your zoom contacts list within the app.

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Introducing the new Zoom Learning Center! Join us for free on-demand courses, live training, and short videos so you can Zoom like a pro.

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Tutorials for how to use Zoom for meetings.

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Get more out of Zoom with these quick, 1-minute how-to guides that answer many of the most common questions.

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Specific help for those using the Zoom Desktop App.

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Help and support for using Zoom.

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House Party - How to install video guide 

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House Party - How to install video guide 

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Please note that YouTube is a social networking website and any comments made by other users do not represent Digital Communities Wales. We hope the video tutorials are helpful.

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How to Sign Up for Houseparty App + Install and Download Houseparty App on All Devices in 2020

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House Party is a fun app available for IOS or Android which allows us to talk to our contacts via video-calling and gives you options to play against your friends in 'live' trivia style games over the Internet.

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Video call using your Gmail account over Wifi. This link allows you to access a step-by-step guide for setting up Google Hangout on your computer or phone.

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Once you figure out how to set up a Google Hangout, you can easily use it to connect with colleagues, clients, or friends and family over the computer.

You can use Google Hangouts for voice calls, video calls, or text-based chat, and you can connect with multiple people at the same time.

When you create a group in Google Hangouts, you can quickly reconnect with the same people later when you click on the group again.

Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

There are so many different ways to communicate with people these days, it can be hard to decide which is the best choice at hand.

Should you do a video call to liaise with your coworker who's based in another city? Should you text your friend to confirm plans or just go ahead and call? Or should you get all your buddies on one video conference to make sure you're all still on the same page for the weekend outing details?

Why choose a phone call, video call, or text message when you can do all three using Google Hangouts? Google Hangouts makes it easy to connect with people via talk, text, or video, and the app allows you to create groups that can be connected again and again.

It also stores your past chats so you can pick up the text conversation any time and can refer back to past messages as convenient.

Google Hangouts can even save you money, allowing you to make phone or video calls via Wi-Fi instead of cutting into your phone plan.

Here's how to set it up and use it on your computer or mobile device.

How to set up and use Google Hangouts on a computer

1. Log into your Google account, then type: " hangouts.google.com" into the browser bar at the top of the screen.

2. Click through the intro screen until you land on your Hangouts homepage, which will have a list of any ongoing chats on the left and will offer you three options in the center of the page, "Video Call," "Phone Call," and "Message."

3. Click the option you want, then type the phone number to call, or the contact you want to video chat or message into the search bar that pops up on the top left corner of the screen (if you are reaching out to someone who is not yet a contact, type in their email address).

4. If you want to message several people at once, instead of entering the contact to text, click "New group" and then enter a series of contact names, emails, or phone numbers.

How to set up and use Google Hangouts on mobile

1. Download the Google Hangouts app and open it on your phone.

2. Allow the app to access your Google account.

3. Tap the "+" symbol in the green circle at the bottom right corner of the screen.

4. Type in contact you wish to reach, or hit "New group" and enter multiple people.

5. Start a text chat, or hit the camera icon for a video call, or the phone icon for a phone call.

And just like that, you'll be (Google) hanging out.

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How to set up and use Google Hangouts, Google's free phone call and video chat service, on desktop or mobile

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Once you figure out how to set up a Google Hangout, you can easily use it to connect with colleagues, clients, or friends and family over the computer. You can use Google Hangouts for voice calls, video calls, or text-based chat, and you can connect with multiple people at the same time.

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Facetime Groups allows us to video call multiple people from our Apple device, using WiFi. Follow this link for information on how to setup a Facetime Group on your iPad or iPhone.

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Group FaceTime makes it easy to chat with multiple people at the same time. You can start a Group FaceTime from the FaceTime app or from a group conversation in the Messages app - and you can add up to 32 people. The tile of the person speaking gets larger automatically, so you'll never lose track of the conversation.

To use Group FaceTime video calls, you need iOS 12.1.4 or later, or iPadOS on one of these devices: iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad mini 4 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, or iPod touch (7th generation). Earlier models of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that support iOS 12.1.4 can join Group FaceTime calls as audio participants.

FaceTime isn't available in all countries or regions.

Start a Group FaceTime call from the FaceTime app

1. Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure FaceTime is on.

2. Open FaceTime and tap the Add button in the top right-hand corner.

3. Enter the name of your contacts, phone numbers or email addresses.

4. To start your FaceTime call, tap Audio or Video.

You can add up to 32 people to a Group FaceTime call.

Start a Group FaceTime call from the Messages app

In a group conversation in Messages, you can start Group FaceTime directly from the group conversation. Follow these steps:

1. Open Messages and start a group conversation. Or go to an existing group conversation.

2. Tap the contacts at the top of the group conversation.

3. Tap FaceTime , then start your call.

You can add up to 32 people to a Group FaceTime call.

Join a Group FaceTime call

There are a few ways to join a Group FaceTime call that someone else started:

Tap the notification from the Notification Centre or the Lock screen, then tap .

To join a Group FaceTime call from Messages, tap the notification at the top of your screen or tap Join from the group conversation in Messages. After you tap Join, you're connected automatically.

To join a call from the FaceTime app, just go to the active call in FaceTime, then tap .

From a notification

From a group message

Add a person to a Group FaceTime call

1. From the call, tap the Add button .

2. Tap Add Person.

3. Enter the contact's name, phone number or email address.

4. Tap Add Person to FaceTime.

When you add someone to your call, you can tap Ring next to their name so their device alerts them of the incoming call.

When someone is added to a Group FaceTime call, they can't be removed from the call. The person who was added to the call needs to end the Group FaceTime call.

Add camera effects to your Group FaceTime calls

If you have an iPhone X or later, or an iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd generation) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), you can use Animoji and Memoji in your Group FaceTime calls. On devices without Face ID, you can use other camera effects, such as filters, text and shapes, in your Group FaceTime calls.

To use an Animoji or Memoji:

1. During a FaceTime call, tap .

2. Tap , then pick your Animoji or Memoji.

To use other camera effects:

1. During a FaceTime call, tap the Effects button .

2. Tap Filters , Text or Shapes , Memoji stickers, * and Emoji stickers *.

You need an iPhone X or later, or an iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd generation) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) to use Animoji and Memoji. Not all filters and effects are supported on all devices. You need iOS 13 or iPadOS to use Memoji stickers and Emoji stickers.

Change FaceTime audio and video settings

You can change the audio and video settings in the FaceTime app at any time during a call. To change your settings, tap the screen, then swipe up to see more options or tap one of these options:

Tap Camera off to turn the camera off. Tap it again to turn it back on* .

Tap Flip to switch to the rear camera. Tap it again to switch back to the front-facing camera.

Tap Mute to turn off the sound. Tap Mute again to turn the sound back on.

Tap Speaker to switch between mute and the speaker.

If you can't see the Camera button , check to see if your device is compatible.

The tile of the person speaking automatically gets larger during a Group FaceTime call. To disable this, go to Settings > FaceTime. Under Automatic Prominence, turn off Speaking.

* To use Group FaceTime video calls, you need iOS 12.1.4 or later, or iPadOS on one of these devices: iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad mini 4 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, or iPod touch (7th generation). Earlier models of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that support iOS 12.1.4 can join Group FaceTime calls as audio participants.

Get help

If you see a triangle with an exclamation mark , it might mean that the connection is slow or other users are streaming audio or video on the same network. You and your recipients need a strong mobile or Wi-Fi connection in order to use Group FaceTime. Over Wi-Fi, FaceTime requires a broadband connection.

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Use Group FaceTime on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

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Group FaceTime makes it easy to chat with multiple people at the same time. You can start a Group FaceTime from the FaceTime app or from a group conversation in the Messages app - and you can add up to 32 people.

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WhatsApp is a free messaging app that allows you to send text, audio, and picture messages over data/WiFi to anyone else that has the app. Click the link below for a handy guide on how to setup WhatsApp.

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(Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

When it comes to the best Android messaging apps, few are as popular as WhatsApp. If you're just getting started with it for the first time and need a few pointers on how to get everything set up, you've come to the right place.

Here's how to set up and start using WhatsApp for Android!

How to create your account in WhatsApp for Android

Eager to see which of your friends are on WhatsApp? Well, the first thing you need is an account.

With all that done, you're now officially signed up for WhatsApp and ready to start using it!

How to invite someone to WhatsApp

WhatsApp pulls contacts from your phone's address book, and those that already have a WhatsApp account are available to chat with instantly. But what if some of your friends don't have a WhatsApp account? The invite feature allows you to send someone a link to download the app so they can join in on the WhatsApp fun, too.

1. Tap the green chat circle at the bottom-right of the screen.

2. Scroll to the bottom of your contact list, and tap Invite friends.

3. Tap the app through which you want to send an invite.

How to add someone who isn't already in your phone's contacts

You don't need to have somebody in your phone's contacts first to add them to your WhatsApp chats - you can add them right from the app! If they've already got a WhatsApp account, you can start messaging them right away.

1. Tap the green chat circle at the bottom-right of the screen.

2. Tap New contact.

This will add the person to the contacts list on your phone. WhatsApp will update your contact list in-app with the new contact - if they already have a WhatsApp account, they will automatically appear as a WhatsApp contact.

How to refresh your contacts list in WhatsApp for Android

When you add someone to your phone's contact list, and they are already a WhatsApp user, you may need to refresh your in-app contacts list to see them appear there.

1. Tap the green chat circle at the bottom-right of the screen.

2. Tap the three dots at the upper-right corner.

How to create a new broadcast in WhatsApp for Android

A broadcast is like a group, except that the messages you send via a broadcast list are received as individual messages by the people in the broadcast. Each individual is unaware of who else is receiving your message. Think of it as an email BCC, but for WhatsApp.

1. Tap the three dots at the upper-right corner.

2. Tap New broadcast.

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How to set up and start using WhatsApp for Android

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(Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central) When it comes to the best Android messaging apps, few are as popular as WhatsApp. If you're just getting started with it for the first time and need a few pointers on how to get everything set up, you've come to the right place.

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Here are a number of handy video tutorials all about WhatsApp, how to install it and how to use it. Please note that YouTube is a social networking website and any comments made by other users do not represent Digital Communities Wales. We hope the video tutorials are helpful.

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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WhatsApp is a free messaging app that allows you to send text, audio, and picture messages over data/WiFi to anyone else that has the app. Click the link below for a handy guide on how to send a WhatsApp message.

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(Image credit: Android Central)

You're backpacking through Europe and have a mobile signal everywhere you go, but texting while roaming can make for an astronomical phone bill at the end of the month. That's where WhatsApp comes in!

Send messages between WhatsApp users for free and save that extra money for waffles in Belgium or something. Just switched from your usual messaging app and have no idea how to send or receive messages? Relax. We've got you covered.

How to create a new WhatsApp conversation

WhatsApp lets you send and forward text messages to single contacts and within group chats with instant ease. For free. No wonder almost a billion people are onboard. Here's how to get your thoughts out there!

There are two easy ways you can send text messages using WhatsApp.
How to send WhatsApp messages from your Contacts screen

1. Launch WhatsApp from your Home screen or the app drawer. It's the icon that looks like a green speech bubble with a white telephone inside.

2. Tap Contacts or swipe left to view your contacts.

3. Tap the contact to whom you'd like to send a message.

How to send WhatsApp messages from the Chats screen

1. Launch WhatsApp from your Home screen or the app drawer. It's the icon that looks like a green speech bubble with a white telephone inside.

2. Tap the chat icon on the top right of your screen. It looks like a little speech bubble.

3. Tap New Group if you'd like to start a new group chat. If you don't know how to use group chats, check out "How to use group chat in Whatsapp" below.

4. Tap the single contact with whom you'd like to chat.

How to send WhatsApp text messages

1. Having opened or created a new WhatsApp chat, type your message in the message field.

2. To send an emoji, tap the smiley face on the left of the message field. To switch back to your keyboard, simply tap the mini keyboard icon that has replaced the smiley face.

3. Tap the emoji you want to send from one of the six categories.

4. Tap the send icon on the right of the message field. It's the green circle with a white paper airplane inside.

Boom, you're sending WhatsApp text messaging without paying for text messaging, in real time.

1. Tap and hold the message or media you want to forward. It will turn blue. You can tap other messages or media and send to send more than one.

2. Tap the forward icon on the top right of your screen. It's the white arrow.

3. Tap the recent chats icon to forward a message to someone you were chatting with recently. It's the clock icon on the top left.

4. Tap the group icon to send to a group chat. It's the three heads in the top middle of your screen.

5. Tap the contact icon to send to a specific contact. It's the single head on the top right of the screen.

You may also choose to copy and paste the message or media into a new chat. Here's how:

1. Tap and hold the message or media you want to forward. You can tap other messages or media and send to send more than one.

2. Tap the copy icon on the top right of your screen. It looks like two sheets of paper.

3. Go to an existing chat or create a new chat, as described in the steps above.

1. Tap and hold in the message field.

2. Tap Paste.

3. Tap the send icon on the right of the message field.

How to create a group chat in WhatsApp

1. Launch WhatsApp from your Home screen or from the app drawer.

2. Tap the menu icon on the top right of the screen. It's the three vertical dots.

1. Tap New group.

2. Type a group subject in the "Type group subject here..." field. Tap the smiley face on the righthand side to add emojis if you like.

3. Tap Next on the top right of the screen.

1. Type a contact's name into the field.

2. Tap a contact to add them to the group.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to add more contacts.

4. Tap Create on the top right of your screen to create your group chat.

1. Tap the add icon, which looks like a plus sign, to open your contacts list.

2. Tap the contact you'd like to add to the group. You can add multiple contacts to your group simply tapping the box next to their names.

Messaging one person with WhatsApp is great because it's a private chat and you can have all the inside jokes you want, without anyone feeling left out. Sometimes, however, you need the whole squad on board. That's where group chat comes in. Let's get started.

Now you'll be able to send all the texts your friends can handle, and you'll be able to do it for free, so long as you're connected to the internet. Receiving messages in WhatsApp is the same as receiving regular texts. Just don't forget that if you're using WhatsApp without a Wi-Fi connection, you could be racking up data charges.

Mick is a writer and duty editor for Android Central. When he's not on the job, he can usually be found vacuuming up pet hair or trying to convince his wife that he needs more guitars.

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How to send messages with WhatsApp for Android

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(Image credit: Android Central) You're backpacking through Europe and have a mobile signal everywhere you go, but texting while roaming can make for an astronomical phone bill at the end of the month. That's where WhatsApp comes in! Send messages between WhatsApp users for free and save that extra money for waffles in Belgium or something.

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Skype is a platform that uses the Internet, such as over WiFi or Mobile data, to sent messages, make audio or video calls.

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Skype is different from most of the products that we feature on Techboomers, in that it's not a service that you use right on the website. Instead, you use the service by downloading and installing a program on your computer.

To download Skype

1. Go to www.skype.com in your web browser and click either Download Skype or Get Skype.

2. Click the device that you want to download Skype for; we'll assume it's a Computer, which should already be selected. If this is the case, simply click Get Skype for Windows Desktop.

3. Skype's website should automatically prompt you to download a setup package for the Skype program. Click Save File, use the file explorer to select a place to save the setup package, and then click Save.

To install Skype

1. Find the setup package that you just downloaded, and open it by double-clicking the left mouse button on it.

2. Click the drop-down menu to select the language that you want Skype installed in; the installer will use this language, too. (It will probably say English to start; if that's what you want, just leave it.)

If you don't want Skype to launch as soon as you start your computer, you can click the check box here to unmark it.

When you're ready to move on, click I Agree - Next.

3. The next window will ask if you want to install a feature called "Click to Call". Basically, it allows you to call a phone number from Skype while you're browsing the Internet by clicking a phone number that has Skype's logo beside it. If you don't want this feature installed, click the check box here to unmark it.

(Hint: We recommend that you do not install this feature, as it has been known to not always work correctly and/or slow down the loading of web pages.)

When you're ready to move on, click Continue.

4. Lastly, Skype will ask if you want to make MSN (The Microsoft Network) the home page of your Internet browsers. If you like your home page the way that it is, click the check box here to unmark it.

Hint: We recommend that you use a search engine as your web browser's home page, such as Google Search, Yahoo Search, Bing, or DuckDuckGo. This way, you can find where you need to go on the Internet quickly. Of course, we'd love it if you made Techboomers your home page!)

When you're ready to move on, click Continue.

When Skype is finished installing, it should start automatically. Congratulations! You're all set to use Skype!

More Great Related Articles

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How to Download and Install Skype - Free Tutorial at TechBoomers.com

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Skype is different from most of the products that we feature on Techboomers, in that it's not a service that you use right on the website. Instead, you use the service by downloading and installing a program on your computer. Go to www.skype.com in your web browser and click either Download Skype or Get Skype.

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This helpful guide gives you step-by-step information on how to use Skype.

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The great thing about Skype is that there are many different ways to use it. You can use it like an instant messaging program, make phone calls with it, or even talk with someone face-to-face by using video chat! While we'll be going over these features in more detail in later tutorials, for now we'll give you a quick tour of how to use the main interface of Skype, and show you a few other screens that you'll commonly see.

How to log into Skype

1. Find your Skype program on your device and quickly click it twice (or tap it) to open it.

2. When prompted to log in, click the box labeled "Skype Name, Email, or Mobile" and type in the Skype Name, email address, or phone number associated with your account. Then click Sign In.

3. On the next screen, click in the box labeled "Password" and type in the password that you picked for your account. Then, click Sign In once more.

When you log into Skype for the first time, it may ask you to adjust your audio and video settings. Don't worry about these too much; you can always adjust them later.

Skype's main screen

When you log into Skype with a new account, there won't really be much to see at first. Therefore, we've logged with a pre-existing account to show you some additional things that you'll see after you've been using it for a while.

The top-left portion of the screen shows your name as it appears on Skype, your profile picture, and your current status. Click your name or picture to bring up a screen where you can see and edit your profile.

You can also click the small icon beside your picture to change your online status to Online, Away, Do Not Disturb, Invisible, or Offline. Your online status shows other people if you are (or aren't) available to contact. If you choose Do Not Disturb, you will not be notified when someone else tries to contact you. If you choose Offline, nobody can use Skype can contact you, and vice-versa.

If you click in the box labelled "Search" and type in a person's name, Skype name, or email address, Skype will look to see if they exist in your list of contacts, or in its main directory.

The icons below the search box do various things. If you click the house icon, you will return to your main screen from almost anywhere else on Skype. If you click the dial pad icon, a screen with a dial pad will appear that allows you to call people's landline and mobile phones from Skype. Note, however, that this is one of the few features of Skype that isn't free, and requires a calling subscription or "Skype Credit" to use. See our tutorials on the cost of Skype or Skype Premium for more information.

If you click the "+" icon, you can start a new conversation that any of your contacts can join. You can also invite people who aren't using Skype to join the conversation by sharing the hyperlink to the conversation.

Finally, if you click the robot icon, you can add "bots" to your Skype contacts list. "Bots" are specialized automated programs that are designed to respond to your actions in various ways, such as giving advice, playing a game, or doing other fun or useful stuff. Simply click on a bot and then click Add to Contacts.

The middle of the left side of Skype's main screen shows your list of contacts, along with each of their online statuses. You can click Contacts to see a list of all of your contacts, or click Recent to see a list of your contacts that have called you or sent you messages recently (or whom you have called or sent messages to). Click on a contact to select them, which will let you choose how to communicate with them.

The majority of the right side of Skype's main screen is dominated by the "mood message" interface, which lets users broadcast what's going on in their lives at the moment to all of their contacts at once. Click in the box labelled "Tell Your Friends What You're Up To" and type in something about what you're doing or how you're feeling, and then click the checkmark that appears to confirm your mood message.

Your mood message will appear on the main screens of your contacts, and it will also replace the generic online status indicator underneath your profile name. If you want to change your mood message, simply repeat the process described in the paragraph above (you can also change it by editing your profile).

Below the box for entering your own mood message, you will see mood messages that you or your contacts have posted on Skype (and how long ago those messages were posted). You can click the camcorder icon beside a mood message to call, video chat with, or send a text to the person who posted it. You can also click the " X " that appears in the top-left corner of a mood message when you move your mouse cursor over it to hide it, or to hide all mood messages from that person.

There are two other buttons here that are of note, below the box for inputting mood messages but above the mood messages themselves. You can click the refresh button (the looping arrow) on the left to see if any of your contacts have posted new mood messages lately. Clicking the gear icon on the right, meanwhile, allows you to access additional settings, such as managing what conversations are visible or hidden.

The Skype messenger screen

When you select a contact, you will usually see a screen like the one below:

From this screen, you can:

send quick text messages to a person

share a photo with a person

send a computer file to a person

send information about your Skype contacts to a person

add another person to the conversation

Also, the buttons highlighted in the top-right corner of the screenshot allow you to start a video chat or phone call, respectively, with the person (or people) in the conversation.

The Skype call / video chat screen

When you start a phone call or video chat with someone on Skype, you'll see a screen like this one:

In addition to talking with the person using this screen, you can do things like:

share your screen (so the other person sees what you see on your device's screen)

take a picture of the other person (if they're using video chat)

switch between a call and video chat by enabling or disabling your webcam

add another person to the conversation

That's a quick tour of what you'll see and do on Skype! Next, we'll cover one of the first things that you should do on Skype before using any of its other features: getting your Skype contacts in order!

More Great Related Articles

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How to Use Skype for Chats, Voice Calls, and More

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The great thing about Skype is that there are many different ways to use it. You can use it like an instant messaging program, make phone calls with it, or even talk with someone face-to-face by using video chat!

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Skype is a platform that uses the Internet, such as over WiFi or Mobile data, to sent messages, make audio or video calls. Here is a helpful video about how to use skype. Please note that YouTube is a social networking website and any comments made by other users do not represent Digital Communities Wales. We hope the video tutorials are helpful.

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Facebook Messenger allows you to send free messages to your contacts via the Internet. You can use it to make audio or video calls over WiFi or data. Follow this link on information on how to download Facebook Messenger. This article also contains a useful link to further information about how to use Facebook Messenger.

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BT Sport

The sport you love, the way you love to watch it

Choose between a contract-free monthly pass or one of our flexible TV sport packages. BT Sport brings you 52 live Premier League matches each season, every Champions League match and so much more.

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Fibre Broadband, TV Packages, BT Sport & Mobile Deals | BT

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Choose between a contract-free monthly pass or one of our flexible TV sport packages. BT Sport brings you 52 live Premier League matches each season, every Champions League match and so much more.

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10 ways to keep connected with your friends and family.

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What did we do this weekend? We had friends over for drinks, others over for dinner and met others for Sunday lunch. Virtually, obviously.

With all of us making an effort to socially distance ourselves from others in order to reduce the spread of Coronavirus, we were concerned about how we'd stay in touch with friends and family - to keep that buzzing social life going and to keep an eye on an elderly relative.

So we got on to social apps (thank goodness we've got teenagers in the house), and soon discovered that their ability to help us keep in touch across the globe (never mind across the street, particularly when advice suggests we avoid face-to-face contact), was amazing. And you can do it too. No need for (grand)parents to feel they're missing you (although they may need help with set up) or you to miss out on your usual Saturday night dinner dates.

So whether this is your first step into the world of social media and video messaging, or you're wondering what other options might be out there besides the obvious WhatsApp and FaceTime, we're here to share our favourite finds.

For more advice on protecting yourself, and your loved ones, from Coronavirus. As well as tips on staying connected, head over to our health and beauty hub page.

1. WhatsApp video call

Once upon a time a webcam was the only way to get involved in a live video chat, but thanks to WhatsApp it's now possible to see you friends and family anywhere, and at any time. Providing they have WhatsApp, that is.

Simply download the app from your smartphone's app store (it's the big 'A' for the uninitiated - talking to you, dad), sync your phone number and click on the symbol of the video recorder in the top right hand corner for easy video calling. Or, if you create a group chat, you can make the most of video calling more than one person at a time - great news if your friends or family are spread out all over the place.

And if you don't like the idea of holding your phone in front of your face, or think your arm might get tired, download WhatsApp Desktop.

2. Facebook Messenger

If you're in the US, chances are you're not quite experiencing the WhatsApp love affair us Europeans are. So, why not rely on Facebook Messenger to keep in contact with friends and family, instead?

Much like WhatsApp, you can video call friends and family one-on-one, or as part of a larger group. Plus with the option to mute your mic, this option might be slightly better if you're looking to host a virtual pub quiz, or something similar.

Facebook Portal makes it even easier to video call...

3. Netflix Party

If you're self isolating, you may be excited to learn that Netflix have launched an extension designed to help you stay in contact with friends and family. That's right, Netflix Party allows you to sync your screen with your friends, so you can watch shows at the same time. Plus, a specially designed group chat allows you to chat while you watch.

So, whether you're binge watching Line of Duty or Love is Blind, but don't want to feel alone while doing so, or if you were mid-watching a show with someone else pre-self isolation, there's no need to stop now. Here's how to install it:

1. To install Netflix Party, find Netflix Party on the Chrome Web Store, click "Add to Chrome" to finish installing Netflix Party.

2. Go to Netflix's website. Choose any show you would like to watch and start playing the video.

3. To create your party, click on the red "NP" icon located next to the address bar. Then click "Start Party" to get the party started, and share the party URL to invite friends.

4. To join a party click on the party URL, which will redirect to Netflix's website. Then click on the "NP" button next to the address bar, and you should automatically join the party.

Got a long distance lover? Or want to catch up over food and wine with a friend? Enter the Skype dinner date. The original video call platform, Skype is available on desktop, or as an app.

Simply set up a time to catch up over food, decide what's on the menu - it's even cuter if you cook the same thing - and sit down for fine wine and good time.

5. Go head-to-head on Xbox Live

Prefer to connect with friends while shooting zombies? We don't really get it, but you do you.

With Xbox Live, it's super easy to stay in touch with friends and family while sharing your love for video games. Simply pick up a headset, connect online and chat with your nearest and dearest while you save the world from impending doom.

6. Or PlayStation Plus

And if you're team PlayStation, there are similar options available to your thanks to PlayStation Plus. Pick up a three month membership to keep in contact with friends and family and enjoy everything from Fifa 2020 to Fortnite.

7. Have a (virtual) houseparty

Houseparty is kind of like Skype, except you can invite up to eight people to join the party at a time. This is great news if you're part of a wider group of friends spread all over the place, or if you're actually trying to achieve a remote houseparty experience. Blast the music, grab the bevs and you're away.

8. Get involved in a LiveStream

If you're on Instagram, chances are you're familiar with a LiveStream. And while you've probably only ever seen the celebrities, or influencers, you follow hosting them, Instagram Lives can be a great way to keep in contact with friends and family. Or even with complete strangers, should you choose to.

From dance parties, group workouts and cooking tutorials, to make-up demonstrations, musical performances and more, we'v witnessed some really inventive uses of the Instagram Live Stream over recent weeks. Why not have a go yourself.

9. Download Strava

Okay so this is a slightly rogue suggestion, but it's a great way of keeping in touch if you're part of a running group, or share a love of fitness with friends and family members across the world.

Strava is an app that allows you to record runs, walks or even cycle rides and share them with the people you choose to connect with. Not only is this a great way of staying motivated, but you can encourage friends and family members as they continue running solo during this period of social distancing.

10. Keep it old school with FaceTime

Coming in last, but by no means least, we don't know where we'd be without FaceTime. One of the easiest ways to video call, for iPhone users, FaceTime allows you to connect, almost instantly, with friends and family.

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10 social apps we're using to stay in touch

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What did we do this weekend? We had friends over for drinks, others over for dinner and met others for Sunday lunch. Virtually, obviously. With all of us making an effort to socially distance ourselves from others in order to reduce the spread of Coronavirus, we were concerned about how we'd stay in touch with friends and family - to keep that buzzing social life going and to keep an eye on an elderly relative.

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Age Cymru have set up a check-in-and-chat service.

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Due to the launch of our new telephone befriending service, Friend in Need, we're no longer accepting requests for this service. Please request a friendship call from our Friend in Need team.

Please visit our Friend in Need hub or call us on 08000 223 444.

Age Cymru is offering a check-in-and-chat telephone service for the over 70s in Wales who live alone.

The service continues to provide some reassurances to older people, answer basic queries and link people to local services and support during the Coronavirus outbreak.

We have all been advised to self-isolate as much as possible to help protect us from the virus. This is particularly important for people over 70 and those with underlying health conditions because they are at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms if they become infected.

These are potentially difficult times for many older people, especially those living alone who may not have anyone to share their concerns. Others may just want to have a chat about what they saw on television last night. Hopefully, this initiative will help older people cope with some of the challenges arising from the Coronavirus outbreak.

Anyone over 70 in Wales can register free of charge, to receive a regular telephone call from us in either English or Welsh. All you have to do is call Age Cymru Advice on 08000 223 444 or send us an email - please ensure you include the following information in your email. This will help us deal with your registration more efficiently.

Name

Address

Telephone number

Please let us know if you're over 70

Do you require a call in Welsh or English

An emergency contact - who do you want us to contact in an emergency

Password - our staff member will say your chosen password at the start of every call to give you peace of mind this is a genuine call.

We'd like to thank Metro Bank and Thomas Carroll staff for volunteering to support us with our calls.

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Due to the launch of our new telephone befriending service, Friend in Need, we're no longer accepting requests for this service. Please request a friendship call from our Friend in Need team. Please visit our Friend in Need hub or call us on 08000 223 444.

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How to stay in touch with family and friends 

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How to stay in touch with family and friends 

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Help to keep in touch with family and friends.

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As the government encourages "social distancing" in the fight against coronavirus, older people are facing the prospect of being told to stay at home for weeks.

But what if a parent or older person in your life, doesn't already have access to video calling tech?

"You might want to consider getting a specialised device to make video calls to your loved ones," says Kate Bevan, editor of computing at Which?, the consumer magazine.

"Once they're set up, they're very simple to use but you do have to dig through settings in their apps to connect them and that's not always as straightforward as it might be," she says.

"Give yourself plenty of time to familiarise yourself with doing that so that you can help your relative through the process."

Age UK, the charity for older people, adds that the choice of technology should be as "user-friendly as possible" for those unaccustomed to controlling video-chat software.

"Something integrated like a video call app on a smartphone, tablet or a laptop with a built-in camera, for example will often be more straightforward," adds Caroline Abrahams, its charity director.

"Older people may also prefer physical interfaces like a mouse rather than a touchscreen or trackpad.

"To protect people's privacy it will be important to ensure that any new devices are secure and not likely to be hacked, and that anyone using a new device has access to ongoing support to help them learn how to use it and deal with any issues or problems."

All-in-one hardware solutions

Integrated kit can be the easiest solution - and could be hundreds of pounds cheaper than buying a laptop, tablet, or a mid-range smartphone.

Amazon, Google, and Facebook all have smart devices with screens for video calls.

Amazon's Echo Show range are some of the easiest to use. The devices have a feature that lets you start a call without the other person even having to answer. Called "drop in", it can automatically start the call if you set it up with the right permissions. It works with the Alexa app on smartphones, too, so only one person needs the special device.

Amazon also has some of the cheapest options, with the compact 5in model costing £80. It has a screen about the size of a smartphone's but larger models are available. And it's compatible with Skype, the veteran (and ubiquitous) video-calling app.

The Facebook Portal might be a better fit for some. One of its main selling points is the camera pans and zooms around the room, following the person you're talking to. It starts at about £80, on special offer, for the photo-frame model.

It also integrates its video calls with Facebook-owned Whatsapp and the popular Facebook Messenger, so people who own a smartphone with those apps can easily call the Portal device.

Google's Nest Hub Max sells itself on the fact it functions as a security camera.

Similar to Amazon's "drop in", family members with the right permissions can activate the security features and start watching the camera feed at any time. Some privacy-conscious people may not see that as a good thing. It costs £219. Be aware that a smaller Nest Hub model does not have a camera.

Smartphone solutions

One problem with all these devices is their expense and another is their need to be on a stable, decent wi-fi connection at all times. Sometimes, a smartphone might be the better option.

"If your family member has a tablet or smartphone, you can also help them get set up with apps such as Skype, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, all of which do video calls," Bevan says. "Apple users can also use FaceTime."

Many of these apps are basically smartphone versions of the software on the smart displays - Google Duo, for example, is what Google's Nest speakers use, while Messenger and Whatsapp integrate with Facebook's Portal devices.

But a new smartphone, even a mid-range one, can be much more expensive. And Bevan warns against hand-me-downs past a certain age. Apart from lower camera quality, there can be security concerns.

"If you're considering passing old Android smartphones and tablets on to a relative, do be careful that it's still getting security updates," she says.

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Coronavirus: How can we stay in virtual touch with older relatives?

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As the government encourages "social distancing" in the fight against coronavirus, older people are facing the prospect of being told to stay at home for weeks. But what if a parent or older person in your life, doesn't already have access to video calling tech?

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Some resources that might be helpful for your mental health.

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Many of us have faced difficult personal, financial or physical challenges during the pandemic, and it's natural that this can have an impact on our mental health.

⚠️ We're updating the information on this page in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. The advice on this page may change significantly as the situation continues to develop.

Page last updated: 30 March 2022

As we adjust to the end of restrictions, it's normal that we may each feel differently about how this affects our lives. You could be feeling uncertain about what you should or shouldn't be doing, or worried about what may happen in the future. You might be feeling nervous about what new pressures or expectations the end of restrictions has brought, even if you are looking forward to being able to do more this year.

Whatever you are feeling is OK. There is no right or wrong way to react. Coronavirus has impacted all of our lives and it's natural that these uncertain and challenging times are continuing to affect people's mental health and wellbeing.

It's important to be kind to yourself and take things at your own pace. We've all faced challenges over the past two years and it's OK if you still need time to readjust. If you're finding things tough, try to talk about how you are feeling with others. You're not alone.

At Samaritans, we're committed to helping you if you're struggling to cope, however we can. Our volunteers are always here to listen and won't judge or tell you what to do. Find out more about contacting a Samaritan here.

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If you're worried about your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic

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Many of us have faced difficult personal, financial or physical challenges during the pandemic, and it's natural that this can have an impact on our mental health. ⚠️ We're updating the information on this page in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. The advice on this page may change significantly as the situation continues to develop.

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Coronavirus: Tech offers available to charities.

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Coronavirus: Tech offers available to charities

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During the current crisis, a number of tech vendors are making their services available for free or at discounted rates. This live article will be updated as new offers become available.

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How to use the NHS Wales Video Consulting Service

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How to use the NHS Wales Video Consulting Service

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TEC Cymru - How to use the NHS Wales Video Consulting Service for patients

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If you're worried about someone else, use the information here.

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What to do if you think someone isn't OK

If you think it's an emergency

What to do if you think someone is in immediate danger.

How to support someone you're worried about

What to do if you think someone you know isn't OK.

Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts

What to do if you think someone is considering taking their own life.

How can I support someone who has self-harmed?

It can be hard to know what to say when someone you care for is hurting themselves.

Myths about suicide

Understanding the facts can help you to help someone struggling to cope.

If you're worried about someone else during the coronavirus pandemic

Reaching out to someone can make a big difference if they’re going through a tough time.

Little tips for helping someone open up when something’s up

You don’t have to be an expert to help someone open up when something’s up. The fact that you care is what matters.

How to recognise and support someone who may be lonely

If you think someone might be lonely, there are things you can do to help ease some of those feelings.

Myths about loneliness

By challenging common myths about loneliness, we can help tackle the stigma that’s often attached to it.

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What to do if you think someone isn't OK.

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Resources we’ve gathered from around the web to help you stay in touch with family, friends or colleagues during the coronavirus outbreak – or to help you to help others!

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Here's our latest list of recommended resources we've gathered from around the web to help you stay in touch with family, friends or colleagues during the coronavirus outbreak - or to help you to help others!

Contents:

General support for older people

The Silver Line operates the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK that's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

They also offer telephone friendship where they match volunteers with older people based on their interests, facilitated group calls, and help to connect people with local services in their area.

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Covid-19 (Coronavirus) support resources - Citizens Online

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Here's our latest list of recommended resources we've gathered from around the web to help you stay in touch with family, friends or colleagues during the coronavirus outbreak - or to help you to help others!

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Signs you may be struggling to cope.

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Things to look out for in yourself when you're finding everyday life hard.

Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, but you're not feeling okay.

You might be feeling tired more often, be feeling emotional, and you might not want to do the things that you usually enjoy right now.

Struggling to cope with everyday life doesn't look or feel the same in everyone. We can't generalise about how it'll make you feel or act.

Samaritans are here to listen. You can call us on 116 123, email us at [email protected] or write us a letter.

You don't have to feel suicidal to get in touch. Only 1 person in 5 who calls Samaritans says that they feel suicidal.

Read our tips

Practical ways to help yourself cope

Signs to look out for

Lacking energy or feeling tired

Feeling exhausted all the time

Experiencing 'brain fog', find it hard to think clearly

Finding it hard to concentrate

Feeling restless and agitated

Feeling tearful, wanting to cry all the time

Not wanting to talk to or be with people

Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy

Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings

Finding it hard to cope with everyday things and tasks

Experiencing 'burn out'

If you don't see what you're feeling on this list, please still get in touch. You might also find our suggestions and tips for ways to help yourself cope useful.

And if you do think these symptoms sound like you, or someone you know, please still get in touch on 116 123, at [email protected] , or in another way that suits you.

If you're worried about someone else, we can help too.

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Things to look out for in yourself when you're finding everyday life hard. Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, but you're not feeling okay. You might be feeling tired more often, be feeling emotional, and you might not want to do the things that you usually enjoy right now.

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Some information to help if you're having a difficult time.

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What to do if you're not feeling okay.

You can get in touch about anything that's troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels.

We're here to listen, no judgement, no pressure, and help you work through what's on your mind. We'll never tell you what to do.

If you need advice or specialist support for a specific issue, such as a bereavement or domestic abuse, we've put together a list of specialist organisations, including their contact details, which you may find helpful.

Whatever you're going through, call us free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better.

Welsh language
If you would like emotional support in Welsh, we have a Welsh Language Line which is free to call. We also have a letter writing service in Welsh.

Self-help app
Keep track of how you're feeling, and get recommendations for things you can do to help yourself cope, feel better and stay safe in a crisis

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What to do if you're not feeling okay. You can get in touch about anything that's troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. We're here to listen, no judgement, no pressure, and help you work through what's on your mind. We'll never tell you what to do.

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Support and advice if you need to have a difficult conversation.

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Support and advice if you need to have a difficult conversation.

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How to help someone you're worried about open up about their feelings.

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Show you care

Focus on the other person, make eye contact, put away your phone.
To really listen to somebody, you need to give them your full attention, maintain eye contact and be engaged.

Getting into this habit takes practice so don't be too hard on yourself and keep using these handy tips:

When starting the conversation resolve not to talk about yourself at all.

Keep a listening diary - just for a week. Record how many times you listened really well, note what challenges and distracts you and what you think went well.

Aim to learn at least one new thing about the person who is talking to you.

Have patience

It may take time and several attempts before a person is ready to open up.
Effective listening is about creating trust with the other person. The person sharing shouldn't feel rushed, or they won't feel it's a safe environment.

If they've paused in their response, wait, they may not have finished speaking. It might take them some time to formulate what they are saying, or they may find it difficult to articulate what they're feeling.

Through non-judgemental listening, you are allowing the person to relax into the conversation and to use it as a place to reflect or work through difficult emotions.

Use open questions

Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer, and follow up with questions like 'Tell me more'.
An open-ended question means not jumping in with your own ideas about how the other person may be feeling.

These questions don't impose a view point and require a person to pause, think and reflect, and then hopefully expand.

Avoid asking questions or saying something that closes down the conversation. Open-ended questions encourage them to talk, the conversation is a safe space that you are holding for them and nothing they say is right or wrong. Try asking, 'how are you feeling today'?

Say it back

Check you've understood, but don't interrupt or offer a solution.
Repeating something back to somebody is a really good way to reassure them that they have your undivided attention. And you can check to see that you're hearing what they want you to hear, not putting your own interpretation onto the conversation.

Have courage

Don't be put off by a negative response and, most importantly, don't feel you have to fill a silence.
Sometimes it can feel intrusive and counter-intuitive to ask someone how they feel. You'll soon be able to tell if someone is uncomfortable and doesn't want to engage with you at that level.

You'll be surprised at how willing people are to listen and how, sometimes, it is exactly what somebody needs to be able to share what is going on their mind.

How to support someone with suicidal thoughts

Read more

What Mike found helpful

Mike found it helpful when his wife, Linda, used humour when she was supporting him

Mike, was supported by his wife, Linda

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What to do if you think someone is struggling

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Show you care Focus on the other person, make eye contact, put away your phone. To really listen to somebody, you need to give them your full attention, maintain eye contact and be engaged. Getting into this habit takes practice so don't be too hard on yourself and keep using these handy tips: When starting the conversation resolve not to talk about yourself at all.