Spot the Scam
Practice spotting suspicious messages.
Read each example and decide whether it looks safe or suspicious. This activity teaches red flags like fake prizes, password requests, urgency, fear, secrecy, and suspicious links.
Scenario 1 of 6
Prize ScamFree Gaming Gift Card
“Congratulations! You have been selected to receive a FREE $100 gaming gift card. Click this link in the next 10 minutes or your reward will expire.”
Common Scam Categories
Scams can look different, but many use the same tricks. These are the warning signs students should slow down and check.
Prize Scams
Messages that promise free money, gift cards, phones, games, or rewards if you click quickly.
Fake Login Warnings
Messages that say your account will be deleted or locked unless you enter your password.
Urgency and Fear Messages
Messages that pressure you to act immediately before you have time to think.
Secrecy Requests
Messages that tell you not to tell parents, teachers, friends, or trusted adults.
Suspicious Links
Links with strange spellings, random words, fake login pages, or websites you do not recognize.
Safe Response Steps
If a message feels suspicious, the goal is not to investigate it yourself. The goal is to stay safe, avoid risky clicks, and ask for help when needed.
- Pause before clicking.
- Check who sent the message.
- Look for urgency, fear, prizes, secrecy, or password requests.
- Do not share private information.
- Ask a trusted adult, teacher, or technology staff member if you are unsure.