Week 10: Identify scam clicks over safe clicks - M199205zn/IAS-CS4 GitHub Wiki

Catchy Buttons on the Internet – Identifying Scams vs. Safe Clicks

The internet is full of eye-catching buttons that urge users to "Click Here!", "Claim Your Prize!", or "Download Now!". While some are legitimate, others are designed to trick users into clicking on malicious links. This lecture will cover how to identify scam buttons and distinguish them from safe ones.

1. What Are Catchy Buttons?

Catchy buttons are designed to grab your attention and encourage interaction. They use color psychology, bold text, and animations to make users curious or excited.

Examples of Legitimate Catchy Buttons:

✅ "Sign Up Now!" (on reputable sites like Netflix, Amazon)
✅ "Download Software" (from official sources like Adobe, Microsoft)
✅ "Subscribe for Updates" (on verified company pages)

Examples of Scam or Malicious Buttons:

🚨 "YOU WON A PRIZE! Click Here to Claim" (Fake giveaways)
🚨 "Your Device is Infected! Download Now" (Fake antivirus scams)
🚨 "Earn $500 Instantly!" (Too-good-to-be-true offers)

2. Signs of a Scam Button

A. Suspicious Wording

  • Over-exaggerated claims: “Get Rich Quick,” “Win Free iPhone,” “One-Time Offer”
  • Urgency & Fear Tactics: “Limited Time Only!” “Your device is at risk!”
  • Poor grammar & spelling errors: Fake sites often have awkward wording

B. Strange URLs and Redirections

  • Hover over the button before clicking—does it lead to a weird or misspelled domain (e.g., "amaz0n.com" instead of "amazon.com")?
  • If clicking on the button redirects you through multiple websites before landing on a final page, it’s suspicious.

C. Unexpected Downloads

  • If clicking a button instantly downloads a file (especially an .exe, .apk, or .zip file) without explanation, it could be malware.
  • Safe sites usually ask for permission before downloading anything.

D. Fake Security Warnings

  • Some scam buttons imitate antivirus pop-ups with flashing alerts:

    “Your PC is infected! Click to remove the virus!”

  • Real security warnings come from your installed antivirus software, not from random websites.

3. How to Protect Yourself

🔹 Use browser security settings: Enable pop-up blockers and phishing protection.
🔹 Install trusted antivirus software to detect malicious links.
🔹 Avoid clicking ads that seem too good to be true—they probably are.
🔹 Double-check URLs by hovering over buttons before clicking.
🔹 If unsure, search for reviews of the website before interacting with the button.

4. Activity: Spot the Scam!

🔎 Show students real vs. fake website buttons and let them analyze which ones are safe and which ones are scams.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever encountered a scam button? What happened?
  2. What is the most common scam button tactic you’ve seen online?
  3. How would you explain scam buttons to a non-tech-savvy person?

Conclusion

The internet is full of buttons that try to capture your attention and trick you into clicking. By staying vigilant and recognizing the warning signs, you can avoid scams, phishing attacks, and malware. Think before you click!