Are you sure?New flashcard game on consumer protection online

Is Paypal "Family and Friends" a secure payment method? Can you post a class photo on Insta just like that? What do you do if you are a victim of identity theft? Together with the Rhineland-Palatinate consumer advice center, klicksafe has developed a card game for school classes. It allows pupils to test and expand their knowledge of online shopping, cybercrime, apps, games and social media.

The card game focuses on consumer protection topics such as data protection, payment methods, contract law and data security. This may sound dry at first, but students encounter it everywhere online: When shopping for new sneakers, making in-app purchases in games or posting photos and videos on social media. The questions therefore relate to everyday situations that are a recurring topic in the advice sessions at the consumer advice center. The pupils are thus provided with basic knowledge in a playful way to help them recognize critical situations online and be able to react appropriately.

The card game is designed for groups of up to eight people and is suitable for the 12-16 age group.

In addition to pure knowledge questions for which points are awarded, the game also includes action cards that the players complete together as a group and which require creativity and teamwork. This turns the quiz game into a fun group experience.

5 tips for young people

  • Protect personal data: Only provide personal data such as your name, address or telephone number on the internet if it is absolutely necessary and you trust the website. Pay attention to what information you share on social media and activate privacy settings.
  • Be careful with online stores: Before you buy something, check whether the online store is reputable. Read reviews, check the legal information and look out for secure payment methods such as PayPal or credit card. Avoid paying in advance for unknown stores. The Fake Shop Finder from the Consumer Protection Agency helps you to identify dubious stores.
  • Check contracts carefully: Subscriptions or contracts on the internet, such as for streaming services or cell phone contracts, should be read thoroughly. Find out about notice periods, hidden costs and automatic renewals.
  • Avoid subscription traps: Be wary of free offers or competitions. Many of these offers are subscription traps where you suddenly have to pay high fees after a free trial period. Always read the terms and conditions and check whether costs could be incurred.
  • Beware of phishing and scams: Do not open any suspicious emails or messages that ask for your passwords or bank details. Reputable companies will never ask you for sensitive information by email. Suspicious spam emails can be reported to www.internet-beschwerdestelle.de or the Federal Network Agency.

Advice offered by the consumer advice centers

Consumer advice centers in all 16 federal states offer advice on problems. Advice is available on site, by telephone or online.

→ Click here for the advice service