Scam Alert: How to Protect Teens from Online Fraud

Alarmingly, recent studies show a dramatic increase in the number of teens falling victim to online fraud. As parents, educators, and community members, it is crucial to understand these threats and take proactive steps to protect our teens from the dangers lurking online. This article delves into why teens are especially vulnerable to scams, the most common types they encounter, and essential strategies to safeguard their digital lives.

Which Age Group Is More Prone to Online Scams: Teens or Seniors?

When considering which age group is more susceptible to online scams, the intuitive guess might be that older adults, aged 55 and above, are the primary victims. However, recent data suggests that today's youth, those aged 13-21, are increasingly falling prey to online fraud.

While it might seem surprising, this trend can be attributed to several factors related to the digital habits and online behaviors of Gen Z. Despite growing up in a tech-savvy world, young adults and teens are not as immune to scams as one might think.

The Digital Natives and Their Vulnerabilities

Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are true digital natives. They've grown up with the internet, social media, and smartphones. This constant connectivity, while beneficial in many ways, also exposes them to a myriad of online threats. The familiarity and comfort with the digital world can sometimes lead to a false sense of security, making them more vulnerable to sophisticated scams.

A recent study by Social Catfish highlights a worrying trend: from 2017 to 2022, the money lost by people under 21 to online scams surged by a staggering 2500%. In comparison, the increase for seniors was 805% during the same period. While the total dollar amount lost by seniors is significantly higher—$3.1 billion in 2022 compared to Gen Z's $210 million—the rapid growth in losses among younger people is alarming.

Why Are Teens More Susceptible to Scams?

Several factors contribute to the higher susceptibility of teens to online scams:

1. Early and Extensive Online Exposure: Many Gen Zers had their first social media accounts before they could fully understand the implications of sharing personal information online. This early exposure has normalized the practice of interacting with strangers and sharing personal details, sometimes without sufficient caution.
2. High Online Activity: Teens spend a considerable amount of their time online, whether it's on social media, gaming, or shopping. This high level of activity increases their exposure to potential scams.
3. Lack of Experience: Despite their technical skills, teens often lack the life experience and critical thinking skills needed to identify and avoid scams. They may not recognize the red flags that more seasoned internet users would.

Common Scams Targeting Teens

Understanding the types of scams that commonly target teens can help in taking preventive measures. Some of the most prevalent scams include:

1. Online Retail Scams: According to the Better Business Bureau, 83% of young adults fall for online retail scams that promise products but fail to deliver. These scams often involve fake websites or advertisements offering deals that are too good to be true.
2. Romance Scams: Scammers use stolen photos to create fake profiles on dating sites and social media. They build a relationship with the teen and eventually ask for money, preying on their emotions and lack of experience in relationships.
3. Sextortion Scams: In these scams, a scammer sends explicit photos to teens and asks for similar photos in return. Once the teen complies, the scammer threatens to release the photos publicly unless they are paid.
4. Student Loan Scams: These scams involve fake websites mimicking legitimate Department of Education sites, tricking students into sharing personal information under the guise of loan assistance or scholarship offers.
5. Online Gaming Scams: Fraudsters impersonate real vendors selling in-game purchases. They lure teens with phishing links that grant access to their gaming accounts and personal information.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Preventing these scams involves a combination of vigilance and practical steps:

1. Update Security Settings: Ensure that all devices have the latest security patches and updates installed. This can protect against known vulnerabilities.
2. Privacy Settings: Keep social media accounts private and be selective about what information is shared and with whom.
3. Verify Contacts: Never share personally identifiable information with unverified contacts. Always double-check the identity of the person or organization requesting the information.
4. Avoid Wiring Money: Be extremely cautious about wiring money to anyone you have not met in person and verified.
5. Research Companies: Before applying for jobs or making purchases, thoroughly research the company to ensure it is legitimate.
6. Safe Browsing Practices: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or ads. Instead, visit the official websites directly by typing the URL into the browser.
7. Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique, and long passwords for all accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
8. Check for Red Flags: Be wary of websites, ads, or emails with poor grammar, spelling errors, or other signs of unprofessionalism.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial for all age groups, particularly teens, to remain vigilant against online scams. By understanding the risks and implementing protective measures, we can significantly reduce the incidence of online fraud. Forest Area Federal Credit Union is committed to educating our members about these threats and providing the resources needed to navigate the online world safely. Stay informed, stay secure, and protect yourself from becoming a victim of online scams.