This Windows computer setting can protect you from hackers

Ransomware is one of the nastiest online threats. This computer software is used by hackers to lock you out of your files, including family photos, important documents and more. The fraudsters then demand you pay a ransom to regain access.

To help protect against ransomware, Windows includes a feature called Controlled folder access. It isn't always enabled by default, so take a couple of minutes to check your settings now. We walk you through how to do this, here.

If you'd prefer 1-2-1 tech help from Which? experts, including advice on online security and scams, you can join Which? Tech Support. Our friendly team is there to chat on the phone or by email as often as you need. Find out more about the support on offer. 

Source: Which? (16 Jul 2026) 

How scammers hack your Amazon account

Phone scammers are targeting Amazon customers by claiming that iPhones or other expensive items have been added to their shopping baskets.

Their aim is to take over your device and gain access to your bank accounts. We reveal the tactics being used and explain how you can secure a hacked Amazon account. 

Source: Which? (15 Jul 2026) 

How to stop AI chatbots from using your data – the easy way

From summarising documents to researching your next holiday, AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini are becoming part of everyday life. But the information you share isn't always as temporary as you might think.

We explain how different AI chatbots handle your data, including how to limit the information they store and switch off settings that allow your data to be used for AI training

Source: Which? (01 Jul 2026) 

Heads Up: Watch Out for This Fake RingGo Parking Fine SMS Scam

If you’ve recently received a text message claiming you have an "outstanding parking transaction" with RingGo, don't panic—and do not click the link.

A convincing new SMS scam is circulating across the UK, targeting motorists with fake unpaid parking fee notices designed to steal personal and financial details. Here is everything you need to know about how this scam works and how to protect yourself.

What the Scam Text Looks Like

The scam text attempts to create a false sense of urgency regarding late fees and administrative processing.

Scam Message Text:

"RingGo – Outstanding Parking Transaction Reminder

We identified an unpaid parking transaction during recent parking record reconciliation. Resolving this outstanding amount early avoids continuous late charges and extended administrative processing.

Access our official website, submit your vehicle registration number, check parking session logs and complete payment.

Official website link: https://ringgoiy-co[.]top/uk

(Simply reply with “Y”, then close this message and reopen it to activate the link. If the link still does not work, please copy it and paste it directly into Safari.)

Please settle payment soon to prevent further administrative processing as stated in our parking terms and conditions.

Thank you for your cooperation. RingGo Customer Services"

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While the formal language might look official at first glance, several clear warning signs give it away:

1. Suspicious Web Address (URL): The legitimate RingGo website is ringgo.co.uk. The scam message directs you to a fake domain (ringgoiy-co.top), which is designed to clone the real login page and harvest your card details.

2. The "Reply Y" Trick: Asking recipients to reply with a letter "Y" or a number is a common trick used by scammers to bypass automated spam filters on modern smartphones.

3. Vague Details: The text does not mention your actual vehicle registration, where you allegedly parked, or the specific date of the charge.

4. Urgency and Threats: Threatening "continuous late charges" is a standard high-pressure tactic used to make people act before thinking.

What to Do If You Receive This Text

• Do not click the link or copy it into your browser.

• Do not reply to the text message (even with "Y").

• Delete the message immediately.

• Verify directly: If you are genuinely unsure whether you owe a parking fee, open the official RingGo app installed on your phone or go directly to ringgo.co.uk by typing the address yourself.

How to Report It in the UK

Help stop these scammers by reporting the message:

• Forward the SMS to 7726: This is a free UK reporting service run by Ofcom. Forwarding suspicious texts helps mobile network operators investigate and block fraudulent numbers.

• Report to Report Fraud: You can report scam texts and phishing attempts online to Report Fraud (the UK’s national fraud reporting center) or forward suspicious texts to 7726..

Stay safe on the roads—and on your phone! Feel free to share this post with friends and family who use cashless parking apps.

​🚨 Scam Alert: Watch Out for Fake "NatWest Payment Hold" Texts

If you’ve recently received a text message claiming to be from NatWest about a blocked payment to Alan Motors LTD, do not call the number provided. It’s a sophisticated phishing attempt designed to panic you into handing over sensitive personal and financial details.

Here is an exact example of the fraudulent message currently circulating:

NatWest Text Alert: We've placed a hold on a payment of £917.23 to Alan Motors LTD on 2026-07-20 14:54:22. Not you? Call us on 020 3896 5000.

How This Scam Works

1. Creating Panic: Scammers deliberate specify a high dollar/pound amount (£917.23) and a specific business name (Alan Motors LTD) to make you think someone is currently spending your money.

2. Fabricated Urgency: The timestamp makes it feel official and immediate, prompting an emotional reaction rather than a logical one.

3. The Trap Number: The number included in the text (020 3896 5000) does not belong to NatWest. Calling it connects you directly to fraudsters posing as the bank's fraud prevention team. They will attempt to coax you into revealing security PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), or transferring money to a "safe account."

What to Do If You Receive This Text

• ❌ Do NOT call the number in the text.

• ❌ Do NOT click any links if a similar message includes one.

• 📱 Forward the text to 7726: In the UK, 7726 is the free reporting service run by Ofcom. Simply forward the message to this number so network providers can investigate and block the sender.

• 🗑️ Delete the message.

What to Do If You're Unsure or Already Called

• Verify Independently: If you ever want to check if a text from NatWest (or any bank) is real, log in securely via your official mobile banking app or call the number listed on the back of your debit card.

• Call 159: If you are in the UK and suspect you are speaking to a scammer or want to contact your bank quickly, call 159. This is a secure national hotline that connects you directly to your bank's official fraud department.

• If You Shared Details: Contact NatWest immediately using the number on the back of your card or via 159, and report the incident to [suspicious link removed].

Quick Rule of Thumb

Banks will never ask you to transfer money to a "safe account," nor will they ask for your full PIN, passcodes, or banking passwords over the phone.

Stay vigilant, share this warning with friends and family, and always double-check the source before picking up the phone!

Don't get fleeced by a digital pickpocket

Criminals are stealing life-changing sums in digital wallet scams. We spoke to someone who was targeted by one of these scams, losing £18,000 in a matter of hours after he was convinced by a fraudster to transfer money out of his account for 'security purposes'.

Find out how this type of scam works, how to protect yourself and why it's nearly impossible to get your money back.

Source: Which? (16 Jul 2026) 

Avoid these sneaky subscription traps

Watch out for subscription trap tactics used in online ads to trick you into paying for services you don't want or need.

We aren’t talking about Netflix and Spotify here. We're talking about some online subscription businesses that offer a ‘free’ trial or ask you to pay a modest £1 fee, but in reality, leave you facing outrageous weekly or monthly charges. Check out the latest traps to watch out for and explore some of the sneaky tactics at play.

Source: Which? (16 Jul 2026)