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Learn To Spot The Trap.

Understanding common online scams is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

Cybersecurity Topics

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of scam where attackers pretend to be legitimate organizations to steal your personal information.

Red Flags:

  • Unexpected messages asking for personal info
  • Sense of urgency or threats
  • Poor grammar or spelling
  • Suspicious sender addresses

What You Should Do:

  • Verify the sender through official channels
  • Never click suspicious links
  • Report phishing attempts

How to Spot a Fake Email

Learn to identify fraudulent emails by checking the sender, content, and any links carefully.

Red Flags:

  • Sender domain doesn't match the organization
  • Generic greetings like "Dear Customer"
  • Urgent threats about account closure
  • Requests for passwords or sensitive data

What You Should Do:

  • Check the sender's email address carefully
  • Hover over links before clicking
  • Contact the organization directly

How to Identify Suspicious URLs

Malicious URLs often mimic legitimate websites but have subtle differences that can reveal their true nature.

Red Flags:

  • Misspelled brand names (g00gle.com)
  • Unusual domain extensions
  • Excessive subdomains
  • URL shorteners from unknown sources

What You Should Do:

  • Type the official URL directly
  • Use bookmarked legitimate sites
  • Verify SSL certificates

Protecting Your Password

Your password is the key to your digital life. Learn how to keep it secure from attackers.

Red Flags:

  • Any request to share your password
  • Using the same password everywhere
  • Simple or predictable passwords
  • Passwords written down in visible places

What You Should Do:

  • Use unique, complex passwords
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Use a password manager

Why You Should Never Share OTP Codes

One-time passwords are designed for your use only. Sharing them compromises your account security.

Red Flags:

  • Anyone asking for your OTP code
  • Unexpected OTP messages
  • Claims of "verification" requiring OTP
  • Pressure to share codes quickly

What You Should Do:

  • Never share OTP codes with anyone
  • Report unexpected OTP requests
  • Contact your service provider if concerned

Online Shopping Scams

Fake online stores and too-good-to-be-true deals can steal your money and personal information.

Red Flags:

  • Prices significantly below market value
  • Poor website design and grammar
  • Requests for payment via wire transfer or crypto
  • No contact information or physical address

What You Should Do:

  • Research the company before purchasing
  • Look for secure HTTPS and padlock icon
  • Use credit cards for fraud protection
  • Stick to well-known, reputable retailers

Social Media Security

Your social media accounts can be used to steal your identity or scam your friends and family.

Red Flags:

  • Friend requests from people you don't know
  • Messages asking for money or personal info
  • Quizzes that collect personal information
  • Suspicious links in posts or messages

What You Should Do:

  • Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
  • Be selective about accepting friend requests
  • Review privacy settings regularly
  • Think before posting personal information

SMishing (SMS Phishing)

Text messages can be used to steal your information through fake links and fraudulent schemes.

Red Flags:

  • Texts from unknown numbers claiming to be banks
  • Messages about fake delivery problems
  • Links asking for personal information
  • Urgent threats about account suspension

What You Should Do:

  • Never click links in unsolicited texts
  • Verify with the company through official channels
  • Block suspicious numbers
  • Report smishing attempts to your carrier

Safety Checklist

Before clicking, ask yourself these questions:

0 of 6 checks completed

What To Do If You Clicked a Suspicious Link

1

Stop Interacting

Immediately stop interacting with the page. Do not enter any more information.

2

Do Not Enter Information

Never provide passwords, personal details, or financial information on suspicious sites.

3

Change Compromised Passwords

If you entered any credentials, change those passwords immediately on the official website.

4

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of security to your accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

5

Report the Incident

Report the suspicious message to the appropriate platform or organization.

6

Tell a Trusted Adult

If you're a student, inform a teacher, parent, or trusted adult about the incident.