Red flag starter pack
Lesson 1 of 14 in our free Scams & Fraud guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
Reading is cool. Playing is cooler.
This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.
The story so far
Ronnie Rugpull: URGENT!!! Ur account is locked. Click here in 10 mins or lose everything. Totally legit x
Mo: Oh no oh no oh no—
Nana: Mo. Phone down. Nobody legit gives you ten minutes. If it sounds too good — or too scary — to be true, it's a scam, love.
Chip: Scammers push four buttons: urgency, fear, greed and secrecy. Spot the button, spot the scam.
Questions you'll answer
What's the FIRST thing to do when a message makes you panic?
Stop, and check it through an official route you find yourself. Yes. Stop, challenge, protect. Look up the number or website yourself — never use the one in the message.
Quick facts
- 'Act now or your account will be closed' → Red flag. Fake urgency stops you thinking.
- 'Don't tell your bank about this payment' → Red flag. Secrecy = scam. Your bank is on your side.
- You called your bank on the number on the back of your card → Green flag. You started the contact on a number you trust. That's the move.
- 'You've won a prize! Just pay a small release fee' → Red flag. Real prizes don't charge you to receive them.
- Your banking app asks you to confirm a payment you just made → Green flag. A normal check on a payment YOU started. If you didn't make it, say no and call your bank.
- Myth: “Only older people fall for scams.” — Young adults get targeted loads — especially with job, rental, ticket and social media scams.
- Fact: “Scammers can make a call or text look like it comes from a real number.” — It's called spoofing. Caller ID isn't proof.
- Myth: “Being scammed means you were stupid.” — Scams are designed by professionals to fool smart people. Shame keeps victims quiet — talk about it.