# Staying Safe Online Level 2: Spotting scams and phishing (free quiz and certificate) | Get Certified for Free

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Staying Safe Online · Level 2 of 5 · Foundations

# Spotting scams and phishing

Recognize fake messages, urgent pressure, and payment tricks.

## Study notes

1. Phishing messages try to get you to click a link, open an attachment, or share information. They often pretend to be a bank, delivery company, or employer.
1. Red flags: urgency, threats, prizes, unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers, crypto), and mismatched sender addresses.
1. Hover over or long-press links to see the real address before you click. Better, go to the site by typing the address yourself.
1. Government agencies like the IRS generally first contact people by mail, and they do not demand payment by gift card.
1. Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the company being impersonated.

## Quiz: 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question, then check your answers. Score 5 of 6 to pass. Then enter your name and email to download a PDF certificate and have a copy emailed to you. Answers are graded in your browser.

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[← Level 1: Passwords and sign-ins](https://getcertifiedforfree.com/courses/staying-safe-online/level-1/) [Level 3: Devices, updates, and Wi-Fi →](https://getcertifiedforfree.com/courses/staying-safe-online/level-3/)