Recognizing Fake Information and Online Scams
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What you will learn
- 1Identify common signs of fake information and online scams
- 2Distinguish between real and fake online content using critical thinking
- 3Apply safe strategies when encountering suspicious messages or websites
Mini Lesson
Not everything you read, see, or receive online is true. Fake information is content that is made up or misleading. Online scams are tricks designed to steal your personal details, money, or passwords. Learning to spot them keeps you safe.
Warning Signs of Fake Information
- The headline sounds shocking or too good to be true.
- There is no author name or the source is unknown.
- Lots of spelling mistakes or strange-looking website addresses.
- The story cannot be found on any trusted news site.
- Images look edited or are taken from a different story.
Warning Signs of Online Scams
- A message says you have won a prize — but you never entered a competition.
- Someone online asks for your password, home address, or money.
- A link in an email looks strange or comes from someone you do not know.
- A website asks you to fill in personal details to claim a free gift.
- A message tells you to act immediately or something bad will happen.
What to Do
- Stop and think before clicking any link or sharing information.
- Check the website address — trusted sites often end in .gov or .edu, or belong to a well-known organization.
- Search for the story on a known trusted website to verify it.
- Tell a trusted adult if you receive a suspicious message.
- Never share personal information with someone you do not know online.
Words to know
Fake information
Made-up content that pretends to be true
e.g. A "free phone" message was fake information.
Scam
A trick designed to steal money or personal details
e.g. A scam email asked for my password.
Suspicious
Something that looks unusual or unsafe
e.g. I felt a link was suspicious, so I did not click.
Verify
To check on a trusted source whether something is true
e.g. I verify a story on a known news site.
Trusted adult
A grown-up like a parent or grandparent you can ask for help
e.g. I told a trusted adult about the strange message.
If something online makes you feel excited, scared, or curious all at once — pause and check before you click!
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