April 3, 2025

Think You Can Spot a Scam? Put Yourself to the Test with ScamSpotter

Scams are getting trickier every day. From slick phishing emails to fake tech support calls and romance cons, scammers are constantly evolving. So how good are you at spotting them?

Enter ScamSpotter.org—a free, interactive resource that helps you test your scam-spotting skills and learn how to avoid getting fooled. Whether you’ve been scammed before or just want to stay sharp, ScamSpotter turns education into an engaging challenge.

What Is ScamSpotter?

ScamSpotter is a public awareness campaign created by Google and the Cybercrime Support Network. Its goal? To empower people—especially older adults and their families—to identify and avoid online scams.

It does this through quizzes, practical advice, and a memorable framework for sniffing out suspicious situations. It’s not just a bunch of warnings—it’s a training ground to help you think like a scammer so you won’t get played by one.

The ScamSpotter Quiz

The heart of the site is its Scam Spotting Quiz—a fast, fun way to put your instincts to the test. You’ll be shown real-life scam scenarios and asked to decide what you’d do.

Would you send money to a long-lost relative? Trust a pop-up saying your computer has a virus? What if your “boss” texts you urgently asking for gift cards?

The quiz gives instant feedback with explanations, so you learn why each answer is right (or wrong). Even tech-savvy users are surprised by how tricky some of the questions can be.

Three Golden Rules

ScamSpotter also teaches a simple rule-of-thumb system:

Slow it down. Scammers create a sense of urgency—pause before you act.
Spot check. Do your own research. Verify the source before you trust it.
Stop! Don’t send. Never send money, gift cards, or personal info to someone you don’t fully trust.

These three rules are easy to remember and powerful in practice.

Who Should Use ScamSpotter?

While ScamSpotter is great for everyone, it’s especially valuable for:

Older adults who are often targeted by scammers
Family members trying to help a loved one stay safe online
Teachers and community leaders who want a resource to raise awareness
Anyone who's ever thought, “That could never happen to me.”

Spoiler: It could. Scammers are pros at emotional manipulation, and smart people fall for scams every day. The more prepared you are, the safer you’ll be.

Stay Scam-Smart

ScamSpotter doesn’t just help you spot scams—it helps you feel more confident navigating the digital world. It turns fear into knowledge, and knowledge into power.

So the next time someone emails you with a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” or calls with a threat about “unpaid taxes,” you’ll know exactly what to do.

Visit ScamSpotter.org today and see how you stack up. You might learn a thing or two—and you’ll definitely walk away safer.

Want extra backup? Tools like ScamFerret can help you double-check suspicious screenshots or messages. But your first line of defense is always you—trained, alert, and ready.