Last updated on May 1, 2024 by Kathy
We live in the age of freedom, and children are getting their first smartphones at a very young age. While there are many benefits to teens going online, dangers are also common. In fact, their innocence, naïveté, and lack of exposure to real-world problems make them prime targets for most online scams. Whether through online games or social media accounts, they are just a click away from falling into a trap.
In this article, we will discuss some common online scams that target teenagers.
Impersonate
This is where a scammer defrauds others by pretending to be a trustworthy person. A common scenario is for scammers to set up fake pages on social media or charity websites to solicit donations from unsuspecting charities. Teenagers are easy victims because they are more excited about their ability to do good, such as feeding hungry children in remote villages or rescuing stray dogs.
If the person contacting you mentions their full name or phone number, look them up on the people search engine Nuwber to verify their identity.
fake match
Internet scammers are well aware that teenagers are eager to try new things and like to challenge themselves. Contests sponsored by well-known brands have become commonplace online. However, it’s important to know how to tell fakes from genuine products.
Scammers often promote fake contests and promise that the winner will receive a grand prize. They often require contestants to pay a small fee to enter the competition. However, once you do this, the scammer disappears with your money.
Online shopping scams
Fake online stores are a common tool for scammers. Key points include websites or social media accounts selling items at amazing discounts with the stipulation that they can only be shipped once full payment is made. Teenagers are often naive, short of cash, and prone to selling things they like. Therefore, they can easily fall victim to online shopping scams. To avoid falling for this old trick, teens should consult an adult before making any payments online.
body image scam
Eating disorders are a big deal for teenagers who search for their “ideal body” on social media. Many social media influencers, especially celebrities, use editing and facial adjustments to enhance their real photos before posting them online.
Like any naive user, teenagers develop an illusion of perfection and will go to the craziest extremes to try to replicate those looks. Parents and guardians should monitor their teens’ social media use to detect any negative impacts early.
catfish fishing
Phishing is when online scammers hide behind false identities in order to steal money from other users. This is especially common on dating platforms where users upload fake images and personal details. They’ll check in with you frequently to build rapport and make sure they earn your trust before achieving your goals.
Catfishing can be dangerous if the scammer’s goal is to kidnap or cause physical harm to someone in real life. It is unwise for teenagers to meet strangers without informing an adult first.
Software freebies
Online scammers are notorious for luring teenagers with free apps, trials or subscription packages to get them hooked on overpriced premium services. This is also a tactic used by online hackers to obtain your phone or financial details. With this access, they can easily gain access to your confidential information or clean up your bank account. Teenagers should be trained on how online transactions work to avoid becoming victims.
School Tuition Scholarship Scam
Any student would be happy to get a scholarship to pay for college since tuition is quite expensive. Scholarship scams often follow a common script: students are asked to pay a certain amount for their application, and once they pay, they never hear from the sponsor again.
They also offer student loans at unreasonably low interest rates and use lies about qualifying for scholarships, but require you to pay before they disburse the funds. Therefore, it is worth asking more about the validity of the scholarship before taking action.
sex blackmail
Today, online dating is more common than ever. As a result, teens are more likely to seek relationships on online dating platforms, especially when they feel restricted at home. Scammers exploit this vulnerability to lure teens into sending sexually explicit photos or participating in lewd video chats. Scammers then use this content to carry out malicious attacks. Leaked nude photos may affect a teen’s self-worth or lead to mental health issues. Teens should be extremely cautious when interacting with strangers online and not succumb to pressure to share intimate content.
Internet auction scam
Teenagers often do not have much money and often seek additional sources of income to supplement their pocket money. One way to make money is to sell things you no longer need online. Alternatively, they may seek to purchase used items at auction to take advantage of fair pricing.
Auction fraud occurs when a scammer misrepresents the item they are selling or fails to deliver it to the buyer after payment has been made. Scammers may also convince you to send an auction item with the promise of payment upon delivery, but not honor the agreement.
Game scam
Gaming is a common hobby and pastime for most teenagers. Gaming scams can take many forms, including fake online platforms that lure players with free games and phishing. Scammers may also offer fake in-game rewards in exchange for money or sensitive personal information. Training teenagers to report offers that are too good to be true and report gaming bullies could help curb gaming fraud.
in conclusion
It’s almost impossible to keep teenagers away from their favorite gadgets for long periods of time. However, the risk of falling victim to a variety of online scams, including spoofing, fake contests, software freebies, and phishing, is high. Therefore, in addition to following all the advice in this blog post, teens should also use their devices responsibly. Adults and guardians responsible for young people should monitor their online activities.
