Too Good to Be True Offers
Offers that promise a windfall, an unentered prize, or guaranteed enormous returns are almost always scams designed to override caution with excitement. The feeling of an amazing opportunity is itself the warning sign.
In this lesson
Too Good to Be True Offers is part of Year-Round Tax Planning. This preview shows how tax-planning connects to everyday family decisions such as earning, saving, spending choices, goals, approvals, or parent-guided money conversations inside Progress Penguin.
Think about this money choice
Dayo receives a text saying he has won 50000 in local currency but must pay a fee to collect it. He has never entered any competition.
How it works
If an offer sounds too good to be true — a prize you did not enter, a windfall from a stranger, an investment that guarantees enormous returns — it almost certainly is. These messages are designed to create excitement that overrides critical thinking. The correct first response is scepticism, not action.
Try a real-life example
Real-life money moment: Dayo receives a text: 'Congratulations! You have won 50000 in local currency. Send 2000 in local currency processing fee to claim.' He has never entered a competition. Three red flags: (1) he did not enter anything, (2) genuine prizes never require an upfront fee, (3) the message creates urgency. He deletes it and tells his parent.
Activity preview
Match the money ideas
Use what you learned to complete this short challenge.
Try one real money action
Open Tasks and submit proof for one task, or open Requests and make a deposit request. Parent approval can happen later.
Quiz preview
"Too Good to Be True" Offers should make you:
A message says: "Send 5000 in local currency now and receive 100000 in local currency tomorrow." You should: