DigCompEdu Competence Area(s)

Digital resources, Empowering learners, Facilitating learners’ digital competence

Target groups

Any

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

• Utilize AI-powered email analysis tools or LLMs to identify red flags in suspicious emails and messages (phishing, smishing).
• Employ reverse image search tools to verify the authenticity of images used in online advertisements or profiles.
• Use AI-driven URL scanners to check the safety and legitimacy of websites before clicking links.
• Formulate questions for AI chatbots to understand common scam tactics and prevention strategies.

• Curate Scam Examples: Collect anonymized examples of common scams (phishing emails, smishing texts, fake social media ads, suspicious online job offers). Ensure no personal data is visible and that links are NOT clickable during the session. Screenshots are ideal.
• Prepare AI Tool Access: Ensure all participants can access and use the selected AI tools. This includes an LLM for text analysis, a reverse image search tool, and a URL scanner. Provide clear instructions for installation/access.
• Develop Prompts: Create effective prompts for the LLM to analyse suspicious messages and explain scam tactics. Prepare examples of how to use reverse image search and URL scanners.
• Research Local Scams: Familiarize yourself with common scams targeting migrants in your local area to make the lesson highly relevant.

• AI Email/Text Analysis Demo (15 mins): Display a suspicious email/text. Demonstrate copying the text (NOT clicking links) into an LLM (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) with a prompt like: “Analyse this message for signs of a scam. List any red flags and explain why they are suspicious.” Highlight urgency, poor grammar, generic greetings, and suspicious links.
• Guided Practice: Spotting Red Flags (20 mins): In pairs, learners analyse different anonymized scam examples (emails, texts) using an LLM. They identify 2-3 red flags in each and discuss why these indicate a scam. They record their findings on their “Scam Spotter” Prompt Guide.
• Beyond Text: Images and Links (10 mins): Discuss how scammers use fake images (e.g., fake company logos, fake product photos) and malicious links. Introduce reverse image search and URL scanners.
• Reverse Image Search Demo (15 mins): Display an image from a fake online ad. Demonstrate using a reverse image search tool (e.g., Google Images, TinEye) to see if the image appears elsewhere or is associated with other scams. Explain how to interpret results.
• URL Scanner Demo (15 mins): Display a suspicious URL (e.g., from a phishing email). Demonstrate using an AI URL scanner (e.g., Google Safe Browsing, VirusTotal) to check its safety without clicking it. Explain the meaning of safety ratings.
• Verification Practice (15 mins): Learners, in pairs, practice using reverse image search on a provided fake product image and a URL scanner on a suspicious link (provided as text, not clickable). They discuss their findings and the importance of these tools.
• The “Why” Behind the Scam (10 mins): Use an LLM to ask questions like: “Why do scammers ask for gift cards?” or “What is social engineering?” Discuss the psychological tactics used by scammers.
• Developing a Personal Safety Protocol (20 mins): As a class, use an LLM to brainstorm and create a “Digital Safety Checklist” based on the day’s learning. This could include steps like “Stop, Think, Verify,” “Never share passwords,” “Use strong, unique passwords,” and “Report suspicious activity.”

• For lower digital literacy: Focus on identifying visual red flags in messages. Provide step-by-step guides for using each AI tool. Pair with more digitally confident learners.
• For lower language levels (A2): Use simpler scam examples. Focus on identifying single keywords (e.g., “urgent,” “win”) and basic visual cues. Provide pre-written prompts for AI tools.
• For higher language levels (B1+): Encourage deeper analysis of scam narratives and psychological manipulation. Challenge them to research new types of scams using AI search tools.

• Google Safe Browsing: safebrowsing.google.com – For checking website safety.
• VirusTotal: www.virustotal.com – Analyzes suspicious files and URLs.
• Google Images Reverse Image Search: images.google.com – For verifying image authenticity.
• TinEye Reverse Image Search: tineye.com – Another tool for reverse image search.
• ChatGPT / Claude / Gemini: For text analysis and explaining scam tactics.
• [Local Cybersecurity Agency/Police Website] – For reporting scams and local prevention advice.