Course Outline: Scam Prevention
Session 1: Why This Conversation Is Worth Having
Have a plan to evaluate everything for potential scam indicators
Takeaway: Knowing what to look for
Materials: Welcome handout with a short list of potential scam indicators and index cards for anonymous questions participants can drop in a box throughout the course
Session 2: The Common Ones You Might Already Have Seen
Texts about missed deliveries or unpaid bills
Calls claiming to be from your bank, a government office, or a utility company
Messages from accounts that look like a friend's but aren't quite right
Online offers that sound too good to be true, and usually are
Takeaway: Most scams share a few familiar patterns once you know them
Materials: Printed examples of real (anonymized) messages for group discussion; a simple "have you seen this?" checklist card participants keep
Session 3: The Simple Signals Worth Noticing
Urgency: pressure to act right now is the most common tell
Unusual payment requests: gift cards, wire transfers, crypto
Secrecy: being told not to tell anyone else
Something just seems off, and that instinct is worth trusting
Takeaway: You never have to decide immediately. Pausing is always allowed
Materials: One-page "Pause Checklist" wallet card; short video clips of example calls and texts with a guided, low-pressure walkthrough
Session 4: Easy Habits That Do Most of the Work
Letting unknown callers go to voicemail, genuinely fine to do
Typing in website addresses yourself instead of clicking links
Using an app-based verification code when offered
Freezing your credit if you'd like extra peace of mind
Agreeing on a simple family "check first" habit or code word
Takeaway: A handful of small habits cover most situations
Materials: Step-by-step illustrated guide for each habit; optional sign-up sheet for a follow-along email series with weekly tips
Session 5: Looking Out for Each Other
Many of us worry about a family member or friend
How to raise the subject
Keeping the door open so someone is comfortable asking for help
Takeaway: Kindness and good communication are protection tools too
Materials: Conversation starter cards with suggested phrasing; short discussion prompts
Session 6: If Something Does Happen
What to do in the first hour: contact your bank or card company, change passwords
Where to report: Canada Anti-Fraud Centre, RCMP, OPP, Ministry of the Attorney General, FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, IC3 (FBI), state attorney general, and platform abuse tools
Watch out for follow-up "recovery" offers, they're often a second attempt
Talking to someone helps more than handling it alone
Takeaway: There's a clear path forward
Materials: Fill-in-the-blank action card with space for bank phone numbers; local reporting resources list tailored to your area
Submit contact form through https://jmjtrainingandeducationgroup.wordpress.com/ for more information about this course