Kinwants you to avoid internet scams Cleaning up for charity

THE PANDEMIC has changed our lives in manyways, not least seeing us become more reliant on the internet.

According to the Office For National Statistics (ONS), in January to February 2020, 76% of adults in Great Britain used internet banking, a massive jump from 30% in 2007.

And 87% of all adults also shopped onlinewithin the last 12 months – up from 53% in 2008.

But theworldwideweb can still be a mystery to some, with terms like cookies and tabs baffling some, while otherswill be prone to the ne'er dowells that seek to exploit the unwary.

OneWokingham business says it has found a huge increase in clients wanting help accessing the internet, with scammers using covid as away to take advantage of others.

With everything from fake covid vaccination emails to phone calls asking about internet speed, getting people to log online and then stealing their details, it’s never been more important to be safe online. KinWan (pictured) launched AskKin to help people buy the right technology and learn howto use it

He says: “We all need to keep safewhen online.

“I’ve been helping people get online safely and learn how to use the technology they have to its full advantage.

“It’s not about being scaredwhen online, it’s just about being aware.”

He feels that by having a knowledge of the latest online threats, risks and trends, peoplewill feel more prepared.

“Remember if something doesn’t feel right, then chances are it isn’t,” he says.

“Listen to your instinct and if in doubt, hang up the phone, ormake sure that you don’t click the email. “The scams are becoming more and more sophisticated sowe all need to be as vigilant as possible.”

A KIND-HEARTED volunteer has been raising money for charity while cleaning upWoosehill.

KatherineWhite, from Wokingham-based charity Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines (SAFE), is collecting 200 pieces of litter eachweek throughout February as part of a fundraising challenge.

SAFE, which rescues and rehomes horses, launched its Fun Day 5,000 Challenge at the start of the month and has been asking people to take on a unique challenge for fourweeks.

To keep her community clean and help SAFE, Katherine set herself a target of collecting 50 pieces of litter perweek.

“I wanted to help the environment, andwhen I got out and about I quickly realised I needed to up [my target] to 200 pieces perweek,” she explains.

“It’s crazy the amount of rubbish I’ve found. I’ve been taking it home, recycling it and separating it out.”

Other volunteers have taken on challenges such as cooking a different curry eachweek, practising yoga every day or walking a certain amount of steps.

In previous years, SAFE has organised a Family Fun Day, raising around £5,000.

Katherine says the charity relies solely on donations and has struggled to raise much-needed funds during the pandemic.

So far, SAFE has received nearly £2,000 in donations through its virtual fundraiser, but hopes to hit £5,000 through individual sponsorships soon.

The money raisedwill be used to rehabilitate any rescued horses so they can be safely returned to thewild.

This includes funding the daily upkeep of horses, providing food, bedding and vet bills.

To find out more about SAFE’s Fun Day 5000 Challenge, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/safe-fun-day5000-challenge