Scams

Key Learning Objectives

Identity different types of scams.
Explain why scams are created by cyber criminals.
Begin to apply 3 key skills to stay safe from online scams.

Just 4 steps to complete the episode!

1.Watch the short 3-minute animated video with the children. Play it a few times!
2.Discuss the video with the children using our conversation guide to help you.
3.Ask each child to complete the Kahoot! Quiz below.
4.Print the Activity Sheet - a fun homework activity for children.

It is strongly recommended that each episode is delivered by a parent or teacher to children for maximum educational impact.

STEP 1

What is a scam?

More Episodes

STEP 2

Conversation Guide

Useful questions and answers to guide you in conversation with kids

Download Conversation Guide

Blank

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

What is a scam?

A scam is when someone tries to trick you to get your personal information and/or your money.
Scams often pretend to offer you something that you really want, such as a prize or something for a great price.
Scams often look very real.
A cybercriminal might send you a scam through a message, an email, a phone call, a pop up in a game, or an ad.
When you click the links and follow their instructions, you end up giving them your personal information and / or money.

Why do cyber criminals create scams?

Cybercriminals use scams to steal money or information from you.
If they get into your account, they could:
- steal from your account,
- sell your information to other cybercriminals,
- use your account, pretend to be you, and trick your friends into sharing their personal information.

What types of personal information are valuable to a cybercriminal?

Username
Passwords
Email address
Date of birth
Credit card details
Home address

Have you ever come across a scam online? What did it look like?

A scam could be:

a link in a text message, ad, email or pop up in a game or app that you use.
a fun quiz, asking you to share your pets name, your birthday or maybe your favorite movie. This fun quiz is gathering personal information about you.
a contest that asks you to share your personal information to win ‘a great prize’.
a website that offers free or very cheap items for sale. It may ask for personal information such as an email address, username, password, or your parent’s credit card details.

If you see a scam online, what questions should you ask yourself?

Is this link safe to click?
Will I really get this for free if I share some personal information?
Why do they need so much information about me and my family?
What do my friends and family think about this?

What 3 skills should you practice to stay safe from scams online?

Don’t click on links.
Don‘t share personal information online.
Ask a grown up for help.

With the help of a grown-up, how can you check if something is a scam or not?

Check reviews on other websites about the suspicious offer, website, or app.
Check trusted and official websites for information about offers, discounts and possible scams which they may be warning about.
If you are unsure of a link or website, especially one that you have not used before, you can use Trend Micro site safety search to determine if the link or website is safe, dangerous, or suspicious. To use this free tool, visit https://global.sitesafety.trendmicro.com/

How might security software help to keep you safe from scams?

Security software helps you to stay safe from scams and cyber criminals.
It can block dangerous websites, pop ups and alert you to possible scams.
If you accidentally click on a dangerous link, it can stop your device from downloading malicious (dangerous) software.

However, your security software can’t stop you from sharing your personal information. That’s why we need to practice good online habits and use security software to stay safe. Always ask a grown-up to help you set up security software if your device is not protected with it.

Have you ever used cheat codes or cheat software for games? How do you know if they are safe to use or download?

It is most likely a scam. Always ask your friends or a grown-up for help and research online about it.
If you are tempted to use cheat codes or cheat software – remember that by using them, cyber criminals may send you a lot more scams. They are hoping that you click their links and download their software. This allows them access to your personal information and often your device.

CLOSE ALL

STEP 3

Take the Kahoot! Quiz

STEP 4

Homework Activity Sheet

This is a fun homework activity for children to test their skills one more time, reinforcing what they have learned.

Download PDF – A4 size
Download PDF – Letter size

Did you like the Scams episode?

We would love your feedback! Our goal is to deliver the Cyber Academy program to as many children around the world as possible. If you have completed this episode with children at home or in school, then you are helping us reach our global goal!

The Internet Safety Series for Kids age 7-10

2 NEW EPISODES and more episodes coming soon
Start an episode today!

Each episode consists of:

A short three-minute animated video
A conversation guide to support teachers/parents (It’s basically a Q&A for kids)
A Kahoot! Quiz to reinforce the learning
A popular and fun activity sheet; a great homework activity to engage all the family at home.

It is strongly recommended that each episode is delivered by a parent or teacher to children for maximum educational impact.