Spotting Internet Scams and Fake News
A Guide for Year 9 Students Learning to Navigate the Digital World Safely
Why This Matters
Australians lost $851 million to scams in 2022 Fake news spreads 6 times faster than real news Young people are increasingly targeted Digital literacy is now essential for life
Quick Poll
Have you ever received a suspicious message? Have you seen news that seemed 'too good to be true'? Do you always check if information is real before sharing?
What Are Internet Scams?
Fraudulent schemes designed to steal money or personal information Often use fake websites, emails, or social media Target emotions like fear, greed, or urgency Can happen through any digital platform
Common Types of Scams
Phishing emails and texts Fake online shopping sites Romance scams on social media Tech support scams Cryptocurrency and investment scams
Spot the Scam
Look at these messages Identify red flags Discuss what makes them suspicious Share your findings with a partner
Red Flags to Watch For
Urgent language: 'Act now!' or 'Limited time!' Requests for personal information Poor spelling and grammar Too-good-to-be-true offers Pressure to act immediately
Scam vs Legitimate Communication
{"left":"Generic greetings like 'Dear Customer'\nSpecific, personalized greetings\nUrgent threats or time pressure\nClear, calm communication","right":"Requests for passwords or personal info\nNever asks for sensitive information via email\nPoor grammar and spelling\nProfessional language and formatting"}
What Is Fake News?
False or misleading information presented as news Can be completely made up or partially true Often designed to influence opinions or emotions Spreads rapidly through social media
Types of Fake News
Completely false stories Misleading headlines (clickbait) Manipulated images or videos Biased reporting that omits key facts Satire mistaken for real news
Real or Fake?
Examine these headlines Look for emotional language Check if the source is credible Discuss your reasoning with classmates
How to Verify Information
Check the source - is it reputable? Look for author credentials Cross-reference with other reliable sources Check the date - is it current? Look for supporting evidence and citations
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