Before you start: Spot the Scam: Online Safety for Real Life Pretest

About 10 minutes. Not graded. 12 questions, plus 3 quick confidence questions.

This is not a test you pass or fail. It is fine not to know these answers. Many people will not, because you have not taken the course yet. Your answers show your starting point, so at the end you can see how far you came.

Why we ask: it shows what you already know and which ideas are new to you. When you finish the course, you will see your before and after for each skill, so you can see where you grew and what to review.

How sure do you feel?

Rate each line from 1 (not at all sure) to 5 (very sure). There is no right answer.

I can spot the signs of a scam and sort a message as scam, check first, or likely safe.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can lock my accounts and check a contact with a number I trust.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I know what to do in the first hour after a scam and where to report it.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

Questions

1. A call says it is from Medicare and the screen shows a real Medicare number. What is true?

A. The number on the screen can be faked. B. Medicare often calls to ask for payment. C. It must be Medicare, since the number is real.

2. A caller says, "Don't hang up or you'll be arrested." Why do scammers say this?

A. Because the police asked them to make the call. B. To give you time to think it over. C. To stop you from checking their story.

3. Which request is a scam sign?

A. Pay a caller with gift cards. B. Pay a store cashier in cash. C. Pay a bill you expected by check.

4. A text you did not expect asks for your Social Security number to "keep your benefits." Which pile?

A. Likely safe B. Scam C. Check first

5. A text says your package is held and gives a link. It asks for nothing else. Which pile?

A. Likely safe, so tap the link B. Scam, with no doubt at all C. Check first

6. Which made up message is likely safe?

A. "Your visit is Monday at 3." (You booked it.) B. "Your account is locked. Call now." C. "You won a prize! Pay the small fee today to claim it."

7. Which made up password follows CISA's advice best?

A. Welcome!1Welcome!1 (the same word twice) B. lemon garden truck silver pillow C. Rocky1988

8. What does two step login add?

A. A second password that is exactly the same as the first one. B. A second check, like a code, after your password. C. A way for your bank to call you.

9. A voicemail from "your bank" asks you to call back at a new number. What is the safest move?

A. Text the new number with your account details. B. Call the new number to see what they want. C. Call the bank using the number printed on your card.

10. A caller who sounds like your daughter needs money now and says, "Don't tell Dad." What do you do first?

A. Ask the caller where to send the money and how much. B. Hang up and call her saved number. C. Send a little money to be safe.

11. You paid a fake seller with your debit card an hour ago. What should you do first?

A. Call your bank at the number on the card. B. Wait for the seller to answer your messages. C. Wait a week to see if the item comes.

12. Where do you report a scam to the FTC?

A. Any social media page B. The number the scammer gave C. ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Save my starting point

Next up

Go to Lesson 1: How scams work.

This self check is not a grade and does not affect your access.