Lesson
Deceptive Practices & Consumer Contracts
Summary
Some businesses use questionable strategies to get customers and increase sales. Consumer contracts are notorious for pressuring users into a predatory contract with hidden features. Learn how to identify and protect against deceptive practices as a consumer.
Bellringer: The "Free" Trial
- Pose the free trial prompt and ask students why companies offer them.
- Bridge student responses to the idea that "free" often has hidden costs.
Instruction
- Introduce the FTC's role, then walk through deceptive design tactics, in-app purchases, predatory contracts, and contract red flags.
- Emphasize "always read the fine print" as a practical research habit, not just literal reading.
Discussion: Contract Detective
- Present the $10/month gym scenario and have students brainstorm red flags.
- Reveal the fine print math ($230 vs. $120) and let students react.
Activity: Digital Spending Traps
- Students read the Digital Spending Traps article individually or in pairs.
- Choose one follow-up: students create a deceptive ad using red flags, or journal about which traps they're most vulnerable to.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- What is one way an online vendor might deceive consumers?
- List one thing to look for in the "fine print" of a consumer contract.
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: The "Free" Trial |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 10 min | Discussion: Contract Detective |
|
| 15 min | Activity: Digital Spending Traps |
|
| 5 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Digital Spending Traps
Learn how to avoid being tricked into making a purchase.
Class Presentation
Includes an 18-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 2: Consumer Fundamentals
Social Media Influences
Whether it's native advertising, sponsored content, or in-timeline advertising, social media often influences spending. This lesson discusses data tracking, FOMO, and deceptive social media tactics that can influence online purchases.
Deceptive Practices & Consumer Contracts
Some businesses use questionable strategies to get customers and increase sales. Consumer contracts are notorious for pressuring users into a predatory contract with hidden features. Learn how to identify and protect against deceptive practices as a consumer.
Identity Theft
A Social Security number isn't a secret. For most people, it's likely been shared dozens of times during everyday life. This lesson defines identity theft, exposes everyday red flags, and equips students with internet safety habits to protect their financial future.
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