Last updated May 20, 2026
What you can expect from us, and what we expect from you.
These are the ground rules for using Operation Arlene. They are written the way we write everything else here: plain English, no traps. If something is not clear, write to us and we will explain it.
Who we are
Operation Arlene is a website run by Michael Pilsner. It teaches non-technical adults how to stay safer online.
What you can do here
- Read the free lessons and the scam library.
- Sign up for the monthly briefing.
- Send us a scam you have seen, or a question you would like answered.
- Buy and take a course.
- Earn a certificate when you finish a course.
Account and access
You do not need an account to read the free material. You will need one to take a paid course. Pick a password that you do not use anywhere else.
We can suspend or close any account being used to harass other readers, send junk through our forms, or attack the site.
Paying for a course
- Course prices are listed on each course page. We accept payment through Stripe.
- If you are unhappy with a course within fourteen days of buying it, write to us and we will refund you. No quiz, no guilt.
- We may change prices over time. We will not change the price of a course you have already paid for.
What we teach
We work to keep the lessons accurate. The threats we describe are real, and the defenses we recommend are the ones we would recommend to our own families.
We cannot promise you will never be scammed. People are clever, and so are the people who scam them. We help you tilt the odds.
Our lessons are not legal, financial, or medical advice. If you have already lost money or sensitive information, contact your bank, your card issuer, and (where it applies) the police or the Federal Trade Commission. We can help you decide what to do next, but we are not your lawyer.
Things you send us
When you send us a scam example, a question, or feedback, we may quote you, anonymously by default, in the scam library or in the monthly briefing. Tell us if you would like your first name and city used. Tell us if you would rather we not use anything at all. We honor both.
Please do not send us anyone else’s personal information without their permission.
What’s ours
The lessons, the writing, the design, and the photographs on this site are ours unless we say otherwise. Please do not copy them onto another site without asking. Linking to us is welcome and does not require permission.
Things that could go wrong
We work to keep the site running and the lessons up to date. The site may be down sometimes. We may discontinue a course. We will give you reasonable notice when we can.
We are not responsible for what happens if you ignore our advice, or for what happens on other websites you visit from links here.
To the extent the law allows, our total liability to you is limited to what you paid us for the course in question.
Changes to these terms
If we change these terms, we will update this page and date the change. If the change is significant, we will email account holders.
Where we are
Operation Arlene is run from Wisconsin, United States. These terms are governed by Wisconsin law.
How to reach us
Michael Pilsner. michael@operationarlene.com.