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Help a friend spot a fake giveaway DM

  • For High school students
  • You practice Saying who it's for
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

Your friend got this DM and wants to know if it's real. Reply in a text-style message: exactly 3 numbered red flags, each quoting the DM and under 15 words, then a last line starting 'Do this:' with what to do. Sound like a friend, not a teacher. Plain text, under 80 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • A lecture. The AI writes a safety lesson your friend won't read. Try: Say: "Text-style, like a friend. Exactly 3 red flags under 15 words."
  • Red flags without proof. The AI lists 'urgency' and 'too good to be true' without pointing at the DM. Try: Ask: "Quote the DM in each red flag."
  • No clear next step. The AI ends with 'be careful online'. Try: Add: "Last line: Do this: don't send the code or ID, report and block."
  • Letting markdown in. AI adds bold and headings by default, and in a text message they show up as stray symbols. Try: Add: "Plain text only, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Sets a friendly tone
  • Asks for quotes
  • Ends with what to do
  • Says exactly how many
  • Asks for plain text

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