Remember the days when the worst scam we fell for was buying a fake “designer” purse from the back of someone’s van? Fast forward to today, and teens are navigating an online minefield, where scammers are much sneakier—and unfortunately, way more successful. It turns out, teens and young adults are now the most targeted group when it comes to scams, and the numbers are eye-popping. Let’s explore how these scams work and why this is a problem that deserves serious attention.
In 2023, scammers tricked about 880,000 Americans out of more than $12 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). And while you might think scammers are more likely to target older adults, it’s actually teens and young adults who are most often falling for these tricks. A recent study even showed a staggering 2,500% increase in money lost by teens over a five-year period. Let’s break down some of the most common scams targeting this age group and, more importantly, how they can stay scam-free.
How It Works:
- Social Media Influencer Scam: Scammers create fake influencer accounts and host “contests” where the winner has to share their bank information to claim a prize. In reality, they’re not winning anything except a one-way ticket to getting scammed.Pro Tip: Remind teens never to share their financial info with anyone they don’t know in person. Fake accounts often have fewer followers or odd details, so tell them to look out for those red flags.
- Romance and Sextortion Scams: These scammers prey on young people looking for connection. They build fake romantic relationships online and then ask for money to get out of “emergencies.” The sextortion scam takes a darker turn, where scammers demand explicit photos and later blackmail victims for money, threatening to expose the images to family or friends.Pro Tip: Teens should never send explicit photos, even if they trust the person. Encourage them to meet online friends over video chat or in person before getting too invested emotionally.
- Online Gaming Scams: Gamers beware! Scammers lure young players by promising rewards or exclusive in-game purchases if they share their credit card information. What do they get in return? Nothing but a charge they didn’t sign up for.Pro Tip: Always verify purchases directly through the game’s official site, and never share personal payment info with random players.
- Fake Online Shopping Sites: Scammers create fake websites that look like legit online stores, offering too-good-to-be-true deals. Shoppers hand over their credit card info, only to realize later that their “purchase” never shows up.Pro Tip: If the deal looks too good, it probably is. Make sure the site has proper contact info, and watch for strange email addresses (like Gmail or Yahoo) in the customer service section.
Why You Should Care:
It’s easy to think, “This would never happen to me,” but the statistics tell a different story. Scammers are preying on teens because they crave independence but often lack the real-world experience to spot a fraudster. Losing money at a young age can have lasting effects—not just financially, but emotionally too. Scams like romance fraud can leave teens devastated, embarrassed, and, in some cases, deeply traumatized.
How to Protect Yourself (or Your Teens):
Here are some quick and easy steps teens can take to avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Don’t Share Financial Info: Whether it’s a contest, a friend, or a potential love interest—never share banking or credit card details with anyone you’ve never met in person.
- Research Before You Buy: If you’re shopping online, do a quick search to see if the website is legit. Look for strange email addresses or lack of clear customer service options.
- Keep Personal Photos Private: Never send explicit images to anyone, even if you think it’s a trusted friend or partner.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Whether it’s an influencer asking for bank info or a new friend requesting money, trust that gut instinct.
- Talk About It: Scammers thrive on secrecy. Encourage teens to talk to a trusted adult if they think they’re being scammed. The more open the conversation, the safer they’ll be.
Quick Tips:
- Did You Know? Romance scams and sextortion are leading to long-term emotional harm among teens, with some cases even leading to extreme outcomes like depression or suicide.
- Pro Tip: If your teen receives a message from someone they don’t know—whether it’s about a contest, a purchase, or a new “friend”—encourage them to run it by you first.
Have you or your teen encountered a scam? Share your experience with us! Your story might be the one that helps someone else avoid the same trap.
Stay safe, stay informed!
Key Terms Explained:
- Sextortion: A form of online blackmail where scammers threaten to share explicit photos unless the victim pays a ransom, often in money or more images.
- Romance Scam: A type of scam where the fraudster pretends to be romantically interested in the victim in order to gain their trust and eventually steal their money.
- Influencer Scam: A type of scam where fraudsters pose as popular social media personalities to trick victims into sharing personal information or money.
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