Introduction
A scam is designed to con you out of money or personal details (for example a PIN number) and it can take many forms. The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of the different types of scams so you can easily spot them. Always be wary of tempting offers; if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is! In this lesson, students will learn what a scam is, the types of scams that are out there, how to protect against them and what to do if they or someone they know gets scammed.
Time: Single class period
Useful links:
Materials:
Activity 1: Watch out for scams
1. Ask students if they have ever heard the word ‘scam’ before? In what context? What are the details of the scams they know about?
Note: You may wish to use the detail regarding scams provided on Teacher resource sheet: Common scams to help facilitate student discussion on scams.
2. Divide the class into pairs.
3. Distribute one copy of Student worksheet: Watch out for scams to each pair.
Note: Depending on your class you may wish to read down through the scams on the worksheet to ensure that all students understand the terminology and task.
4. Invite students to identify what things they think they should watch out for in each of the scams on their worksheet.
Note: Depending on your class you may wish to prompt them by providing the following example: scammers try to get people excited so they often use key words or phrases, like ‘Absolutely 100% guaranteed so act now!’.
Activity 2: Avoiding scams
1. Write the following phrase on the left-hand-side of the white/blackboard:
Guarding against scams
2. Invite students to respond to this statement. What do they think it means? How can people be on their guard against scams? Record their responses under the statement on the white/blackboard.
Note: You may wish to use the detail regarding protecting against scams provided on Teacher resource sheet: Common scams.
3. On the right-hand-side of the white/blackboard write the following question:
What to do if you are scammed?
4. Invite students to respond. Record their responses under the question on the white/blackboard.
Note: You may wish to use the detail regarding protecting against scams provided on Teacher resource sheet: Common scams.
Homework taskInvite students to use text (caption) and image (photograph, drawing etc.) to develop an advertisement warning people about scams.
The advertisement should include tips about how to avoid common scams and information about where to go for help and support if you fall victim to a scam.
The steps for reviewing this homework task are given in Lesson 10.
