Smart Consumer Lab

Fine Print Scanner Lab

Scan agreements before you sign, spot the clauses that change the real cost, and decide whether the deal still makes sense.

Your mission

Ads show the easy number. Fine print shows the rules. Your job is to find fees, time commitments, cancellation rules, and protections before they surprise you.

Step 1

Choose an agreement to scan

Each version uses a different contract type. Open without a query string to choose, or link directly to a mode.

Apartment lease

Scan rental terms, move-out fees, utility rules, and deposit details.

Step 2

Tap the fine-print clauses

Find the highlighted clauses in the document. Tap each one to reveal why it matters.

Agreement previewPractice document

Scanner progress

Find all five clauses before moving on. Yellow means “look closer.” Green means “found.”

0 / 5

Start scanning. Tap a highlighted clause to see what it could cost or require.

Step 3

Sort the risks

Drag each clause into the right risk category. On touch screens, tap a clause, then tap a category box.

Sort all five clause cards. This trains students to ask: Is this an upfront cost, ongoing cost, exit cost, or protection rule?

Select or drag a clause to begin.

Step 4

Reveal the real cost

Move the sliders and toggle the hidden fees to see how the deal changes over time.

Advertised$0

Real total$0

Difference$0

Monthly charge$0

Months committed12 months

Fine-print pressureLow

Hidden costs grow when a deal adds fees, long commitments, or expensive exit rules.

Step 5

Decide before you sign

Use the scanner score and real-cost reveal to write a rule you can use before signing or clicking “I agree.”

Clauses found0 / 5

Sorted correctly0 / 5

Real total$0

Best next moveAsk questions

Fine print is protection.

Before money leaves your account, slow down and look for the rules that change the total cost.

Practice activity only. These sample agreements are simplified for instruction. Real contracts vary, and students should ask trusted adults or professionals when money or legal obligations are involved.