Scam Recognition Quiz
Test your ability to recognize online scams with 20 real-world scenarios. See how well you can spot the warning signs!
How Well Can You Spot a Scam?
This interactive quiz presents 20 real-world scenarios based on actual scams that have targeted seniors. Test your knowledge and learn to recognize the warning signs.
How the Quiz Works:
- Read each scenario carefully
- Select the best response from the multiple choice options
- Check your answer to see the explanation
- Your score will be calculated at the end
Why This Matters
Being able to recognize scam tactics is one of the best ways to protect yourself. This quiz covers a variety of common scenarios including:
- Email phishing attempts
- Phone scams
- Text message fraud
- Social media deception
- Website fraud
Scam Recognition Quiz
Read each scenario and select the best response.
Question 1 of 20
You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Technical Support. They say your computer is sending error messages to their server and they need remote access to fix it. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Hang up immediately
Microsoft will never call you unsolicited to tell you about computer problems. This is a classic tech support scam. The caller wants to gain remote access to your computer to either:
- Install malware or ransomware
- Steal personal information and passwords
- Charge you for fixing "problems" that don't exist
The safest response is to hang up immediately. If you're concerned about your computer, contact Microsoft through their official website or call a trusted local computer repair service.
Question 2 of 20
You receive an email from your bank saying there's a problem with your account and you need to verify your information by clicking a link. The email address is "customerservice@bank-secure-portal.com". What is your best course of action?
Correct Answer: Ignore the email and call your bank directly
This is a phishing email attempting to steal your banking information. Here are the red flags:
- The sender's email address is suspicious - legitimate bank emails come from the bank's official domain (e.g., bankname.com), not "bank-secure-portal.com"
- Banks typically don't ask you to verify information via email links
- The urgency of needing to address a "problem" is a common tactic to get you to act without thinking
Always contact your bank directly using the official phone number from your card, a recent statement, or the bank's official website that you navigate to yourself (not via links in emails).
Question 3 of 20
You receive a text message saying, "Your package delivery was attempted. Track or reschedule: [link]". You aren't expecting a package. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Delete the message - it's likely a "smishing" attempt
This is a common "smishing" (SMS phishing) scam. Here's why it's suspicious:
- The message is vague and doesn't mention a specific delivery company
- You aren't expecting a package
- Legitimate delivery companies will typically provide more specific information
- The link likely leads to a malicious website designed to steal your information or install malware
If you're genuinely expecting a delivery, check the status by going directly to the official delivery company's website or using their official app. Never click links in unexpected text messages.
Question 4 of 20
You receive a call from someone claiming to be your grandson. He says he's in jail in another country and needs money wired immediately for bail. His voice sounds a bit different, which he explains is due to a broken nose from the incident. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Hang up and call your grandson directly
This is a classic "grandparent scam" or "family emergency scam." Red flags include:
- Creating an emergency situation requiring immediate money
- Explaining away the different-sounding voice
- Being in a foreign country (makes verification harder)
- Requesting wire transfer (which is difficult to trace or recover)
Always verify the emergency directly with your family member using a phone number you know is theirs. You can also contact other family members to verify the person's whereabouts. Never wire money based solely on a phone call.
Question 5 of 20
You receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS saying you owe back taxes and will be arrested if you don't pay immediately using gift cards. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Hang up - this is not how the IRS operates
This is a common IRS impersonation scam. Here's why it's fraudulent:
- The IRS always makes first contact via official mail through the U.S. Postal Service, not by phone
- The IRS never demands immediate payment without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount
- The IRS never requires a specific payment method, especially not gift cards
- The IRS never threatens to bring in law enforcement for non-payment
If you're concerned about tax issues, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to verify any potential problems with your taxes.
Question 6 of 20
You receive an email saying you've won a $5 million lottery. You don't remember entering any lottery. The email asks for your banking details to deposit the winnings after you pay a $500 processing fee. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Delete the email - it's a scam
This is a classic lottery scam with several obvious red flags:
- You can't win a lottery you didn't enter
- Legitimate lotteries never ask for payment upfront to release winnings
- Legitimate lotteries don't contact winners via unsolicited emails
- The request for banking details is to steal your information or money
- The "processing fee" is the scam - there is no lottery prize
Remember: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate lotteries deduct any fees or taxes from the winnings; they don't require advance payment from winners.
Question 7 of 20
A pop-up appears on your computer screen with flashing warnings saying your computer is infected with viruses. It provides a toll-free number to call for immediate technical support. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Close the browser or force quit the application
This is a common tech support scam with these red flags:
- Alarming pop-ups with flashing warnings are tactics to create panic
- Legitimate security software doesn't advertise through browser pop-ups
- Real antivirus programs don't display toll-free numbers to call
- The goal is to trick you into calling so they can convince you to pay for unnecessary "services" or gain remote access to your computer
To close a persistent pop-up: try closing the browser tab or window. If that doesn't work, force quit the browser using Task Manager (Windows) or Force Quit (Mac). If you're concerned about viruses, use legitimate security software that you've properly installed on your computer.
Question 8 of 20
You receive a friend request on Facebook from someone who appears to be a celebrity, saying they want to get to know their fans personally. After accepting, they message you saying they need help with a charity project and ask for a donation. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Unfriend and report the account
This is a celebrity impersonation scam with these red flags:
- Celebrities rarely send friend requests to fans they don't know
- Verified celebrities have blue checkmarks on their official accounts
- Celebrities typically promote charitable causes through official channels, not by directly messaging fans for donations
- The quick move from friendship to asking for money is a classic scam pattern
Legitimate celebrity charitable causes can be researched and verified through official websites. Be extremely skeptical of any "celebrity" who personally reaches out to you on social media, especially if they quickly ask for money or personal information.
Question 9 of 20
You receive an email from Netflix saying your payment method failed and your account will be suspended. The email asks you to update your payment information by clicking a link. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Go directly to Netflix.com by typing the address in your browser
This is likely a phishing attempt impersonating Netflix. Here's how to handle it safely:
- Never click links in emails about account problems
- Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the address yourself
- Log in to your account and check for any messages or payment issues
- If there really is a payment problem, you'll see it in your account settings
This approach protects you from phishing websites designed to look like Netflix but actually steal your login credentials and payment information. Remember that legitimate companies have your account information already and don't need to ask for it via email.
Question 10 of 20
You receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security. They say your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity and you need to verify your information. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Hang up - this is a scam
This is a Social Security scam with these key red flags:
- Social Security numbers cannot be suspended or deactivated
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) rarely calls people unexpectedly
- The SSA will never call to threaten your benefits
- They will never ask you to wire money, send cash, or buy gift cards
- They already have your Social Security number and won't ask you to verify it over the phone
If you're concerned about your Social Security benefits, call the official SSA number (1-800-772-1213) directly. Never call back numbers provided by suspicious callers.
Question 11 of 20
You receive an email saying your computer's antivirus subscription is about to expire and will be automatically renewed for $399.99. If you want to cancel, you need to call their number immediately. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Check your actual antivirus subscription
This is a common tech support and subscription scam. Here's why it's suspicious:
- The unusually high price ($399.99) is designed to alarm you into taking immediate action
- Creating urgency by saying you need to call "immediately" is a pressure tactic
- Legitimate antivirus companies typically remind you about renewals through their software
- The goal is to get you to call so they can obtain your payment information or install remote access software
To check if a renewal notice is legitimate, open your antivirus program directly on your computer and check the subscription status, or go to the company's official website by typing the URL yourself. Never call numbers from suspicious emails about software renewals.
Question 12 of 20
You've been chatting online with someone you met on a dating site for several weeks. They live overseas but want to visit you. They ask for money to help with travel expenses or a visa. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Don't send money - this is likely a romance scam
This is a classic romance scam with these red flags:
- Building a relationship quickly online
- Living overseas (makes verification difficult)
- Creating a scenario that requires financial help
- Requesting money for travel or immigration expenses
In romance scams, the person may spend weeks or even months building trust before asking for money. They often claim to need funds for emergencies, travel expenses, visa fees, or other costs to visit you. The visit never happens, and they will continue to request more money for various "problems" that arise. Never send money to someone you've only met online.
Question 13 of 20
You find an online pharmacy selling your prescription medication for 80% less than your local pharmacy. The website doesn't require a prescription and ships from overseas. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Avoid the site
This is a potentially dangerous online pharmacy scam. Red flags include:
- Prices that are dramatically lower than normal (80% less)
- No prescription requirement (illegal in the US for prescription medications)
- Shipping from overseas (often to avoid regulations)
- Lack of proper licensing or verification
These sites often sell counterfeit medications that may contain incorrect amounts of active ingredients, harmful substances, or no active ingredients at all. This presents serious health risks. If you're concerned about medication costs, speak with your doctor about legitimate discount programs, generic alternatives, or patient assistance programs.
Question 14 of 20
You receive a message on social media from a friend asking for urgent help. They say they're stranded while traveling and need you to send money via gift cards or wire transfer. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Contact your friend through another method
This is likely a hacked account or impersonation scam. Here's why it's suspicious:
- Urgent requests for money via social media
- The "stranded traveler" scenario is a common scam story
- Requesting payment via gift cards or wire transfer (methods that are difficult to trace or reverse)
- Scammers often hack social media accounts or create fake accounts impersonating people you know
Always verify unexpected requests for money by contacting the person directly through a known phone number or another verified communication method, not through the same channel where you received the suspicious message. Even if the account appears to belong to someone you know, it could have been compromised.
Question 15 of 20
You receive a call from your "bank" saying they've detected suspicious activity on your account. They ask you to confirm your identity by providing your account number and online banking password. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Hang up and call your bank directly
This is a bank impersonation scam with clear red flags:
- Legitimate banks will never ask for your full password over the phone
- Banks already have your account information and don't need you to provide it for identification
- Creating urgency about "suspicious activity" is a common tactic to make you act without thinking
- The caller is likely a scammer trying to gain access to your account
The safest approach is to hang up and call your bank directly using the official phone number printed on your debit/credit card, bank statement, or the bank's official website that you navigate to yourself. This ensures you're speaking with the actual bank and not a scammer.
Question 16 of 20
You receive an email about an investment opportunity promising 50% returns within 3 months with "no risk." What is the appropriate response?
Correct Answer: Delete the email
This is an investment scam with obvious red flags:
- Promises of unusually high returns (50% in 3 months)
- Claims of "no risk" (all legitimate investments involve some risk)
- Unsolicited investment opportunities via email are almost always scams
- The combination of high returns and no risk is mathematically impossible in legitimate investments
Remember the investment principle: the higher the potential return, the higher the risk. Anyone promising high returns with no risk is being dishonest. Legitimate investment opportunities don't come through unsolicited emails, and they always disclose risks. If you're interested in investing, consult with a registered financial advisor or established financial institution.
Question 17 of 20
You receive a text message saying, "ALERT: Your Medicare card has been suspended due to unusual activity. Call this number immediately to reinstate: [phone number]" What should you do?
Correct Answer: Ignore the text
This is a Medicare scam with these red flags:
- Medicare does not communicate through text messages about card suspensions
- Medicare cards don't get "suspended" for unusual activity
- The urgent tone ("immediately") is designed to create panic
- The goal is to get you to call so they can request personal information or payment
If you have concerns about your Medicare coverage, call the official Medicare number (1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-633-4227) directly. Don't call numbers provided in suspicious messages. Medicare representatives will never ask for your Medicare number unless you call them first.
Question 18 of 20
You find a rental property online with an extremely good price. The landlord says they're out of the country but will mail you the keys once you wire the deposit. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Look for another rental
This is a rental scam with multiple red flags:
- Price that's too good to be true compared to similar properties
- Landlord claims to be out of the country (can't meet in person)
- Requesting a wire transfer (which can't be reversed)
- Offering to mail keys without an in-person showing
Never wire money or send payments for rental properties you haven't seen in person. Legitimate landlords typically show properties before requesting deposits and don't ask for wire transfers. Always view the property in person and verify the person showing it is authorized to rent it out. If possible, work with established rental agencies or verified property management companies.
Question 19 of 20
A charity calls asking for an immediate donation to help disaster victims. They're pressuring you to donate right now over the phone with your credit card. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Research the charity first
This could be a charity scam. The red flags include:
- High-pressure tactics asking for immediate donation
- Unsolicited phone call seeking financial information
- Not giving you time to research the organization
- Focusing on emotional appeals about disaster victims
Legitimate charities will not pressure you for immediate donations by phone. Always research charities before donating by checking their ratings on sites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. Once verified, donate directly through the charity's official website or by calling their published number. This ensures your donation actually goes to the cause and protects your financial information.
Question 20 of 20
You receive an email claiming to be from a law firm saying you've inherited money from a distant relative. They need you to pay legal fees to process the inheritance. What should you do?
Correct Answer: Ignore the email
This is a common inheritance scam. Here's why it's suspicious:
- Claiming you have a distant relative you've never heard of who left you money
- Requesting payment upfront for "legal fees" or "taxes"
- Unsolicited email about a sudden windfall
- In legitimate inheritance cases, legal fees are typically paid from the estate, not by the heir
If you were truly named in a will, you would be contacted through official channels, often by certified mail, and would not be asked to pay fees upfront. These scams play on people's hope for unexpected money, but the inheritance doesn't exist. The scammer's goal is to collect "fees" from you and possibly steal your personal information.
Your Quiz Results
Your Score
0 / 20
How to Improve Your Scam Recognition Skills
Key Warning Signs to Remember:
- Requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency)
- Pressure to act immediately or urgently
- Unsolicited contacts claiming problems with accounts or services
- Offers that seem too good to be true
- Requests for passwords, account numbers, or personal information
Protective Strategies:
- Verify contacts directly through official channels
- Research before responding or making payments
- Never provide personal information to unexpected contacts
- Be skeptical of emotional appeals or pressure tactics
- Talk to trusted friends or family before making decisions
Share Your Knowledge
Help protect others by sharing what you've learned about recognizing scams.
Why Sharing Matters
Scammers rely on people staying silent about their tactics. By discussing scams openly with friends and family, you help create awareness that protects everyone.
Consider sharing this quiz with someone you care about, especially:
- Family members who may be vulnerable to scams
- Friends who have limited experience with technology
- Neighbors who might benefit from scam awareness
- Community groups like senior centers or clubs
Need Help Right Now?
If you think you've encountered a scam or may have already been a victim, we're here to help.
In emergency situations involving financial loss, call your bank or credit card company immediately.