Help Stop Scammers with DART: Deception Awareness & Resilience Tools

Characters from Deepcover mobile game.

Scammers are using the latest technology (including AI) to target older adults--we use the same technology to scale interventions and protect people from scammers. 

Project description

We need CREATIVE PEOPLE to help older adults recognize and navigate scams. We are creating five learning modules on the most prevalent types of scams and a number (~25) smaller “bite-sized lessons” about techniques scammers use. All of these elements need engaging visual (including video) elements that align with our brand and that are appealing to older adults. Students will gain valuable experience and connections with local marketing and game design professionals.

Initial development of DART (Deception Awareness & Resilience Tools) has been funded by a National Science Foundation award, which has enabled us to create tools to help older adults with digital literacy including: a mobile game, Deepcover; and an interactive e-learning environment, DART Academy. We have intentionally designed our tools to be easily re-purposed for other audiences—so the potential impact of this project is worldwide. 

Project outcome

Project will result in a portfolio or work to be considered for inclusion in DART Academy. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Negotiable 
Start time Anytime: Right Away!
In-person, remote, or hybrid? Hybrid Project 
Level of collaboration Individual student project 
Benefits Work study
Stipend 
Who is eligible Juniors & Seniors 

Core partners

  • Students will be working directing with our Learning Interface (LX) and Web Development teams. Additional consultation with our marketing firm, Re(noun) Creative (https://renouncreative.com/), and the game designers at Whitethorn Games (https://whitethorngames.com/) may be required. 

Project mentor

Cynthia Stewart

Program Manager

Center for Information Integrity

Phone: (716) 645-6073

Email: cs287@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Review DART Collective website (https://www.dartcollective.net) for overview of tools in development. 

Keywords

art, mobile games, video games, game design, video, digital media, older adults, non-profit