They’ve got their own cell phones, computers, websites, webcams and social networking accounts, and many of them can outsmart their teachers and parents when it comes to the internet and computers. They’ve got tech savvy — but even today’s younger generations aren’t immune to fraud.
Sexual predators and cyber-bullies aren’t the only threats children and teens face online. Scammers will target anyone willing to trust them. The result? Children and teens can unknowingly expose their families to identify theft and computer viruses, and they can even be defrauded of their cash.
So what’s the best protection? As with any kind of fraud, your best bet is to stay one step ahead of the con artists by being aware of the risks and taking steps to avoid them.
Scams targeting children and teens
Anyone using the internet can be targeted for common schemes like phishing scams and get-rich-quick schemes. However, according to Scambusters.org, there are several scams aimed directly at children and teens, including:
Too-good-to-be-true deals. Victims see an item they want for sale online — like the latest electronic gadgets — for a price they can’t pass up. Most kids couldn’t normally afford these items, so these steep discounts are especially appealing. However, they send the money but don’t receive the promised item.
People selling items are also targeted — a scammer posing as a legitimate person or company cons them into shipping items before payment is received (or the cheque clears).
Talent scams. These ads and emails seem like a dream come true for aspiring stars. Victims are invited to take a screen test, join a modelling agency or be part of a sports school. There’s often a charge or hidden fee for those supposedly “free” consultations.
Predators can also pretend to be talent scouts or agents and ask teens to do questionable things in front of their webcams as a way to “get into the business”.
Fake awards. This scam is similar to those “you’ve won the lottery” schemes — only this one purports to be a reward or prize based on achievement. The catch? A big up-front fee for awards which are never delivered.
Scholarship scams. Who doesn’t want money for college or university? These scams charge students for out of date lists, and those “guarantees” of scholarship money never materialize.
Bogus competitions. Victims can be lured into giving out personal information about themselves or their families under the guise of participating in an online competition or survey. Children and teens are just as susceptible as adults to phishing scams and fake registrations.
Running anti-virus software and a firewall are a must, but there are additional ways parents, grandparents and those who care for children can promote safe internet use:
1. Learn the risks
