Online safety Coverage

How to buy and sell safely on Facebook Marketplace

An off-duty police officer from New York was shot and killed during an attempted robbery when he showed up to buy a car he saw on Facebook Marketplace. While an extreme example, it's still a threat people who use an online platform may face when buying and selling online.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

After WRAL report of mom swindled out of Christmas gift cash, an outpouring of support and a Quest

In the 24 hours after the story aired on WRAL-TV, through phone, email and direct message, people reached out to help.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

'My heart sank': Raleigh mom gets swindled out of $280 buying gift for son online

With inflation driving up the price of gifts many shoppers are turning to resale sites like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp or Craigslist, but buyer beware. A Raleigh mom was swindled out of $280 while trying to buy a gaming gift for her son.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Morrisville police chief warns about sales arranged online

The teen tried selling an iPhone to the three men through the Facebook Marketplace feature.

Teen robbed at gunpoint while selling iPhone, three men face charges

The teen tried selling an iPhone to the three men through the Facebook Marketplace feature.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

FBI-recommended resources to help keep your children safer online

Set boundaries and do not ban the internet. These are just a few suggestions from the FBI to help keep your children safer online.

Stephanie Llorente, WRAL contributor

Want to protect your privacy online? Consider using a fake email service

Many people use fake names when signing up for a new service online as a way to protect privacy. Turns out, that doesn't do a lot to keep companies from tracking you. But using an alternative or fake email address is an easy and more effective way to minimize tracking.

Monica Laliberte, WRAL exeuctive producer/5 On Your Side reporter

How to remove personal information from internet searches

Have you ever Googled your name? You'll likely be astonished at just how much of your personal information pops up.

5 On Your Side explains how to delete your internet footprint

Have you ever Googled your name? You'll likely be astonished at just how much of your personal information pops up.

Monica Laliberte, WRAL executive producer/5 On Your Side reporter

How to find, close long forgotten online accounts

WRAL 5 On Your Side zeros in on all those online accounts that could put your digital privacy and security at risk.

Woman scammed after pursuing employment through popular job site

Like so many people looking for work right now, a Fuquay-Varina woman posted her resume online. Potential employers reached out. But one unusual interview has her warning others.

Monica Laliberte, WRAL executive producer/5 On Your Side reporter

Tips to keep your children safe online

Whether it's homework or virtual school, many children are online a lot!

Kathy Hanrahan, Lifestyle Editor

Authorities urge parents to keep track of whom children are talking to online

The number of reports of youths being contacted online by predators nearly doubled last year, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

FBI: More time online means youths more at risk from predators

The number of reports of youths being contacted online by predators nearly doubled last year, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau chief

Cyber security concerns rise for online learning after intruder hack

WRAL's Leslie Moreno spoke with an expert about how parents can keep their children safe after a recent cybersecurity attack involving online learning classes.

Google faces $5 billion lawsuit over incognito tracking

The tech behemoth faces a class action lawsuit filed Tuesday in a San Jose federal court.

Safety should be top concern for buyers, sellers online

Whether you're buying or selling something online, there are some things you need to know to keep yourself safe.

After hackers spy on camera users, Ring to increase security

There have been at least four reports of Ring security cameras being hacked across the country in the past few months. Later this month, Ring says, it will roll out a new privacy and security dashboard to help prevent these issues.

Monica Laliberte, WRAL executive producer/consumer reporter

Nazi symbols and racist memes: Combating school intolerance

A student never committed violence, but his online activity drew the attention of authorities, including the FBI, according to a law enforcement official. His experience on Discord is just one example of how vulnerable adolescents can easily access and become targets of extremist material on the internet.

Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times

Cyber security is a growing issue in NC

From ransomware to email scams, cybercrimes are making the news more often. As technology becomes more sophisticated - so are the ways hackers are trying to take advantage of people.

How to protect yourself against ransomware attacks

5 On Your Side's Monica Lalibertie gives you tips you can take to make sure you and your digital information are safe should you get hit with a ransomware attack.

Facebook comes clean with what it's been collecting from people

Facebook is finally sharing exactly what information it's been collecting from people. The new "Off-Facebook Activity" feature will give users access to their online browsing histories and the option to disassociate the data from their accounts.

Digital IDs on your phone becoming part of program in many states

You probably have your ID in a wallet, but what if all you needed was your phone?Some states are headed in that direction and starting to offer digital drivers licenses.

Talking Tech: Samsung unveils Note 10...without headphone jack

Brian Shrader has the latest on Samsung's new device and a warning about online donation scams.

Online scammers pose as Powerball winner

The N.C. Education Lottery issued a scam warning Thursday about fake email and social media accounts claiming to be the Cumberland County man who won $345 million in the Powerball game this month.