Scam
A trick designed to take someone’s money.
Three ways to explain it
Hatchlings · Ages 5–6
When someone tries to trick you out of your money by pretending. If something feels wrong, tell a grown-up.
Fledglings · Ages 7–8
A trick designed to get your money or your information, usually by pretending to be someone they’re not. The best test: if it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.
High Flyers · Ages 9–10
A deliberate deception designed to extract money or personal details. Scams nearly always rely on two things — an offer that seems unusually good, and pressure to act quickly. Slowing down and checking is the single best defence there is.
Where to go next
We’re writing a full topic about this one. In the meantime, explore Money World.