Introduction video to this course:

Hey, it’s Noah and Flynn! In this course, we’re going to show you how to spot and avoid online scams - something we’ve had to be careful with as students. Whether it’s fake delivery texts or dodgy flat rental ads, we’ve seen loads during uni. As computer science students, we want to help you stay secure online and avoid the traps we’ve seen too many people fall into.
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Why this is important?

Online scams can steal your money, identity, or personal data -this often happens before you even realise it. Learning how to spot them early helps protect your bank account, your digital reputation, and your peace of mind. A few smart habits go a long way when it comes to online safety. As nice and genuine as people on the internet may sound, they use this to try and take your money.
It might seem complicated, but don’t worry - we are about to go through each type of main scam slowly, with clear examples and simple steps to help you stay safe.
Spotting Online Scams - Video
In this video, we will cover common scam types and how to spot some red flags. We’ll walk through real examples of scam messages and show you what to do when something looks suspicious.
Feel free to pause and take notes, especially during examples - we cover quite a lot in this course!

Step-by-step:

1. Learn what a scam is: when someone tricks you into giving away money, personal information, or account details using fake messages, websites, or calls. 2. Understand phishing emails: these pretend to be from trusted companies and may say things like “Your account is locked.” Look out for weird email addresses, bad grammar, or urgent requests. Scammers try to sound urgent and make it a matter of time or something bad will happen, they do this so you have no time to question it, or talk it over with anyone. 3. Recognise scam text messages: often claiming things like missed parcel deliveries or payments. They usually include suspicious links and use names like Royal Mail or HMRC to sound real. Check if it comes from someones personal number. 4. Spot social media scams: these include fake giveaways, messages from hacked friends, or “investment” offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 5. Be aware of fake job offers: scammers post fake listings to steal your details or money. They may use the name of a real company but have strange email addresses or ask for upfront payments. 6. Check links and email addresses because scammers use tricky spellings or fake domains like “amaz0n.co.uk.” Always double-check the full web address or sender’s email. 7. Always double check who you are speaking to over the phone, scammers avoid giving details about who they are. 8. Learn the signs of fake websites as these may look real but often have spelling errors, low-quality logos, or ask for your card details too early. 9. Check the sender properly by tapping the email or message sender to see the full address. If it looks suspicious or messy, it’s likely a scam. 10. Don’t give personal info - no real company will ask for your bank PIN, password, or full card number by text or email. 11. Don’t click suspicious links; if in doubt, go directly to the official website or app. 12. Report scams and forward suspicious texts to 7726, and report emails to your provider or bank. You can also report online via Action Fraud. 13. Block and delete - press and hold on a scam message to block the number and remove it from your inbox. 14. Use strong passwords and avoid common ones like “123456” and use a different password for each account. 15. Turn on two-factor authentication as this adds extra protection by asking for a code before you log in. 16. Keep your device updated. The regular updates include security fixes that help protect you. 17. Check your accounts often so you can spot suspicious payments or logins early by reviewing your bank and email accounts. 18. Trust your gut, if something feels strange, don’t interact with it until you’ve double-checked. 19. Talk about scams - let friends or family know what you’ve learned so they can stay safe too. 20. Stay alert as scammers change their tactics often, so keep learning and stay cautious online.

Just to recap...

Amazing! You now know how to spot all sorts of scams, from emails and texts to websites and social media tricks. With the tips you’ve learned, you’ll feel more confident navigating the internet safely.
Question 1:
True or False: A message that says “urgent” and asks for money should be trusted.
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False.
Question 2:
Which of these is a red flag for an online scam? A) A personalised message from your friend B) A familiar brand email with your name C) A message from your bank asking for your password and bank details D) A scheduled newsletter you signed up for
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C) A message from your bank asking for your password and bank details
Question 3:
What should you do if a website looks strange and you’re unsure it’s real?
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Don’t enter any details and then close it and search for the real website yourself.
Question 4:
Why are scammers using messages like “We tried to deliver your parcel”?
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Because many people order online, so it sounds believable and gets clicks.
Question 5:
What should you do if you clicked on a scam link by accident?
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Don’t panic - close the page, clear your browser, change your passwords, and call your bank if needed.

Summary checklist

- I know the most common types of scams - I can spot red flags in messages and emails - I use official websites and avoid unknown links - I know what to do if I click something suspicious - I can report scams to the right place

Stuck?

If you’re unsure about a message, pause and ask someone you trust - or check online to see if it’s been reported. You’re learning a skill that really matters!
Well done for sticking with this slightly longer course! You’re now much more scam-savvy and better protected online. Whether you’re checking emails, shopping, or messaging friends - you’ll do it with extra confidence and peace of mind.
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Spot and Avoid Common Online Scams

Spot and Avoid Common Online Scams

This course gives you the tools to spot scams online - whether it's a dodgy email, a fake website, or a scam message on WhatsApp. We’ll break down real examples and show you how to stay safe. There are so many elabortae scams now, it helps to know the main signs to look out for!
30 minutes
Intermediate
Banking and Online Safety

What you'll need:

- Desktop computer or tablet
- Internet access

What you'll learn:

- Don’t click links in suspicious emails or texts - Check the sender’s name and email address carefully - Avoid sharing personal info over message - Use official websites and apps - Look for red flags like spelling mistakes or urgent tone - Report any scams to your bank or phone provider - Keep your device updated with security patches