The internet is a fantastic place to connect with friends, learn new skills, and explore interests—but it can also be a minefield of scams and fake profiles. Knowing how to spot and avoid online threats can help you stay safe and protect your personal information.
Consider the story of Emily, a 14-year-old student who loved exploring new social platforms and connecting with like-minded individuals. Her experience highlights the dangers of online scams and how easy it can be to fall victim to seemingly genuine offers, making it essential to understand these threats. One day, she received a direct message from someone claiming to be a recruiter for a teen modeling agency. The messages were flattering and professional, but they quickly escalated to requests for personal information, including photos and payment for a “starter portfolio.” Emily, excited about the opportunity, complied. It wasn’t until her parents noticed unusual charges on their bank account that they uncovered the scam.
The experience left Emily feeling betrayed and embarrassed. She became more withdrawn, distrusting online interactions and even friends at school. Her self-esteem suffered, and she required counseling to rebuild her confidence. This incident underscores the emotional and mental toll that online scams can have on young victims, proving that these aren’t just financial crimes but deeply personal violations.
Below, we’ll explore some of the most common internet scams targeting teens—and how you can steer clear of them. Emily’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how scams can deeply affect teens, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and vigilant. Each topic includes deeper insights, real-life examples, and practical advice to ensure that you are well-equipped to navigate the digital landscape safely.
1. Phishing Attacks
What Is Phishing?
Phishing occurs when scammers trick you into revealing personal details—like passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data—by masquerading as a trustworthy source. These scams can take various forms, including emails, text messages, or even direct messages on social media platforms. For instance, a phishing email might claim to be from a popular video game company, urging you to log in to claim a reward. However, the link provided leads to a fake site designed to steal your credentials.
How to Spot It:
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Look out for poor grammar and spelling mistakes in messages that claim to be official communications.
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Double-check the sender’s email address or social media handle. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have slight variations (e.g., “[email protected]”).
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Be cautious with urgent messages that push you to act immediately, such as “Your account will be closed if you don’t click here!” or “Respond now to avoid losing access.”
How to Protect Yourself:
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Never share passwords or personal details through email, messages, or unsecured websites. Instead, go directly to the official website or app to verify any claims.
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Use two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if your password is stolen, 2FA can prevent unauthorized access.
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Stay updated about the latest phishing trends by following cybersecurity news and tips from trusted sources.
2. Fake Profiles and Catfishing
What Is Catfishing?
Catfishing involves creating a false online identity to deceive others. Scammers often use stolen photos or fake images to create a persona that seems appealing or trustworthy. Teens are frequent targets of catfishing schemes, where the scammer’s goal might be to extract personal information, gain financial benefits, or manipulate the victim emotionally.
Real-Life Example:
Imagine receiving a friend request from someone who claims to be a mutual friend of your classmates. They start with casual conversations, eventually leading to requests for personal details or money. Many victims feel embarrassed or confused when they realize the truth.
How to Spot It:
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If someone reaches out unexpectedly with compliments or offers that seem too good to be true, stay cautious.
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Fake profiles often have very few posts, photos, or friends/followers. Their social media history might also seem incomplete or inconsistent.
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The person avoids video calls or refuses to meet in real life without offering a valid reason, relying solely on text communication.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Verify new contacts by doing a reverse image search of their profile picture. This can help you identify if the image has been used elsewhere online.
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Share personal details (like your full name, address, or school) only with people you know and trust.
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If you suspect a profile is fake, report it to the platform immediately. Blocking and reporting ensures that others won’t fall victim to the same scammer.
3. Online Giveaways and Prizes
How These Scams Work
We’ve all seen them: “Congrats! You’ve won a brand-new iPhone!” or “Click here to claim your cash prize!” Scammers prey on the excitement of winning and lure victims into sharing personal or financial information. Sometimes, these scams ask for a small “shipping fee” that results in larger unauthorized charges later.
How to Spot It:
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The giveaway requires you to pay a shipping or handling fee before claiming the prize.
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The contest or giveaway isn’t affiliated with a reputable organization or brand. Always check official websites or verified social media accounts for legitimate promotions.
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There’s pressure to “act now” or risk losing the prize, which creates a sense of urgency to make hasty decisions.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Verify the source by checking the company’s official website or social media page. Legitimate giveaways will have clear terms and conditions.
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Never provide your credit card details for a “free” prize. Genuine promotions do not require payment to claim a reward.
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Seek advice from a parent, guardian, or trusted adult before engaging in any online contest. They can help you identify potential scams.
4. “Pay-to-Play” or Pyramid Schemes
How These Schemes Operate
Scammers might invite you to join a “money-making opportunity” or ask you to invest in a too-good-to-be-true system. These offers often promise fast cash if you recruit more participants or pay a “membership” fee. In reality, these schemes are unsustainable and lead to financial losses for most participants.
Real-Life Warning:
Teens interested in entrepreneurial opportunities might be targeted with offers to “start their own business” or join exclusive investment clubs. Scammers may use phrases like “financial freedom” or “work from home” to make the offer seem appealing.
How to Spot It:
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The scheme demands an upfront fee for “investing” or joining.
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Earnings are based primarily on recruiting new members rather than selling a product or service.
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The promoter avoids providing clear details or official documentation about the opportunity.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Research the company, product, or “business opportunity” thoroughly before committing money. Look for independent reviews and verify claims with trusted sources.
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Be cautious of anyone pressuring you to make quick decisions. Genuine opportunities allow time for consideration.
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Discuss potential investments with a parent, teacher, or mentor to gain valuable perspective.
5. Social Media Quizzes and Apps
Why They’re Risky
Some fun-looking quizzes or personality tests on social media collect much more data than you realize. These quizzes may seem harmless but often require access to your profile, contacts, and other personal information, which can be sold or misused.
Real-World Example:
A quiz asking “Which celebrity are you most like?” might request permission to access your social media account. The data collected could then be used for targeted advertising or worse, identity theft.
How to Spot It:
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The quiz/app asks for excessive permissions, such as access to your entire contact list, location data, or personal info.
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The quiz links to external websites that look sketchy or lack a clear privacy policy.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Be selective about the quizzes and apps you interact with. If an app requests unnecessary permissions, think twice before granting access.
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Regularly review the apps connected to your social media accounts and revoke permissions for those you no longer use.
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Use privacy settings to control what information is shared with third-party apps and platforms.
How to Talk to Your Child About Scams
Having an open and honest conversation with your child about online scams is one of the most effective ways to protect them. Here are practical strategies to help you foster resilience and build a foundation of trust so your child feels comfortable seeking your help when needed.
1. Start Early and Keep It Simple
Begin by explaining what scams are and why they exist. Use examples appropriate for your child’s age. For younger children, you might say, “Sometimes people online pretend to be someone they’re not to trick others and take their money or personal information.” Older kids can handle more detailed discussions about phishing emails, fake profiles, and online fraud.
2. Share Real-Life Examples
Stories like Emily’s experience can be a powerful teaching tool. Share age-appropriate examples of online scams and discuss their impact, not just financially but emotionally. Ask your child how they think the victim might feel and what they could do to avoid a similar situation.
3. Role-Play Scenarios
Help your child practice recognizing and responding to scams by role-playing scenarios. For instance, you can pretend to be a scammer sending a suspicious message, and your child can practice how to respond or report it. Role-playing makes the lessons interactive and memorable.
4. Encourage Questions and Discussions
Make it clear that no question is too small or silly when it comes to online safety. Encourage your child to share if they’re unsure about a message, a new online friend, or a giveaway offer. Remind them that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a smart and responsible choice.
5. Teach the “Pause and Think” Rule
Encourage your child to pause and think before acting on any online message or request. Questions like “Does this seem too good to be true?” or “Would I share this information in person?” can help them evaluate situations critically.
6. Foster Resilience Through Education
Teach your child to recognize red flags, such as urgent requests for money, demands for secrecy, or links that don’t match official websites. For example, if an email claims to be from their bank but uses phrases like “Click here to confirm your account immediately,” it’s likely a scam. Encourage them to double-check such messages by contacting the company directly through official channels. Equip them with knowledge about privacy settings, secure passwords, and safe browsing practices.
7. Build Trust and Keep Communication Open
Let your child know they can come to you without fear of judgment or punishment if they encounter something suspicious online. Share stories of times you’ve faced challenges and how you resolved them. Being approachable is key to ensuring they seek your help.
8. Set Clear Guidelines
Establish rules about online interactions, such as not sharing personal information or clicking on unknown links. Revisit these guidelines regularly to adapt to new platforms and trends.
By fostering open communication, teaching critical thinking skills, and creating a safe space for your child to ask for help, you can prepare them to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Encourage regular check-ins where your child can share their online experiences and concerns, reinforcing that asking for help is a smart and responsible choice.
Final Tips for Staying Safe Online
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Stay Skeptical: If something feels off, trust your instincts and take time to investigate.
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Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Enable two-factor authentication for added security and update your passwords regularly.
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Limit Personal Information: Be mindful of what you post online and ensure your privacy settings are appropriately configured.
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Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and security best practices by following reputable cybersecurity resources.
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Talk Openly: If you suspect you’ve been targeted, share your concerns with a trusted adult to seek help and guidance.
Teens can enjoy the amazing opportunities of the digital world without compromising their safety—especially when equipped with the right knowledge and protective strategies. For example, the internet offers incredible opportunities to learn new skills, like coding, graphic design, or even starting a small online business, empowering teens to pursue their passions and build a brighter future. By learning to spot phishing attempts, recognizing fake profiles, and staying informed about the latest online threats, you’ll set yourself up for a secure and positive online experience.
The Expertise Behind the Advice
Clayton Cranford’s two decades in law enforcement—including roles as a School Resource Officer, Juvenile Investigator, and crisis negotiator—have given him firsthand experience in dealing with scams that target teens. His dedication to protecting young people in the digital space led him to author “Parenting in the Digital World” and, most recently, “Screen Time Standoff: Negotiation Skills to Unplug Your Kid.”
“Parenting in the Digital World” equips parents with vital tools to keep children safe online, offering insights on navigating social media responsibly and recognizing digital threats.
“Screen Time Standoff: Negotiation Skills to Unplug Your Kid” delves into managing screen time effectively and fostering healthier habits for a more balanced digital life. This resource also sheds light on the mental health challenges facing teens today and provides practical strategies to tackle them.