💻 TechnologyGrade 3Lesson 14
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Recognizing Fake Information and Online Scams

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Identify common signs of fake information and online scams
  • 2Distinguish between real and fake online content using critical thinking
  • 3Apply safe strategies when encountering suspicious messages or websites
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Mini Lesson

Not everything you read, see, or receive online is true. Fake information is content that is made up or misleading. Online scams are tricks designed to steal your personal details, money, or passwords. Learning to spot them keeps you safe.

Warning Signs of Fake Information

  • The headline sounds shocking or too good to be true.
  • There is no author name or the source is unknown.
  • Lots of spelling mistakes or strange-looking website addresses.
  • The story cannot be found on any trusted news site.
  • Images look edited or are taken from a different story.

Warning Signs of Online Scams

  • A message says you have won a prize — but you never entered a competition.
  • Someone online asks for your password, home address, or money.
  • A link in an email looks strange or comes from someone you do not know.
  • A website asks you to fill in personal details to claim a free gift.
  • A message tells you to act immediately or something bad will happen.

What to Do

  1. Stop and think before clicking any link or sharing information.
  2. Check the website address — trusted sites often end in .gov, .edu, or .org.
  3. Search for the story on a known trusted website to verify it.
  4. Tell a trusted adult if you receive a suspicious message.
  5. Never share personal information with someone you do not know online.
Fake vs Real Online ContentTwo columns comparing signs of fake content on the left with signs of real content on the right.Fake vs Real Online ContentFake Signs?Shocking headlineNo author listedSpelling mistakesUnknown sourceReal SignsClear author/sourceTrusted websiteVerified by othersCalm, factual tone
What To Do with Suspicious ContentFour steps to follow when encountering suspicious online content.If It Looks Suspicious...1STOP and think before clicking2CHECK the website address3SEARCH on a trusted site4TELL a trusted adult
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If something online makes you feel excited, scared, or curious all at once — pause and check before you click!

Vocabulary
Fake information
Made-up content that pretends to be truee.g. A "free phone" message was fake information.
Scam
A trick designed to steal money or personal detailse.g. A scam email asked for my password.
Suspicious
Something that looks unusual or unsafee.g. I felt a link was suspicious, so I did not click.
Verify
To check on a trusted source whether something is truee.g. I verify a story on a known news site.
Trusted adult
A grown-up like a parent or grandparent you can ask for helpe.g. I told a trusted adult about the strange message.
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← Lesson 13: Keeping Passwords Private and SecureLesson 15: Safe Search and Age-Appropriate Browsing →