Safe or unsafe? Trick questions!

1. Zack sees an online contest. He could win $10,000 instantly! On the sign-up form, he enters his name and email address. He is also asked to enter his nickname, the names of any pets, and his mom's maiden name. Should he do it?

• DO IT. The questions are silly, but it's worth it to win $10,000!

• DON'T! Identity thieves use such "clues" to figure out people's passwords.

1. Lew gets a notice from Apple. Because of new security rules, he must submit his Social Security number (SSN) immediately or he'll lose all his photos. He knows where Mom keeps the SSN card. Should he do it?

• DO IT. It's an official notice from a company, and if he waits, he could lose everything.

• DON'T! Real companies don't do this. Thieves use such information to create
  false identities.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

1. Dana sees $200 wireless headphones on sale for just $5! She doesn't recognize the website. It only takes credit cards, not PayPal, and it asks for more detail than most sites do. She could use the credit card her parents gave her for emergencies. Should she do it?

• DO IT. So long as she pays her parents back right away, it should be all right.

• DON'T! Identity thieves can charge people's accounts for fake sales. Ask Mom
  or Dad first.

You get an email that looks like it's from your favorite online game. It says you've won a special prize, but you need to click a link to claim it. Is it safe to click the link?

• Safe

• Unsafe

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.6.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

On a social media site, you see a post from someone you don't know. They're offering a free new phone to anyone who sends them their home address. Should you give them your address?

• safe

• unsafe

You receive an email from your school's official email address. It says you need to click a link to confirm your class schedule for next year. Is it safe to click the link?

• Safe: Since it's from your school's official email, it's probably fine to click the link and confirm your schedule.

• Unsafe: Even if it looks official, it's safer to directly visit the school's website or contact them to confirm if this email is real.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.6.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

You get a message on a social media site from a friend's account. They say they're in trouble and need you to send them money urgently. Should you send them the money right away?

• Safe: If it's your friend's account, they probably need help. Sending them money is the right thing to do.

• Unsafe: Before sending any money, check with your friend using a different method (like calling or texting) to make sure it's really them asking for help