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Staying away from phishing and scams

It’s important for kids to understand that the content they find online isn’t necessarily true or reliable, and that some websites try to steal their information. Phishing and other online scams encourage Internet users of all ages to respond to mysterious messages from people they don’t know or from people pretending to be someone they do know.

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Activities

Don’t bite that phishing hook!

Who are you, really?

About those bots

Interland:

Reality River

Goals

Understand that just because something is online doesn’t mean it’s true.

Learn how phishing works and why it’s a threat.

Recognize fake offers, prizes, and other online scams.

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Vocabulary

Bot

Also called a “chatbot” or “virtual assistant,” this is a piece of software that operates online or on a network to automatically answer questions, follow commands (like giving directions to your new friend’s house), or do simple tasks (like play a song).

Phishing

An attempt to scam you or trick you into sharing login information or other personal information online. Phishing is usually done through email, ads, or sites that look similar to ones you’re already used to.

Spearphishing

A phishing scam where an attacker targets you more precisely by using pieces of your own personal information.

Scam

A dishonest attempt to make money or gain something else of value by tricking people.

Trustworthy

Able to be relied on to do what is right or what is needed.

Authentic

Real, genuine, true, or accurate; not fake or copied.

Deceptive

False; an action or message designed to fool, trick, or mislead someone.

Manipulation

Someone controlling or influencing another person or situation unfairly, dishonestly, or under threat. Alternatively, things you find online may be manipulated, such as a photo that has been edited to make you believe something that isn’t true.

Fraudulent

Tricking someone in order to get something valuable from them.

Firewall

A program that shields your computer from most scams and tricks.

Malicious

Words or actions intended to be cruel or hurtful. Can also refer to harmful software intended to do damage to a person’s device, account, or personal information.

Catfishing

Creating a fake identity or account on a social networking service to trick people into sharing their personal information or into believing they’re talking to a real person behind a legitimate account, profile, or page.

Clickbait

Manipulative online content, posts, or ads designed to capture people’s attention and get them to click on a link or webpage, often to grow views or site traffic in order to make money.

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