Practice: Spot the Scam
This is pretend. Nothing here is real. Let's practise together.
Pretend your friend Margaret shows you a text she just got. What would you tell her to do?
Your small wins on this lesson 0 of 3
Saved automatically on this device. No account needed, and it's fine to stop and come back later.
Practice 1 of 3 — What should she do?
Margaret shows you the text
"It looks like it's from the tax people," she says. "Should I tap it?" Here is what she's looking at:
Practice screen — this is pretend, not a real message
Unknown number • +1 (438) 555-0113
What would you tell Margaret to do? There's no wrong answer here — this is practice, and you can try all three.
Practice 2 of 3 — Find it for her
Margaret's inbox — one of these is a scam
Now pretend Margaret opens her email and asks, "Are any of these ones bad?" This inbox is make-believe. Nothing here is real and nothing can break. Two are ordinary emails. One is a scam. Tap the one you'd warn her about.
Practice screen — a pretend inbox
Practice 3 of 3 — Say it kindly
Margaret feels embarrassed she almost tapped it
She says, "I feel so foolish." How would you reassure her? Pick the one that sounds most like you — they're all good answers.
Confidence earned: Scam Spotter. You just talked a friend through a scam — pretend friend, real skill. That instinct to pause and check is the whole skill. It's yours now.
Want to keep your progress?
You've been practising for a while. Add your email for a free account, so you can pick up where you left off.
Thank you — your progress is saved on this device. Free accounts open soon, and your email will let you pick up where you left off.
The next time family visits, show them this practice — or send the link to a grandchild and try it together. Teaching someone is the best way to keep the skill sharp.
Go through it together, print this page for the kitchen table, or share just this lesson.