FAQs – Stay Safe Online Service
Below are some of the more common questions which people ask about the Stay Safe Online service we think you may find useful.
Q: I’d like a Stay Safe Online visit – how do I arrange that?
A: As a charitably funded service working in partnership with Wiltshire Police, we can only visit people who fall within our charitable remit, so we can visit you if you are:
over 60 years old
over 18 with a registered disability
Wiltshire Police will refer you to our service if you have been a victim of online crime. Our SSO Coordinator will contact you to discuss your needs and if you agree a SSO Volunteer will then arrange a visit with you directly.
If you meet our criteria as above, you can contact us directly on the phone 01225 256867, via email (BobbyVanOnlineSafety@wiltshire.police.uk) or simply via the Contact Us page on this website.
Q: I don’t live in Wiltshire can I have a visit please?
A: Unfortunately, we only cover Wiltshire and Swindon, so are not able to visit anyone outside the county borders.
Q: What will it cost me?
A: It is a free service, we do not charge for our Stay Safe Online visits.
Q: Can I make a donation to the charity?
A: Donations are always welcomed. Donations can either be given to the volunteer, who will give you a receipt, or sent to our office in Devizes.
Q: What does a Stay Safe Online visit include, and how long will it take?
Our Stay Safe Online Volunteers can visit up to 3 times. We will aim to:
Improve your digital/cyber security awareness;
Offer cyber and scam prevention advice;
Signpost you to future advice and resources;
Provide support and reassurance;
Offer basic practical skills to enable you to check and understand privacy settings; and,
A visit will typically last between 1 and 2 hours.
Also please refer to our pages on Stay Safe Online, Security Tips and Other Sources of Help.
Q: Can I have a companion present during a visit?
A: Yes, you are welcome to have a companion present.
Q: I have a relative/friend who would benefit from a visit, do I contact Wiltshire Police to arrange this?
A: The relative/friend can contact us directly (i.e. self-refer) on 01225 256867, via email (BobbyVanOnlineSafety@wiltshire.police.uk) or simply via the Contact Uspage on this website. Alternatively, with their agreement, you can contact us on their behalf.
Q: Can I meet away from my home?
A: Yes, we can arrange to meet in a public place, e.g. library, community centre.
Q: Are visit times flexible?
A: Yes, you and the volunteer will agree a mutually acceptable date and time.
Q: Is the visit confidential?
A: All volunteers are vetted by Wiltshire Police and all information collected is subject to Wiltshire Police privacy policy.
Q: Will the volunteer have any proof of identity.
A: Yes, they all carry Police photograph ID cards and will show you this on arrival.
Q: Do you give general computer training?
A: We do not offer any general computer training.
Q: Do you give talks to community groups?
A: Yes, we regularly give talks to community groups in Village Halls or Community Centres.
Q: Will I have to install anything on my computer/tablet/phone?
A: No, but during the visit we may recommend you consider installing anti-virus software after our visit, if you do not have any already installed.
Q: Will you change anything?
A: No, but we may recommend changes to the settings on your computer/tablet/phones to improve security.
Q: Do you endorse or recommend products or services?
A: No; but we advise that you find reputable suppliers using the Buy With Confidence website.
Q: I do not have a computer, do I need a visit?
A: Yes, you may benefit from a Home Security visit, to arrange that call: 01225 256867 or email: bobbyvan@wiltshire.police.uk
Q: Will I be bombarded with jargon?
A: No, our volunteers will explain everything in plain language.
Q: Can I ask questions?
A: Of course, our volunteers will endeavour to answer all your questions.
Q: I want to buy a new computer, can you advise me what I should buy?
A: Our volunteer may be able to offer generic advice based on what you wish to use the computer for, but will not recommend brands or retailers.