In today’s digital world, where nearly everything is just a click away, online scams are more sophisticated and widespread than ever. For teens and young adults who have grown up online, the idea of spotting a scam might seem second nature, but the reality is that scammers are evolving just as quickly as new technologies are introduced.
From fake online ads and shady shopping sites to offers that seem too good to be true, today’s young internet users are prime targets. The promise of free stuff, quick money or personalized “exclusive” deals often lures victims into giving up their personal information, money or access to their accounts and devices. Scammers know how to use popular social media, online gaming and celebrity and influencer culture to make their traps look legit. While younger generations are more likely to be tech-savvy, they are not immune to deception, especially when it comes to FOMO (fear of missing out) pushing them into making more impulsive decisions.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a Millennials or Gen Z problem. Online scammers prey on every age group. With AI-powered phishing attacks, deepfakes and the ability to spin up a fake website or spoof a social account, even the most careful users can fall victim. Knowing what’s out there is your best defense against falling victim to a scam.
Some of the most common scams targeting young people include:
- Fake online stores & shopping scams – these often appear on TikTok and other social media sites where they advertise unreal deals through fake websites that never deliver what’s purchased, as it never existed in the first place
- Gaming & cheat code scams – these often introduce malware that is included in the “free” downloads
- Fake job posting or easy money gigs – these often ask victims to provide personal information
- Scholarship or financial aid scams – these often ask victims for personal information or banking details for scholarships or loans that do not actually exist
- Gift card & payment app scams – these often ask victims to pay for things with gift cards or to send money via Venmo/Zelle/Cash App/Paypal for “protection” against blackmail of photos or danger to a friend or family member
- Celebrity/Influencer sponsorship scams – these brands that don’t actually exist offer “deals” in exchange for up front costs or the promise of followers
- Sextortion scams – these often happen when a scammer exchanges explicit photos with a teen and uses those photos to blackmail the victim
- Free stuff scams – these show up as “free” items that just require that you pay the shipping
Prevent yourself from getting scammed or know what to do if you have been scammed:
- Don’t let yourself be manipulated – scammers often try to build trust with their victims, create a sense of urgency, or use fear tactics to carry out their scams
- Recognize that some claims are too good to be true – while a free iPad or $100 gift card to your favorite store might be nice, it is most likely a scam
- Know that things are not always what they seem – with the help of AI, scammers often use deepfakes that include the voice or image of celebrities and influencers to make their scams appear legit
- Understand that anyone can get scammed – don’t let embarrassment allow the situation to escalate
- Update your devices on a regular basis – these updates often include security patches that make you less vulnerable to bad actors
- Keep your social media accounts private – locking down your accounts to people you know in real life can make you less of a target
- Search the internet to verify the legitimacy of a company or claim – be your own online detective
- Go to a website directly – entering a website’s URL instead of clicking on a link that’s part of an email or ad can ensure you access the legitimate site
- Protect your accounts – use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication when available
- Report scams – the more you report scams, the less likely others are to fall victim
Report scams and phishing attempts:
- If you provide sensitive information to a scammer, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft page for steps you can follow.
- If you think you clicked on a link or opened an attachment that downloaded harmful software, update your computer’s security software. Then run a scan and remove anything it identifies as a problem.
- If you get a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
- If you get a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726).
- Report phishing attempts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Staying vigilant and informed is crucial in today’s digital landscape. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, making it essential for everyone, especially teens and young adults, to be aware of the various forms of online deception. By understanding the common scams and adopting preventive measures, you can protect yourself and your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
