Spot the Scam: Online Safety for Real Life

Media coming soon. Audio and video for this course are on the way. The full course is here as text today.

What you will be able to do

• Name the FTC's four signs of a scam: pretend, problem or prize, pressure, and pay a certain way.
• Sort a message as scam, check first, or likely safe, and say why (8 of 10 right in the capstone).
• Make a long, random, unique passphrase and turn on two step login, and keep login codes private.
• Check a call, text, or job offer with a number or site you already trust.
• Follow a first hour plan after a scam and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or IdentityTheft.gov.

Syllabus

Read the full course syllabus: outcomes, schedule, time, tests and how to get help.

Course glossary: key words from the lessons, A to Z.

Before you start: take the pretest (10 min, not graded) to see your starting point.

1. How scams work (surprise, pressure, payment)16 min
2. Sort texts, emails, and calls16 min
3. Lock it down (passphrases and two step login)14 min
4. Scams that target families, job seekers, and older adults15 min
5. Your first hour plan (and capstone)20 min

After the wrap up: take the posttest (10 min). Pass at 80% to unlock your certificate, then answer an optional 2 minute survey.