Section outline

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    Scam Smarts

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    • Scam Smarts

      Can you outsmart these scams? Pick a module and test what you know with real-world scenarios.

      Teacher guide and resources

      3 modules | 30 minutes or less per module

      Learning modules

      • Phishing Scams

        Help Kaylix and Layla spot the red flags in suspicious texts and emails.

         Start

      • Website Scams

        Help Trey and Cameron work out whether a website can be trusted.

         Start

      • Social Media Scams

        Help Ezra and Tanis check who is behind a profile and make safer choices on social media.

         Start

      For educators and families

      Review the accompanying Teacher Guide to learn tips for using these modules effectively with your students to maximize the learning experience.
      If you are a parent looking to complete the learning modules with your child, you may wish to reference the Teacher Guide.

      Download Teacher Guide

      Learning objectives

      Phishing Scams

      Learning Objectives

      • Recognize common signs of phishing scams.
      • Evaluate the legitimacy of text messages and emails.
      • Identify potential risks of phishing scams.
      • Use preventative measures to improve online safety when receiving digital messages and requests.
      Website Scams

      Learning Objectives

      • Recognize common signs of website scams.
      • Evaluate the legitimacy of websites.
      • Identify potential risks of website scams.
      • Use preventative measures to improve online safety when accessing and using websites.
      Social Media Scams

      Learning Objectives

      • Recognize common signs of social media scams.
      • Evaluate the legitimacy of online profiles, connections and relationships.
      • Identify potential risks of social media scams.
      • Use preventative measures to improve online safety when using social media.
      About these modules

      Welcome to the Scam Smarts series! Through engaging, real-world scenarios and guided discussion questions, youth can put their scam smarts to the test while empowering themselves with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.

      Scammers are clever and often tailor their schemes to fit specific situations. The scenarios provided aim to assist youth across various Canadian communities, including rural, Indigenous, and urban areas.

      Between January and June 2024, over 41,000 cybercrimes were reported in Canada, with 56% involving fraud. This indicates a significant risk for youth who may not be fully aware of how to protect themselves online.

      Bush, O. (2025, January 7). Cyber Crime Statistics in Canada. Made in Canada. https://madeinca.ca/cyber-crime-canada-statistics/

      Surveys

      Have you completed the learning experience? We want to hear from you and your students! Complete the survey using the links below or download a printable copy and return it to your local JA office.

      Digital Surveys

      Student Survey (online) Facilitator Survey (online)

      Print Surveys

      Student Survey (PDF) Facilitator Survey (PDF)

      Keep learning

      Interested in additional learning? The JA Campus has a variety of learning opportunities available! For learning related to the concepts covered in this series, you may be interested in:

      • Money Questions Answered Series

        Open-Access, no login required

        Module 3: How do I keep my money safe?

        Learn where to find reliable money information, spot credit and loan scams, protect financial details, and understand consumer rights and responsibilities.

        Access this Module

      • Curious About Currency Learning Series

        Open-Access, no login required

        Module 3: How can I manage my money while using other currencies?

        In this module, students explore the different ways to pay when using other currencies and discover tips and tricks to keep money safe when making purchases online or abroad.

        Access this Module

      • Dollars with Sense

        Supported Program, login required

        Facilitated program by a JA Volunteer or classroom teacher or as a self-directed online experience.

        Practise managing money, from ways to pay and the cost of credit to online safety, project budgets, and options for saving or investing.

        Contact Your Local JA Office

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