4.What is Clickbait?

Clickbait is a headline designed to make you curious or emotional so you'll click on it.

The headline often exaggerates or leaves out important information.

Examples include:

• "You Won't Believe What Happened Next!"

• "Doctors Hate This One Trick!"

• "This Secret Will Change Your Life Forever!"

• "The Government Doesn't Want You to Know This!"

Sometimes the article contains very little useful information compared to what the headline promises.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if you see messages that include:

🚩 "Limited time only!"

🚩 "Act now before it's too late!"

🚩 "You've won a prize!"

🚩 "Click immediately!"

🚩 "Your account will be closed today!"

🚩 Requests for passwords or Social Security numbers

🚩 Requests to buy gift cards

🚩 Requests to send cryptocurrency

🚩 Numerous spelling and grammar mistakes

🚩 Threats or scare tactics

🚩 Deals that sound too good to be true

Scammers often create urgency because they don't want you to stop and think.

5.How to Stay Safe Online

Before clicking a link or responding to a message:

STOP and Ask Yourself

Who sent this?

Do I know this person or organization?

Why are they contacting me?

Does the message make sense?

Was I expecting it?

Are they asking for personal information?

Banks, government agencies, and legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information through email or text.

Are they trying to rush me?

Scammers often pressure people to act immediately.

Take your time.

Can I verify it another way?

Instead of clicking the link:

• Visit the company's official website.

• Call the organization using a trusted phone number.

• Ask a trusted friend or family member if you're unsure.

6.Social Media Safety Tips

Social media is a great way to stay connected, but scammers also use it to spread misinformation and steal personal information.

To stay safe:

• Only accept friend requests from people you know.

• Think before sharing personal information.

• Be cautious of quizzes asking personal questions.

• Don't believe every post you see.

• Check information before sharing it with others.

• Be careful if someone you've never met asks for money or gift cards.

7.Email Safety Tips

Before opening an email:

✔ Check the sender's email address carefully.

✔ Look for spelling mistakes or unusual wording.

✔ Do not click suspicious links.

✔ Never download attachments from someone you don't know.

✔ If something feels suspicious, contact the company directly using its official website or phone number.

8.What Should You Do If You Think It's a Scam?

If you believe you've encountered a scam:

• Stop communicating with the person.

• Do not send money.

• Do not share personal information.

• Tell a trusted family member or friend.

• Contact your bank immediately if you shared financial information.

• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Quick Review

Before trusting a message online, remember these five questions:

✅ Is it asking me to act immediately?

✅ Is it asking for money or personal information?

✅ Can I verify the information elsewhere?

✅ Does it sound too good—or too frightening—to be true?

✅ Would I feel comfortable asking someone I trust before responding?

If you answered "yes" to any of these warning signs, slow down and investigate before taking action.

This is the end of module 5!  Either:

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