Online Scams Targeting Kids and How to Spot Them

With the number of online gamers now in excess of 3 billion globally, and over 600 million of whom are under 18, it’s no wonder scammers are targeting kids online. Add to this the estimated 5.4 billion social media accounts worldwide, with most platforms having a minimum age restriction of 13, and it's clear our kids are vulnerable like never before.

Let’s take a closer look at the common methods scammers use to target kids online.

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Method 1. Gaming Scams

Scammers will pretend to offer free items via ads or messages, such as in-game currency, power-ups, or “skins” in exchange for personal information. They may use links or website pop-ups that, if clicked, load malware onto the child’s device, allowing scammers to gain control and collect private data.

Method 2. Catfishing Scams

A scammer creates a fake social media profile, posing as a friend or an influencer. They attempt to connect with a child and win their trust to manipulate them. They may try to gain personal information, or, in the most serious cases, ask for compromising photos that could then be used to blackmail the child into paying money.

Method 3. Online Shopping Scams

Scammers create fake websites or ads that pretend to offer popular products and merchandise at significantly reduced prices, often with a short deadline and an element of urgency. If a child falls for the scam and enters their payment details, they will be compromised. The scammer obtains their payment details, and the product they think they’re buying will never arrive.

Method 4. Quizzes, Surveys, and Competitions

These are clever scams designed to collect personal data. Scammers use competitions or surveys that ask the sorts of questions usually used by legitimate sites for account recovery in the event of a forgotten password or username. Surveys might ask questions like “What is the name of your first pet?” or “What is your favorite TV show?” With these answers, the scammer can gain access to the child’s accounts by posing as the real user, having forgotten their login details.

How to Spot and Avoid Scams Targeting Kids

There are several red flags to look out for. By far the best defense will be a combination of good habits and healthy skepticism. Teaching your kids to pause and really think about potentially suspicious messages or offers is key. If an offer imparts a sense of pressure or urgency, or seems too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.

Here are some pointers to give to your kids:

Never act immediately. Pause and really think about it first.
If you encounter any suspicious messages or offers, talk to a trusted adult before you click on anything.
Don’t verify your information via text links or website pop-ups. Instead, go to the company’s official website or app and reach out to them separately to check if they’ve been in touch.
Look for bad grammar or unusual sender addresses. Scams often have typos or slightly “off” company names.
Never trust strangers and only accept friend requests from people you know in real life.
Finally, make sure your kids never send money. If a site or pop-up, “friend” or influencer asks for payment, it’s almost always a scam.

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