SCAMS AND FRAUDS
CONSUMER VOCABULARY
BIASES & INFLUENCE
SMART SHOPPING
IDENTITY PROTECTION
100

This scam tries to trick you into entering your password on a fake website.

PHISHING

100

The practice of comparing prices across different stores before buying.

COMPARISON SHOPPING

100

When you buy something just because everyone else is doing it.

SOCIAL PROOF BIAS

100

Making a plan for your money before spending.

BUDGET

100

This type of fraud happens when someone steals your personal financial information.

IDENTITY THEFT

200

When a Company offers a low price, then pushes you to pay more with extra charges.

BAIT AND SWITCH

200

The fee you pay regularly to keep a service, like Netflix.

SUBSCRIPTION

200

When you say "yes" to stay consistent with a choice you already made.

COMMITMENT AND CONSISTENCY BIAS

200

Looking for price matching guarantees can help save money when stores do this.

COMPETITION

200

A way to protect your accounts by requiring both a password and a code sent to your phone.

TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)

300

A scam where you get an email or message pretending to be from a friend asking you to click a link.

FRIEND SPAM

300

The cost per single item, often listed in grocery stores.

UNIT PRICE

300

When you buy something because a famous person promotes it.

AUTHORITY BIAS OR INFLUENCER

300

A strategy that helps you avoid impulse buying when shopping online.

WAITING BEFORE PURCHASE/MAKING A WISH LIST.

300

One way to monitor your financial safety is to check this report once a year.

CREDIT REPORT

400

Hackers stealing personal info from a company's system is called this.

DATA BREACH

400

An online feature that remembers your browsing history.

INTERNET COOKIE

400

The idea that a product seems more valuable when it's scarce or limited.

SCARCITY BIAS

400

Why should consumers be cautious of dark patterns online?

BECAUSE THEY TRICK USERS INTO BUYING OR SIGNING UP UNINTENTIONALLY.

400

If someone steals your identity, one step take immediately.

REPORT IT TO THE FTC OR CREDIT BUREAUS.

500

A Ponzi scheme pays old investors with new investor's money. What kind of fraud is this?

INVESTMENT SCAM

500

This fee is hidden until checkout, such as handling or transcation charges.

HIDDEN FEE

500

Tricks like "buy now, only 2 left!" are examples of this bias.

SCARCITY BIAS

500

Two key factors a consumer should compare before making a purchase.

PRICE AND FEATURES/QUALITY

500

A company is structured so that lower-level employees are recruited and have to make payments, which go to higher-level employees.

PYRAMID SCHEME