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Cookies must be enabled in your browser. Scam Smarts Learning 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/
Educator Resource
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.
Jump to One of the Learning Modules Below:
Module 1: Phishing Scams
In this module, students will learn about phishing scams by helping Kaylix and Layla make critical decisions when faced with suspicious messages. Through these scenarios, students will practice identifying red flags, learn about the importance of verifying requests for money, and identify strategies for safeguarding their personal information.
Duration: Complete this module in 30 minutes or less
Learning Objectives – By the end of this module, students will:
- 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.
Module 2: Website Scams
In this module, students will learn about website scams alongside Trey and Cameron, as they help them navigate potentially illegitimate websites. Through these scenarios, students will explore strategies for verifying website authenticity and practice their critical thinking skills to help protect themselves from website scams.
Duration: Complete this module in 30 minutes or less
Learning Objectives – By the end of this module, students will:
- 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.
Module 3: Social Media Scams
In this module, students will learn about social media scams by assisting Ezra and Tanis in navigating online interactions that could be scams. Through these scenarios, students will learn the importance of verifying online identities, thinking critically about what information they share on social media, and how to protect themselves and their personal information from social media scams.
Duration: Complete this module in 30 minutes or less
Learning Objectives – By the end of this module, students will:
- 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.
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
Print Surveys
Additional 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?
In this module, students explore ways to safeguard their money. They explore how to find reliable financial information, identify fraudulent credit and loan opportunities, protect their financial details, and embrace consumer rights and responsibilities.
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.
Dollars with Sense
Supported Program, login required
Facilitated program by a JA Volunteer or classroom teacher or as a self-directed online experience.
In this program, students gain essential personal money management skills and apply these concepts in their own lives. Topics include methods of payment, cost of credit, online safety, project budgeting and investment/savings vehicles.
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