Stay safe online, one question at a time.

Clear answers in about 60 seconds. Ask anything.

I'm here to help!

A free, friendly guide to staying safe online.

Pixel Belle answers the questions girls and women actually have about life online, in plain words, with steps you can take today.

Spot scamsFake texts, DMs, emails and pop-ups, and how to tell.

Protect your privacyWho sees your info, who sells it, and how to lock things down.

Stay safe from peopleStalkers, catfish, sextortion and anyone who means harm.

Question what you seeDeepfakes, AI images, fake news and influencer spin.

Why it exists

Most safety advice isn't written for us.

It's written for IT departments, or for the head of the household. Pixel Belle is written for teen girls, young women, moms and grandmas, because we're the ones being targeted.

Plain words, no lectureShort answers that start with what to do.

Checked sourcesEvery page lists where the facts come from and when we last checked.

No ads, no trackingWe don't sell anything, and we don't follow you around the web.

Who made this?

Hi, I'm Shannon.

A former teacher, a mom and an online marketer. I built Pixel Belle after seeing people I love get scammed.

Learn who made this site →

What a red flag looks like

This DM has 4 of them.

Scammers often pose as brand scouts. Here's how to tell.

brand.scout.officialNot following you

Hi! Love your pics. We pay $500 per post for new faces.

Just send your number and a few more private photos

Offer ends tonight!!

1Money from a stranger
2Asks for your phone number
3Asks for private photos
4A rush deadline

What to do if you get one

Need help right now?

Take a breath. We'll go step by step.

Pick what's happening. You'll get calm, numbered steps. No judgment.

My account got hacked→ Someone's threatening me with photos→ I think I'm being tracked→ I sent money to a scammer→

Browse by topic

Pick a topic

Scams & fraud

Messages from strangers

Real or fake?

Same kind of text. Very different intentions.

REAL

Your verification code is 482913. Don't share this code with anyone.

You asked for it, and it tells you to keep it secret.

FAKE

This is your bank's fraud team. To stop the charge, read us the code we just sent you.

Anyone asking you to read back a code wants into your account.

10-minute checkup

Lock down your Instagram

One step per screen, with a picture of exactly where to tap.

Account privacy

Private account

Only people you approve can see your posts.

Messages

Comments

Step 2 of 6 · Turn on Private account

Start the checkup

Not sure about something?

Not sure if it's a scam? Ask Pixel.

Type what happened in your own words. Get a clear answer in about a minute.

Something feel off? I'll help.

Share it

Send it to someone you love.

Every answer comes as a card you can text to your mom, sister or best friend.

Copy a link to Pixel Belle

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