Just for Kids — Heck and BackA brighter space for Littles, Kids, Preteens, and Teens. Start with the parent & caregiver welcome. →
Skip to learning content
Hell and BackWe do not hurt. We do not judge. We help.
Four illustrated scenes of connection and support
Hell and Back

Search without getting pushed into a scam

FREE • PRACTICAL • AT YOUR PACE

HAB University

Real-life education for life during and after incarceration.

Lesson 6 of 17 · about 5 minutes

Search without getting pushed into a scam

I already know this — skip it

What is it?

Search results are suggestions for pages that may answer your question.

Why would I need this?

A result may be an ad or a look-alike rather than the organization you need.

Show me.

  1. Use the organization name and a specific question.
  2. Check the website address before opening a result.
  3. Compare instructions with the organization’s official source.
  4. For an unexpected account warning, contact the organization through a number or website you already know.

Try it.

Read the practice message and choose a next step.

Watch out for this.

Do not follow urgent requests for private information simply because a message looks official.

Explain this another way

Pause, go to the real source yourself, and ask there.

Show me an example

A message says your account will close unless you use its link. Open the known official site separately instead.

What does that word mean?

Browser: An app used to open websites.

Open the full glossary

You did it.

You have a way to do this. Repeat the practice or move on when you are ready.

Related lessons

Get comfortable with a smartphone
Create and use an email account

Put this lesson into practice

Open the related HAB helper →My HAB / saved work

Take the next step

FTC: recognizing phishing →

Location-specific HAB resource connection: not connected yet. No local eligibility, facility rule, or service availability is assumed here.

Explore HAB resources →

Lesson version 1 · editorial review 2026-09-09. General education. Individual requirements can differ.

Help from HAB is free. Always.

No fees, paid memberships, purchases, or payment pages. You do not need a single penny to get help from HAB.

When a feature needs information, we ask only for the minimum needed to make that feature work. Our approach is to collect and retain only what the feature needs—not to build a detailed profile of you or your child. Hosting and security services may retain technical logs, such as IP addresses.

What I wish… · Free Membership
Tell HAB how this feature worked

Sign in with Free Membership to send feedback.