How to Keep Young People Safe from Online Gaming Scams
The internet offers incredible opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and explore their interests. However, it also comes with risks, including online scams that can be sophisticated and hard to spot. Here’s what you need to know to help protect young people from these threats.
Understanding Fraud and Cybercrime
Fraud involves deceiving someone for personal gain, often financially. Common forms include gaming scams, fake websites, and misleading ads, which often target young, vulnerable users. Cybercrime is a type of fraud that happens online, including activities like hacking, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks. These can result in significant financial losses and data breaches.
Common Scams Targeting Young People
How to Keep Young People Safe from Online Scams
The internet offers incredible opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and explore their interests. However, it also comes with risks, including online scams that can be sophisticated and hard to spot. Here’s what you need to know to help protect young people from these threats.
Understanding Fraud and Cybercrime
Fraud involves deceiving someone for personal gain, often financially. Common forms include gaming scams, fake websites, and misleading ads, which often target young, vulnerable users. Cybercrime is a type of fraud that happens online, including activities like hacking, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks. These can result in significant financial losses and data breaches.
Common Scams Targeting Young People
Gaming Scams:
Gaming scams often lure young gamers with offers of free games or in-game currency in exchange for personal information. These scams can also involve phishing schemes that trick users into revealing their login details. To avoid these scams, young people should be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. Education on identifying and avoiding these scams is crucial.
Phishing:
Phishing scams involve someone pretending to be a trustworthy entity to steal personal information or login details. These can come via email or direct messages claiming to be from known companies or organisations. Other variations might trick users into giving personal information or money through fake prize draws or surveys. Encourage young people to consult a trusted adult if they have concerns about unfamiliar websites or links.
Copycat Government Websites:
Some scams mimic legitimate government websites, such as those claiming to process official documents like passports or visas. Always verify the website’s address and credentials before sharing any personal or financial information.
Practical Tips for Staying Safe
- Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal details like your name, address, or phone number with unknown individuals or suspicious websites.
- Question Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be sceptical of deals or prizes that seem unrealistic.
- Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Links in emails or messages from unknown sources could lead to malicious websites. Even messages from familiar contacts could be deceptive.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create passwords that are at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Change them regularly.
- Recognize Scam Signs: Be wary if someone asks for money or personal information. If something feels off, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
Where to Get Help
If you suspect that you or someone you know has been scammed, report it to the authorities. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also accepts scam reports at ftc.gov/complaint.
While the internet has many benefits, it’s important to stay vigilant. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially targeting young and vulnerable users. At Childnet, we’re committed to ensuring a safe online experience for young people. By following these tips, we aim to raise awareness, protect against online scams, and promote a safer internet for everyone.
