Is This Legit?
Five questions your child can memorize and use anytime they encounter an offer, a pitch, or a request for money or information.
About This Framework
Five questions your child can memorize and use anytime they encounter an offer, a pitch, or a request for money or information. Before you say yes, spend money, or share information — run it through these five checks. If Question 2 is YES, pause. If Question 3 is YES, walk away. When in doubt, always ask someone you trust.
The Five Questions
IS THIS LEGIT?
Before you say yes, spend money, or share information — ask:
- 1.Who is telling me this, and what do they gain?
- 2.Am I being rushed?
- 3.Does this sound too good to be true?
- 4.What would happen if I waited 24 hours?
- 5.Who can I check this with?
If Question 2 is YES → pause. If Question 3 is YES → walk away.
When in doubt, always ask someone you trust.
Practice Scenarios
Read each scenario, then reveal the analysis. Let your child lead.
Create Your Own Scenario
Found something online that seemed off? Analyze it using the five questions.
Print the Card
Cut it out, laminate it, or save it as a photo on your child's device. The goal is to make these questions automatic.
Age Adaptations
- Use the “kid-friendly” versions of each question
- Practice with game-based scenarios first
- Keep the printable card visible — fridge, desk, or device wallpaper
- Role-play: “I'm going to try to trick you. Use your five questions to catch me!”
- Use the full versions of each question
- Practice with all five scenarios including peer pressure
- Find real examples from their own online experience
- Challenge them to teach the questions to a younger sibling
- Discuss nuance: not everything that triggers a question is a scam
Dive deeper in Chapter 9 of Your Little Fortune
This tool brings the book’s framework to life — get the full context, research, and conversation guides.