Online Scams and Young people: What Parents Need to Know 

Here are some common traps and how they work. 

1. Phishing: The Classic Disguise 

Phishing scams often look like official messages from a platform your child trusts – Roblox login pages or TikTok password resets. Usually, the child receives a link – often from what appears to be a friend – and is prompted to enter credentials. It all looks legitimate until their account is hijacked. 

More generally, phishing is when fraudsters try to gain access to your confidential information such as bank details, credit card information, or passwords.  

Learn more about phishing.  

2. Impersonation and Social Engineering 

Imposters create fake profiles mimicking friends, influencers, or even teachers. These scams rely heavily on emotional manipulation, gaining trust before introducing a malicious link or request. 

3. Fake Shopping Sites and Counterfeit Goods 

Scams involving offers of exclusive items—such as gaming skins or limited-edition merchandise—can be used to target children and young people. These scams may request login credentials or a small “verification” payment in exchange for the promised items. In many cases, the items are never delivered and can result in financial information being stolen. 

4. “You’ve Won!” Scams 

Prize promotions or wins sound exciting but can be misleading. When children receive these messages or emails, they may be asked to provide personal information or make payments under the pretence of covering “processing fees.” These tactics are commonly used in online scams to collect sensitive data or money. 

5. Money Mule Recruitment 

Criminal networks sometimes recruit teens to receive and transfer stolen money usually in exchange for a cut of the money or a flashy gift. Many young people may not fully understand that this activity—known as money muling—is illegal. It can result in serious consequences, including a criminal record, restrictions on banking, and long-term financial impacts. While people of any age are susceptible to becoming a money mule, based on a survey conducted by FraudSMART, the majority of money mule bank accounts belong to those aged between 18 and 24 years of age, with some as young as 14. Recruitment often takes place through social media advertisements. 

6. Investment Scams 

Scammers often promise quick profits through cryptocurrency or other investment opportunities. These scams frequently use social media ads or influencers to create a sense of credibility and urgency, encouraging people to make fast decisions without sufficient research. 

7. Romance Scams and Catfishing 

Online scammers may operate on dating websites, social media platforms, or online forums, using fake profiles to build relationships with victims. These individuals often attempt to establish trust by communicating through instant messaging, text messages, or phone calls. Once a connection is formed, they may request money, gifts, or sensitive personal content. Over time, the interaction can shift from friendly to exploitative in nature. 

8. Ransomware and Malware Distribution 

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a user’s files or entire system by encrypting the data. The attackers then demand a payment, often called a ransom, in exchange for a key that can decrypt and restore access to the files. In some cases, individuals—including teens—may unknowingly become involved in spreading ransomware by sharing infected files or links, sometimes in exchange for money or other incentives. 

9. Social Media Spoofing 

Social media spoofing involves creating a fake account that uses someone’s name or image without permission. It can be used to spread malware, damage their reputation, or tick  others into sharing personal information.