Instructions: 

1. Watch and listen to the 60-Second Civics video below. If you'd like, you can also read along using the script that appears below the quiz. Or you can turn on the video's subtitles and read while watching the video.
2. Take the Daily Civics Quiz. If you get the question wrong, watch the video again or read the script and try again.

Episode Description:
Smartphones and other digital devices make it easy to buy things quickly, but it’s important to protect yourself when shopping online. Learn strategies for smart and safe online shopping in today's episode!

All About the Benjamins: Digital Citizenship: Part 3

 

Welcome to 60-Second Civics from the Center for Civic Education. I’m Mark Gage.

 

Smartphones and other digital devices make it easy to buy things quickly, but it’s important to protect yourself when shopping online.

 

First, protect your personal information. 

 

Use a credit card; never use a debit card. This makes it easier to dispute fraudulent charges.

 

The Fair Credit Billing Act provides some protection against unauthorized charges and provides other consumer protections.

 

You can find information at consumer.ftc.gov.

 

Second, shop only at reputable online retailers, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or text messages.

 

Cybercriminals will sometimes pose as legitimate businesses in order to collect personal information or install malware; this is called phishing.

 

Third, avoid impulse buying by making mindful spending decisions. 

 

One approach is to step back and question why you are responding to a particular marketing message. 

 

Just pausing and gaining some perspective, separating yourself from an emotional response, can help you avoid clicking that buy now button. 

 

This episode was made possible by the support of T-Mobile.

 

60-Second Civics, where civic education only takes a minute.