Spam and Online Threats - JSS 1 note

SPAM AND ONLINE THREATS

Subject: Digital Technologies

Class: JSS 1 (Basic 7)

Term: Third Term

Week: 2

Topic: Spam and Online Threats

Duration: 80 Minutes (Double Period)

1. Introduction

The Internet helps people communicate, learn, shop and share information. However, some messages and online activities are unwanted, misleading or designed to harm users. For example, a person may receive repeated advertisements, a false prize notification or a message asking for a password. Students need to understand what spam is, recognise common online scams and learn how to protect themselves when using the Internet.

2. Meaning of Spam

Spam refers to unwanted or unsolicited digital messages sent to many people, often for advertising, promotion or other purposes.

Spam can appear in email inboxes, messaging applications, social media comments and other online communication services. Some spam messages are merely annoying advertisements, while others may contain links to scams or harmful websites.

2.1 Examples of Spam

• Repeated promotional emails that the recipient did not request.
• Unwanted messages advertising products or services.
• Repeated messages posted in a group that are unrelated to the group's purpose.
• Unsolicited messages containing suspicious links.

2.2 Characteristics of Spam

• It is usually unwanted by the recipient.
• It may be sent to many people at once.
• It may contain repeated advertisements or irrelevant information.
• Some spam messages may contain misleading claims or suspicious links.

2.3 Effects of Spam

Spam can:

• Waste users' time.
• Fill email inboxes and make important messages difficult to find.
• Distract students from learning activities.
• Expose users to scams or unsafe links.
• Encourage users to reveal personal information if they respond to deceptive messages.

Not every unwanted message is a scam, and not every spam message is harmful. However, users should be careful because some scammers use spam to reach many people.

3. Common Online Scams

An online scam is a dishonest scheme carried out through the Internet to trick people into giving away money, personal information, account access or something else of value.

Scammers often pretend to be trusted people or organisations. They may use attractive offers, frightening warnings or urgent requests to make victims act without checking the information.

3.1 Common Types of Online Scams

A. Fake Prize or Lottery Scam

A person receives a message claiming that they have won a prize or lottery they never entered. The sender may demand a fee or personal information before releasing the supposed prize. Example: "Congratulations! You have won a new phone. Pay a registration fee to claim it." Warning sign: The message demands money to release an unexpected prize.

B. Phishing Scam

Phishing is a type of online fraud in which a scammer pretends to be a trusted organisation or person to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or banking details. Example: A fake message claims that a student's email account will be closed unless the student clicks a link and enters a password. Warning sign: An unexpected message asks for a password or directs the user to an unfamiliar login page.

C. Fake Shopping or Online Sales Scam

A scammer advertises goods at an attractive price, collects payment and then fails to deliver the goods. Example: An online seller requests full payment for a very cheap laptop but disappears after receiving the money. Warning sign: The seller pressures the buyer to pay immediately and cannot provide reliable evidence of the business or product.

D. Fake Job or Scholarship Scam

A scammer advertises a job, scholarship or educational opportunity and asks applicants to pay suspicious processing or registration fees, or provide sensitive information. Example: A message promises a scholarship to every applicant but requires an unexplained payment before the application can proceed. Warning sign: The offer promises guaranteed success and demands money or sensitive information without a trustworthy explanation.

E. Impersonation Scam

In an impersonation scam, someone pretends to be a trusted person, such as a relative, teacher, bank worker or company representative, to deceive the victim. Example: A person sends a message claiming to be a family member and urgently asks for money through an unfamiliar account. Warning sign: The sender creates pressure and asks for money or confidential information. Contact the person through a separate, known channel to verify the request.

3.2 Warning Signs of Online Scams

Look out for these warning signs:

• Promises of prizes, money or benefits that seem too good to be true.
• Messages demanding immediate action or threatening consequences.
• Requests for passwords, PINs, verification codes or banking details.
• Suspicious links or unexpected attachments.
• Requests for unexplained payments before receiving a prize, job or scholarship.
• Spelling mistakes, unusual email addresses or messages pretending to come from trusted organisations.
• Pressure to keep an offer secret or avoid checking it with others.

A message can look professional and still be fraudulent. Do not rely on spelling mistakes alone to decide whether a message is safe.

4. Preventive Measures Against Spam and Online Threats

Preventive measures are actions users take to reduce the risk of being deceived, losing money or exposing personal information online.

4.1 Do Not Open Suspicious Links

Avoid clicking links in unexpected messages, especially when they promise prizes, demand urgent action or ask you to sign in. Visit the organisation's official website using an address you know is genuine.

4.2 Never Share Passwords or Verification Codes

Keep passwords, PINs and one-time verification codes private. Genuine support staff should not need you to disclose your password or authentication code in a message.

4.3 Verify Messages and Offers

Check unusual requests through an independent, trusted source. If someone claims to represent a school, bank or company, contact that organisation using its official contact details.

4.4 Use Spam Filters

Many email services automatically identify suspected spam. Use the spam or junk folder and report unwanted messages through the available reporting features.

4.5 Block and Report Suspicious Accounts

If an account repeatedly sends unwanted or deceptive messages, block it and report it through the platform's reporting system.

4.6 Keep Devices and Software Updated

Install updates for operating systems, browsers and applications. Use reputable security software where appropriate and keep it updated.

4.7 Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Use passwords that are difficult to guess and avoid reusing the same password for multiple accounts. Where available, enable two-factor authentication for additional account protection.

4.8 Avoid Sharing Too Much Personal Information

Do not publicly post sensitive information such as passwords, home addresses, financial details or private school records.

4.9 Ask a Trusted Adult for Help

Students should speak to a parent, guardian or teacher when they receive a suspicious message, face pressure to send money or are unsure whether an online offer is genuine.

4.10 Think Before Responding

Do not respond impulsively to messages that create fear or excitement. Pause, check the sender and verify the information before taking action.

5. What to Do If You Encounter an Online Scam

If you suspect that a message or online offer is fraudulent:

1. Stop communicating with the suspected scammer.
2. Do not send money or provide further personal information.
3. Do not click suspicious links or open unexpected attachments.
4. Save relevant evidence, such as messages, screenshots or transaction references.
5. Block and report the account through the relevant service.
6. Tell a trusted adult, teacher or appropriate support service.
7. If you shared a password, change it immediately using the genuine website or application. Change it on any other account where it was reused.
8. If financial information or money was involved, contact the bank or payment provider promptly through its official contact channel.

Never feel ashamed to ask for help after encountering a scam. Reporting the incident quickly may help limit further harm.

6. Class Activities

Activity 1: Identify Spam

Read the sample messages and decide whether each one is likely to be spam or a message that requires further checking.

Message A: "Buy our product today! Buy our product today!" sent repeatedly to people who did not request it.

Message B: "Your account will be closed in ten minutes. Click this unfamiliar link and enter your password."

Questions:

1. Which message is an example of repeated unwanted messaging?
2. Which message contains a warning sign of phishing?
3. What should the recipient do before taking action?

Activity 2: Recognise an Online Scam

A student receives a message saying that the student has won a tablet but must pay a fee immediately to receive it.

1. Identify two warning signs in the message.
2. State two actions the student should take.
3. Explain why the student should verify the offer before making payment.

7. Summary

• Spam consists of unwanted or unsolicited digital messages.
• Some spam is merely unwanted advertising, while some may contain links to scams.
• Online scams are dishonest schemes intended to obtain money, personal information, account access or other benefits.
• Common online scams include fake prize, phishing, fake shopping, fake job or scholarship, and impersonation scams.
• Preventive measures include verifying messages, avoiding suspicious links, protecting passwords, using spam filters, blocking and reporting suspicious accounts, and seeking trusted help.
• If an account or financial detail is compromised, take prompt steps to secure it and contact the relevant provider.

8. Evaluation Questions

1. Define spam.
2. State four characteristics or examples of spam.
3. What is an online scam?
4. Describe three common types of online scams.
5. State five warning signs of a possible online scam.
6. Explain five preventive measures against spam and online threats.
7. What should you do if you accidentally share your password with a suspected scammer?

9. Assignment

1. Explain the meaning of spam and state four examples or effects of spam.
2. Describe four common online scams.
3. List six preventive measures students can use to protect themselves from online threats.
4. Write down what you would do if you received a message promising a prize in exchange for an immediate payment.

10. Online Quiz

Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. What is spam?

Every message sent by a teacher Unwanted or unsolicited digital messages A computer's keyboard A type of computer monitor

2. Which of the following is an example of a phishing scam?

A teacher explains a lesson in class A friend shares a school timetable A fake message asks you to enter your password through a suspicious link A student saves a document

3. What should you do if an unexpected message promises a prize but demands immediate payment?

Pay immediately Send your password Forward it to everyone Avoid paying and verify the offer through a trusted source

4. Which action helps reduce unwanted spam?

Using the spam filter and reporting unwanted messages Sharing your password publicly Clicking every link received Responding to every suspicious message

5. What should you do if you discover that you have shared your password with a scammer?

Ignore the problem Share the password with friends Change the password through the genuine service and secure affected accounts Send the scammer more information

CMPNOTE | Digital Technologies Lesson Notes