What your child will learn
Identify robocall and smishing scam scripts and the pressure tactics they use
Recognize government impersonation and tech support scam patterns
Apply decision-making skills to safely handle suspicious calls and texts
How this mission works
A multi-scene interactive lab simulating a robocall IVR and a series of SMS scam texts. Students navigate branching decision trees — choosing to engage or hang up — and see the consequences of each choice. Based on real FTC-reported scam scripts.
What students actually encounter
A robocall: "Your Social Security number has been suspended — press 1 to speak with an agent"
Text: "URGENT: Your package could not be delivered. Confirm address: [link]"
Cipher is with them the whole way
When a student gets stuck on Scam Spotter, Cipher appears with a mission-specific nudge — no spoilers, just a hint toward the right thinking. Make a wrong choice, and Cipher explains the real-world consequence. Finish the mission, and Cipher generates a personalized performance debrief based on exactly how the student played it.
ISTE alignment
Students demonstrate understanding of digital rights and obligations, and manage personal information to avoid exploitation in digital and real-world environments.