Lesson 9: Scams
Introduction
Time:
- Single class period
Materials:
Activity 1: Watch out for scams
Activity 2: Avoiding Scams
Useful Links
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.
Step-By-Step Instructions
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?
2. Divide the class into pairs.
3. Distribute one copy of Student Worksheet: Watch out for scams to each pair.
4. Invite students to identify what things they think they should watch out for in each of the scams on their worksheet.
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.
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.
5. Conclude by pointing out to students that they already knew a lot about scams before this lesson. One way that they don’t want to add to their knowledge level is to be actually scammed. Hopefully they are now even more aware of what to watch out for and how to avoid becoming a scam victim.
Homework Task
Invite 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.
Worksheets
Lesson 9 Activity 1 Teacher Resource Sheet: Watch out for scams
