Consumer Stuff for kids (PDF, 6.2 MB) - Consumer Affairs Victoria

ACTIVITY 4 – Scams
Learning Objectives
• Students are able to identify characteristics of common scams
and what to do when they encounter a scam.
Lesson Duration
» 60 minutes
Teacher Notes
Scams are tricks or “cons” to take your money and rip you off. There are many illegal, unethical or
untrustworthy schemes which come in all shapes and sizes but they have a few common characteristics:
• They tempt people by promising wealth, good health or weight loss.
• They often offer a “free” gift and use some key phrases to capture a consumer’s interest such as “Make
money now”, “No risk”, “Big profits guaranteed” and “Send Money NOW, this special offer won’t last”.
Where can I find a scam?
Scams can arrive in emails, SMS messages, in the post, by the telephone or you may even meet a scammer
who will try to rip you off.
Why do scams succeed?
Scammers know what people want and they often put a lot of effort into making scams appear to be
genuine, believable and exciting.
Introduction
Discuss
Preparation
» copy Scams activity sheet
Explain to the class that this advertisement appeared in a newspaper.
Cut your bills in 1⁄2 !
Simply send us $20 and we will send you
everything you need to cut your bills in half.
Send to: PO Box 111
Allenstown VIC 3399
Absolutely 100% guaranteed so act now!!
Key Terms
• scams
• scammer
• ripped-off
BILL
PAID
BILL
PAID
BILL
PAID
Ask the class:
“Who would like to have their bills (electricity, telephone, internet provider, water, gas) cut in half?”
This advertisement appeared in an Australian newspaper and thousands of people sent $20. In return they
received a pair of scissors to cut their bills in half. Did they get what they wanted?
Ask the class:
"What does it mean to be “ripped-off ”?"
"What is a scam?"
"What do you think this statement means, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”?"
CONSUMER AFFAIRS VICTORIA NEED CONSUMER HELP? 1300 55 81 81 www.consumer.vic.gov.au
21