MATRIX · Emergency

I Need Help Now

Something happened online? Pick the closest situation. These are calm, immediate, defensive steps — no judgment, no panic. Always tell a trusted adult when something serious happened.

My account was hacked

  1. Change the password immediately — from a device you trust.
  2. Sign out of all devices (most apps have a 'log out everywhere' option).
  3. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) right away.
  4. Check recovery email and phone number are still yours.
  5. Tell a trusted adult and report to the platform's support.

I clicked a suspicious link

  1. Do not enter any passwords or codes on any page it opened.
  2. Close the page. Do not download anything it suggested.
  3. Change the password of any account you typed details into.
  4. Run a security check on your device if you downloaded a file.
  5. Tell a trusted adult what happened.

I shared my OTP / verification code

  1. That code is a key to your account — act fast but calmly.
  2. Sign out of all sessions and change your password.
  3. Check for new devices or logins on the account.
  4. Contact the real company through its official support channel.
  5. Tell a trusted adult immediately.

I lost money

  1. Tell a trusted adult right away — you are not in trouble.
  2. Contact the bank or payment provider to try to stop the payment.
  3. Keep all evidence: screenshots, receipts, messages.
  4. Do NOT pay any more money, no matter what the scammer promises.
  5. Report to the official reporting organisation for your country.

My social account was taken over

  1. Log out of all sessions from the app's security settings.
  2. Reset the password and enable 2FA.
  3. Check DM history — the attacker may have messaged your contacts.
  4. Post a quick note so friends know your account was compromised.
  5. Report the takeover to the platform.

I installed suspicious software

  1. Stop using the device for important accounts (email, banking).
  2. Run a reputable security scan.
  3. Remove suspicious apps — especially ones you sideloaded.
  4. Change important passwords from a different device.
  5. Tell a trusted adult before using the device for anything important.

Someone is threatening me online

  1. This is never your fault. Threats and blackmail are illegal.
  2. Do NOT pay, send photos, or keep it a secret.
  3. Stop replying. Save the evidence (screenshots).
  4. Tell a trusted adult or a school counsellor TODAY.
  5. If you feel unsafe, contact local emergency services.

My personal information was exposed

  1. Figure out what was exposed: address, ID, photos, school?
  2. Tell a trusted adult.
  3. Change passwords on accounts linked to that information.
  4. If an ID document was shared, report it to the official reporting organisation.
  5. Watch for odd messages — scammers use leaked info to sound convincing.

Not sure which one fits?

Ask MATRIX AI — it will walk you through what to do based on exactly what happened.

I Need Help Now · MATRIX