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Don’t answer another online quiz question until you read this

The hidden risks in popular online quizzes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning people about taking online quizzes.

Many of the ones on social media seem harmless. You answer a few questions to see which superhero you are. But, they may be from scammers phishing for personal information.

Here are the Red flags to watch for:

  • Any questions about your maiden name, your first car, or the high school you attended
  • Many of these are also used as security questions for banking and other accounts.
  • A scammer could use your answers to the quiz to try and steal your money
  • Before taking any online quizzes — always check where it is from. If it wasn’t posted by a verified source, don’t take it

As for security questions, it’s best to treat them like passwords. Never tell anyone your answers and try not to use the same ones, on different accounts.

Also, if you suspect an online quiz is a phishing scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.FTC.gov.


About the Author
Jennifer Waugh headshot

Jennifer, who anchors The Morning Shows and is part of the I-TEAM, loves working in her hometown of Jacksonville.

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