Phishmael & Friendsfake shops
The Too-Good-To-Be-True Shop
Sharkley opens an online shop with a hoverboard for just 5 sand dollars, a countdown timer, 'only 2 left', and gift-card-only payment. Gary's piggy bank is in danger, until Bubbles and Phishmael spot the clues.
Today's rule: Too cheap to be real? Then it's not a deal!
What kids learn
- Too cheap? It's probably fake
- Timers and weird payments are red flags
- Always ask a grown-up before buying
Quiz time
Can you get them all?
A shop says "Only 2 left! Buy in the next 5 minutes!" What is that?
A shop will only let you pay with gift cards. What does that mean?
For parents & teachers
Talk about it together
- Agree a family rule: children always ask before buying anything online.
- Look at a real shop together and talk about what makes it trustworthy.
- Explain why gift cards are a favourite of scammers: once spent, the money can't come back.
- Before big sales, check new shops by searching the shop name plus 'reviews' on another website.
Read more
How to Spot a Fake Online Shop: 5 Clues for Families
Fake online shops are designed to look exciting, so you buy before you think. In this episode, Sharkley opens one, and Gary nearly empties his piggy bank. Here are the clues the Reef spots.
Read the full guide →
