Digital Safety
Can You Spot the Scams?
See if you can tell which scenarios are safe and which are scams
Test your scam savvy by choosing whether each of these 8 real-life scenarios is truly a scam or not. You get 2 points for every correct answer, and -1 for those you get wrong. Add up your score to see if you’re Scam Savvy, Fraud-Vulnerable or a Totally Trusting Thomas. Who scores higher? Parents or teens?
Scenario #1: Venmo Payback
You’re out and about, and you get a DM through Venmo from your sister that says, “Hey, can you pay me back the $20 for your part of the b-day gift we got mom? Thx!” You had totally forgotten about that, so you decide to go ahead and send the money to your sis right then and there. Tap and done!
Scenario #2: Game On
My gamer squad is going to be lowkey jealous of my new skins. I’m flexing – money well spent, so glad I added my card so I can make in-game purchases.
Scenario #3: Unbelievable Online Deal
You’re minding your own business, just lost in the sweet scroll on Instagram, when an ad catches your eye. Nike Dunk Lows for $50? No way! It’s a flash sale! You click, pick and checkout quick so you don’t miss the deal. But then you get a bit nervous about returns, so you ask the chatbot and get the details on the return policy. All good.
Scenario #4: Influencer Collab Opp
I’m screaming! Avani Gregg just DM’d me on TikTok to do a makeup collab. Unreal. OK, I just have to send her my bank details so she can deposit my share of the earnings. I cannot believe this!
Scenario #5: Pay with Your Face
My venti iced chai with oat milk and vanilla cold foam is totally giving me main character energy. Apple Pay makes me feel like such a pro – who even carries cash anymore?
Scenario #6: Scholarship Shoe-In
I just checked my email, and I totally got a $5,000.00 scholarship from the National Student Aid Foundation! Crazy because I don’t even remember applying for it, but they all sort of run together. OK, I just have to send $25 for a processing fee, along with my transcripts and bank account info to make it official. Yes!
Scenario #7: Reliably Low Prices
I love my latest haul from my fave online discount shopping outlet—designer vibes at dollar store prices. My style is fire, and I still have money left in my account.
Scenario #8: Package for Me
Awww, who’s sending me a present? Probably grandma, I’m totally her favorite. This text says it’s delayed and they just need me to reschedule. Lemme click this link so I can get my package.
SCAM
Don’t be a Venmo victim – this is a common scam that’s really easy to fall for. Scammers create fake accounts using the real pictures and names of people you’re connected to. They generally ask for small amounts that don’t ring alarm bells. Make sure to look closely at the person’s profile, and text your actual connection to verify they sent the request. Once your money has been sent via a cash app like Venmo, ApplePay, PayPal or Zelle, it’s gone.
SAFE
Buying skins or upgrades is common and safe on platforms like Roblox or Fortnite. The risks come from third-party sellers or phishing links disguised to look like popular games. The games themselves are regulated e-commerce platforms, and are considered safe for in-app purchases.
SCAM
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are so sophisticated at this one, creating realistic ads and entire sites for luxury goods at unreal prices. One recent example of this was a whole Bogg Bag site featuring the iconic beach and pool bag for $19.99 versus the normal $89. It looked exactly like the legit site. Similar scams have happened with Nike and Adidas shoes as well. Generally there’s a faux ad on social media that gets your click.
SCAM
This can be an offer to become a brand ambassador, resell products, or do simple online tasks like focus groups or surveys in exchange for payment. It’s a big red flag if the person asks for upfront “starter kit” fees, bank info or personal data they say is for “onboarding.” This is only one type of social media scam targeting teens. Learn more at the FBI’s How We Can Help You, Scams and Safety page.
SAFE
Parents may be nervous about their kids using digital wallets, but they can actually be more secure than physical cards and cash. Digital wallets use encryption and tokenization to keep money safe.
SCAM
Don’t fall for this scam that falsely says you’ve received an “exclusive” scholarship. One tell-tale sign is the ask to pay upfront fees or requests for personal information. This scam is often used for identity theft. Authentic scholarships don’t work like that.
SAFE
Online shopping platforms like Temu or Shein are legitimate, but often misunderstood due to their low prices and overseas shipping. Rather than fraud, the risks include unknowingly purchasing counterfeit goods. Delayed delivery can occur as well. They’re not scams as long as teens use secure payment methods and avoid third-party sellers.
SCAM
This scam has been around for a while now, but it still tricks people. Usually you’ll get a text saying a package is delayed or needs address confirmation, with a link to “reschedule.” The link leads to a phishing site set up to steal your personal or payment info. Legitimate postal services don’t send these types of texts.
How did you do?
Total Up Your Score
Give yourself 2 points for every correct answer, and -1 point for every incorrect answer. Add up all your points to get your overall score.
Scam Savvy
14-16 points
Fraud-Vulnerable
11-13 points
Totally Trusting Thomas
10 points and below
Help Keep Your Kids Safe Online
Safety is a priority online and offline. Like “stranger danger” and looking both ways before crossing the street, online security is a necessity to protect kids and teens both at home and at school. Parents, follow these important tips to help get them on the right track.
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