Course Overview

Online Scam Awareness examines common online scams that use emotional manipulation, relationships, and health concerns to deceive individuals and families. It explains how these scams operate and why they are increasingly difficult to recognise.

This course explores Online Scam Awareness through real-world examples such as family impersonation messages, fake pharmaceutical websites, and romance scams. It describes how criminals create urgency, build trust, and exploit concern for loved ones or personal wellbeing.

The content explains how scams adapt to current situations and use familiar communication channels like messaging apps, social media, and websites.

Guidance is provided on verifying unexpected requests for money, identifying warning signs, and approaching online interactions with appropriate caution.

The course also highlights the importance of discussing scams with family members and knowing when and how to report suspected fraud. Examples are grounded in everyday personal and family contexts to reflect realistic online risks.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Explain how online scams use emotional manipulation and urgency
• Identify warning signs of family impersonation, romance, and health scams
• Recognise situations where verification is required before sending money
• Apply practical steps to protect yourself and family from online scams