Zack sees an online contest. He could win $10,000 instantly! On the sign-up form, he enters his name and email address. He is also asked to enter his nickname, the names of any pets, and his mom's maiden name. Should he do it?
◯ DO IT. The questions are silly, but it's worth it to win $10,000!
◯ DON'T! Identity thieves use such "clues" to figure out people's passwords.
Lew gets a notice from Apple. Because of new security rules, he must submit his Social Security number (SSN) immediately or he'll lose all his photos. He knows where Mom keeps the SSN card. Should he do it?
◯ DO IT. It's an official notice from a company, and if he waits, he could lose everything. ◯ DON'T! Real companies don't do this. Thieves use such information to create
false identities.
Dana sees $200 wireless headphones on sale for just $5! She doesn't recognize the website. It only takes credit cards, not PayPal, and it asks for more detail than most sites do. She could use the credit card her parents gave her for emergencies. Should she do it?
◯ DO IT. So long as she pays her parents back right away, it should be all right. ◯ DON'T! Identity thieves can charge people's accounts for fake sales. Ask Mom or Dad first.
The "Unbelievable" Price: A $200 item selling for $5 is a red flag.Suspicious Data Collection: If a site asks for more detail than usual (like a Social Security number), they aren't trying to ship a package—they are trying to steal an identity. Lack of Secure Payment Options: Reputable sites almost always offer third-party processors like PayPal or Apple Pay. Emergency Card Misuse: Using a card meant for emergencies on a suspicious luxury purchase is a breach of trust with her parents.
The Golden Rule of Online Shopping
If you don't recognize the brand, the price feels like a typo, and they want your life story to complete the checkout—it’s a scam.
Why This Is Dangerous
Identity Theft: A Social Security number is the "master key" to a person's identity. Fear Tactics: Scammers use "urgency" (do it immediately) and "fear of loss" (lose all your photos) to make people panic. Apple’s Actual Policies: Apple uses your Apple ID password and Two-Factor Authentication for security.
Lew is a Security Rockstar
He Protected His Future By keeping that SSN private, he stopped identity thieves from potentially ruining his credit or stealing his identity before he’s even an adult.
Zack should definitely stop right there.
This might look like a fun contest, but it is actually a social engineering trap designed to harvest the answers to his security questions.
Why this is a "Password Thief" in disguide most websites use "security questions" to verify your identity if you forget your password.
By trusting his gut, Zack proved that he’s the Chief Security Officer of his own life.
He Protects the Whole FamilyHe Starves the Scammers He Sets the Standard He Prevents a "Data Breach"
cyber safety
Eryn Schmidt
Created on April 13, 2026
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Transcript
Zack sees an online contest. He could win $10,000 instantly! On the sign-up form, he enters his name and email address. He is also asked to enter his nickname, the names of any pets, and his mom's maiden name. Should he do it?
◯ DO IT. The questions are silly, but it's worth it to win $10,000!
◯ DON'T! Identity thieves use such "clues" to figure out people's passwords.
Lew gets a notice from Apple. Because of new security rules, he must submit his Social Security number (SSN) immediately or he'll lose all his photos. He knows where Mom keeps the SSN card. Should he do it?
◯ DO IT. It's an official notice from a company, and if he waits, he could lose everything. ◯ DON'T! Real companies don't do this. Thieves use such information to create false identities.
Dana sees $200 wireless headphones on sale for just $5! She doesn't recognize the website. It only takes credit cards, not PayPal, and it asks for more detail than most sites do. She could use the credit card her parents gave her for emergencies. Should she do it?
◯ DO IT. So long as she pays her parents back right away, it should be all right. ◯ DON'T! Identity thieves can charge people's accounts for fake sales. Ask Mom or Dad first.
The "Unbelievable" Price: A $200 item selling for $5 is a red flag.Suspicious Data Collection: If a site asks for more detail than usual (like a Social Security number), they aren't trying to ship a package—they are trying to steal an identity. Lack of Secure Payment Options: Reputable sites almost always offer third-party processors like PayPal or Apple Pay. Emergency Card Misuse: Using a card meant for emergencies on a suspicious luxury purchase is a breach of trust with her parents.
The Golden Rule of Online Shopping
If you don't recognize the brand, the price feels like a typo, and they want your life story to complete the checkout—it’s a scam.
Why This Is Dangerous Identity Theft: A Social Security number is the "master key" to a person's identity. Fear Tactics: Scammers use "urgency" (do it immediately) and "fear of loss" (lose all your photos) to make people panic. Apple’s Actual Policies: Apple uses your Apple ID password and Two-Factor Authentication for security.
Lew is a Security Rockstar
He Protected His Future By keeping that SSN private, he stopped identity thieves from potentially ruining his credit or stealing his identity before he’s even an adult.
Zack should definitely stop right there.
This might look like a fun contest, but it is actually a social engineering trap designed to harvest the answers to his security questions.
Why this is a "Password Thief" in disguide most websites use "security questions" to verify your identity if you forget your password.
By trusting his gut, Zack proved that he’s the Chief Security Officer of his own life.
He Protects the Whole FamilyHe Starves the Scammers He Sets the Standard He Prevents a "Data Breach"