Simulations · Level 1

Recognition drills

The first level of the ODYSSEY simulation bank. Four short exercises help you recognise pressure, haste, false authority and suspicious links before you hand over data or money.

4 simulations 8-10 minutes Basic level
Older woman analysing a suspicious message on her phone

This level is for people who want to safely practise the most common real-life situations first: an SMS, a phone call, a suspicious charge and high-pressure selling. Each simulation ends with a simple decision: click, call back, pay, or stop and check.

4everyday situations
S-T-CStop, Think, Call
0time pressure and 0 judgement

Scenarios in this level

Simulation 1

Fake parcel SMS

You receive a message with a small surcharge and a link to quick payment. Everything looks harmless because the amount is low — $1 doesn't raise suspicion the way $100 would. That's exactly the trick: the small amount is meant to lower your guard, while the link still leads to a page that steals your card details.

  • You recognise "today only" pressure and a suspicious link
  • You learn why a small amount is also a trap
  • You practise forwarding the SMS to 8080
  • You check whether you ordered any parcel at all
Simulation 2

Call "from the bank"

Someone tells you your account is at risk and asks you to act quickly. The voice is calm and professional — that's no accident, scammers deliberately sound this way to build trust. A real bank will never ask for your password, a text code, or to install an app during a phone call.

  • You recognise demands for codes, passwords or app installation
  • You practise hanging up without guilt
  • You check the bank's number only from your card or the bank's website
  • You learn that the number on your caller ID can be faked too
Simulation 3

Bill top-up

A message suggests you owe a small amount on an electricity or gas bill. If you do not pay, there will be consequences — a threat of disconnection or a penalty appears. Real utility companies notify you of unpaid bills by post or through their official app, not through a threatening text with a link.

  • You spot emotional language and threats of consequences
  • You practise going to the website yourself without clicking a link
  • You compare the sender with the official channel
  • You check your balance directly in your provider's customer account
Simulation 4

Sales event and quick contract

At a meeting you receive a gift, a friendly chat and an offer valid "only now". The salesperson does not want to give you time to think, because at home, without the pressure, it's much easier to say no. The friendliness and small gift aren't a coincidence — they're a technique designed to create a sense of obligation.

  • You recognise manipulation through liking and haste
  • You practise calmly saying "I am not signing today"
  • You learn when to consult loved ones before deciding
  • You learn about your 14-day right to withdraw from the contract

How to use Level 1

  • First you read the situation and note your first instinct.
  • Then you check which warning signs were the most important.
  • Finally you practise one simple response you can apply straight away in real life.

How you know you are ready for Level 2

You do not automatically click a link in a message.
You separate emotions from financial decisions.
You know where to independently check a number and website.
You can interrupt a conversation and come back to it later.

Related content

Want to go further?

Level 2 adds multiple channels at once: SMS, phone, email and BLIK in a single story. A great next step after mastering the basics.

Back to the course Go to Level 2