Internet & Identity · lesson 12 of 17 · 15 min
What is a scam?
A scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving them something valuable — your personal information, your password, or even money — by pretending to be someone they are not or by making a fake offer that sounds too good to be true. Scammers are like digital con artists: they use lies, fake identities, and clever tricks to fool people.
Scams happen everywhere online — in emails, text messages, social media, online games, and on websites. They are designed to make you act quickly, before you have time to stop and think. That urgency is one of the biggest warning signs that something is a scam.
Scams are not just a problem for adults. Kids are targeted too — especially through online games, social media, and messaging apps. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a scam is one of the most important cybersecurity skills you can develop.
The four big scam warning signs: (1) It feels too good to be true. (2) It asks for personal information or a password. (3) It wants you to act RIGHT NOW. (4) It comes from someone you do not know or a source you cannot verify.
Common types of online scams
Fake prize scams “You won! Click here to claim your prize.” There is no prize — they just want your personal information. Impersonation scams Someone pretends to be a teacher, a company, or even a friend to get you to trust them and share information. Phishing messages Fake emails or texts that look real but are designed to steal your password or personal details. Too-good-to-be-true offers “Get free V-Bucks!” or “Free gift cards!” — these are almost always scams designed to steal your account. Fake emergency scams “Your account has been hacked! Click here immediately!” — designed to panic you into acting without thinking. Friendship scams Someone befriends you online over time, then eventually asks for personal information or money.
What to do when you spot a scam
When you think something might be a scam, follow these steps:
- Stop — do not click any links, enter any information, or reply.
- Think — does this feel too good to be true? Is it creating urgency? Is it asking for personal information?
- Tell a trusted adult — show them the message or website and ask for their help.
- Report it — use the report button on the platform where you saw it.
Remember: legitimate companies, schools, and organizations will never ask for your password or personal information through an unexpected message. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Key words to remember
- Scam
- Phishing
- Impersonation
- Urgency
- Too good to be true
Match each scam type to its description
What is a scam — quiz
What is a scam?
- A fun online game
- A trick to get your personal information or money
- A type of computer virus
- A safe website for kids
Answer: A trick to get your personal information or money
Scams are tricks designed to steal your information, passwords, or money.
You get a message saying “You won a free phone! Click here NOW!” What should you do?
- Click the link immediately
- Share it with all your friends
- Stop, think, and tell a trusted adult — it sounds like a scam
- Enter your home address to claim the prize
Answer: Stop, think, and tell a trusted adult — it sounds like a scam
Fake prize messages are a classic scam. Always pause and check with a trusted adult.
Scams only happen through email.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Scams happen through email, text messages, social media, phone calls, online games, and websites.
What is phishing?
- A type of fishing sport
- Fake messages designed to steal your password or personal information
- A safe way to share files
- A type of computer game
Answer: Fake messages designed to steal your password or personal information
Phishing uses fake emails or messages that look real to trick you into giving up your information.
Why do scammers create urgency in their messages?
- To be helpful
- To make you act quickly before you have time to think
- Because they are in a hurry
- To test your reaction time
Answer: To make you act quickly before you have time to think
Urgency is a manipulation tactic — scammers want you to act before you realize it is a trick.
If an offer online seems too good to be true, it probably is a scam.
- True
- False
Answer: True
“Too good to be true” is one of the biggest warning signs of a scam.
What should you do first when you think you have spotted a scam?
- Click the link to investigate
- Stop — do not click anything or enter any information
- Share it with friends to warn them
- Reply to ask if it is real
Answer: Stop — do not click anything or enter any information
The first step is always to stop. Do not click, reply, or enter any information until you have checked with a trusted adult.
A message says “Your account has been hacked! Click here immediately!” What type of scam is this?
- Fake prize scam
- Friendship scam
- Fake emergency scam
- Phishing
Answer: Fake emergency scam
Fake emergency scams create panic to make you act without thinking. Always pause and verify with a trusted adult.
Will a legitimate company ever ask for your password in an unexpected message?
- Yes, if it is urgent
- Yes, to verify your identity
- No — legitimate companies never ask for your password this way
- Only if you have been hacked
Answer: No — legitimate companies never ask for your password this way
Legitimate organizations never ask for your password through unexpected emails or messages. This is always a scam.
Kids are not targeted by scammers — only adults are.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Kids are frequently targeted by scammers, especially through online games, social media, and messaging apps.
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