The following hour-long EFL lesson focuses on conversation but also includes vocabulary, articles and video about scams. This lesson should definitely get your students talking!

You will need a copy of this article about spotting scams (either printed or projected on the board.)

You can download the student and teacher worksheets here:

Before you read

1. Have you ever heard the word “scam” before?
2. What do you think when you hear the word “scam?”
3. Can you think of any scams off the top of your head?

Read the following paragraph about scams.
As you read, answer the question: what are the different scams mentioned in the text?

Falling for Scams in 2020

Nowadays scams are not just limited to hustling in a game of pool; they’ve become more sophisticated. Con artists can use text messaging, phone calls, emails, and fake websites to swindle you out of your money. It seems daily that we receive robocalls about urgent situations concerning our bank account. Sometimes we get emails out of the blue from companies with deals that seem too good to be true. Of course, there are also the websites that promise beauty or health products which turn out to be snake oil. So how can we protect ourselves from these liars and thieves? Is there anything that can tip you off to the fact that you are being scammed? Luckily there are red flags which can help you spot the scammers for what they are.

1. Which 2 words above mean scam?

2. Can you match the following definitions with the bold words from the paragraph?

1. __________ An automated phone call and prerecorded message 

2. __________ Unexpectedly, suddenly 

3. __________, 4. __________ Someone who tries to trick you, typically for monetary gain 

5. __________ Something that is sold as a treatment or medicine, but which doesn’t help at all 

6. __________ To be given a small hint about some information 

7. __________ Hints or a Warnings of danger 

3. What do you think “fall for a scam” means? 

Discussion

1. What scams have you heard about?
2. Are there any common scams in your country/city? What are they?
3. Have you (or someone you know) ever fallen for a scam? What happened?
4. Have you ever almost been scammed? What tipped you off that you were being scammed?
5. Although many scams or hustles are done electronically nowadays, there are still old-fashioned hustles too. Have you ever heard of any such scams? (Pick-pocketing, selling stolen tickets outside concerts/games, gambling fraud, etc.)
6. Often older people are targets of robocalls, con artists, and scammers. Why do you think that is?

How to Spot a Scam

7. Think about the following question. What are some red flags of a scam? (How can you guess that someone is trying to scam you?) Make a list. 
8. Now read the tips from the Minnesota Attorney General on how to spot a scam. Did you write any of the same things listed on the website? 
9. Did any of these tips to spot a scam surprise you? Why or why not? Can you think of any additional red flags?
10. Is there anything that you do (or can do) to help your friends or family avoid scams?

Extra:

Watch the following video Phone Scammer Gets Scammed by Police Captain and write down the red flags that the police officer noticed. 

Click here for another 1-hour Advanced Conversation Lesson!