Common Online Scams Targeting Teens: A Parent’s Guide

“The internet is a vast ocean of knowledge and opportunity, but beneath the surface lies danger, ready to ensnare the unsuspecting.”

Today’s teens are more connected than ever, constantly exploring social media, online shopping, and virtual interactions. However, with this access comes significant risk, as cybercriminals increasingly target teenagers who may be unprepared to detect scams. Online predators take advantage of teenagers’ trust, curiosity, and inexperience, causing both emotional and financial harm.

As a parent, we must understand these scams to ensure our teen’s safety. We can help protect our children from these digital dangers by gaining the necessary knowledge and using tools such as Mobicip, a leading parental control tool. In this article, we’ll look at the most common online scams that target teenagers, provide statistics on their prevalence, and offer practical solutions for teen safety in the digital world.

Types of Online Scams Targeting Teens

Social Media Scams

Teens spend most of their time online on social media. According to Pew Research, 95% of teenagers in the United States have access to a smartphone, with 45% saying they are online almost constantly. Unfortunately, their high level of engagement makes them easy targets for social media scams. 

Source: Pewresearch

Cybercriminals frequently create fake profiles that impersonate celebrities, influencers, or even friends. These fraudulent accounts trick teenagers into disclosing personal information, downloading malware, or sending money.

• Fake celebrity accounts: Scammers impersonate well-known figures and offer exclusive prizes or experiences, duping teenagers into providing sensitive information or paying entry fees.
• Phishing links: Fraudulent messages containing links that promise rewards but instead steal login credentials or install malware.

For example, a teen may receive a message from what appears to be a favorite influencer offering a prize for completing a survey or downloading an app. In reality, this interaction could result in identity theft or device compromise.

According to a McAfee survey from 2023, nearly 25% of teenagers have encountered fake social media accounts, and many are victims of phishing scams on these platforms.

Online Shopping Scams

Teens frequently shop online, particularly for fashion, electronics, and beauty products. However, the allure of great deals can lead them into the clutches of fraudulent online stores. These scammers set up fraudulent websites or social media accounts that advertise trendy items at low prices, only to deliver counterfeit goods or, more often, nothing at all.

• Counterfeit goods: Teens end up with imitations of popular brands.
• Non-delivery: Despite making a payment, the products never arrive, leaving the teen scammed and out of money.

According to Better Business Bureau (BBB) research, 80% of consumers aged 18-24 have encountered fraudulent online stores, with many teenagers reporting non-delivery after purchasing from ads on platforms such as Instagram or TikTok.

Identity Theft

Teens are increasingly concerned about identity theft, especially because they rarely monitor their personal information closely.

According to a Javelin Strategy & Research report, 14.4 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2018, with teens becoming an increasingly common statistic. 

Phishing emails, fake surveys, and social engineering are all used by scammers to steal sensitive data like Social Security numbers, addresses, and banking information. Once obtained, this information can be used to open credit card accounts, apply for loans, or engage in other fraudulent activities in the teen’s name, resulting in long-term financial consequences.

Source: Javelin Research

A common scenario might involve a teen being asked to provide personal details for a “chance to win a free gift card” only to have that data sold on the dark web or used to commit financial fraud.

Detailed Analysis of Common Online Scams

Contests and Competitions

Teens are frequently drawn to contests and competitions that offer large prizes, ranging from cash to electronics. However, these offers are frequently scams intended to collect personal information or trick teenagers into paying entry fees for non-existent contests.

• Entry fees: Scammers request small payments to participate in bogus competitions.
• Information theft: Personal details collected for contest entries are sold or used for identity theft.

According to a recent Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) survey, 28% of teens have been victims of fake contest scams, with many reporting financial or personal data losses.

These scams are frequently seen in social media ads, where teenagers are drawn to tempting prize offers with little regard for legitimacy.

Health and Beauty Scams

Teens are heavily influenced by health and beauty trends, making them vulnerable to scams that promise miracle products such as weight loss pills or skincare treatments. Scammers prey on teenagers’ insecurities about their appearance, tricking them into purchasing counterfeit or dangerous products.

• Fake products: Beauty or health products that are either ineffective or harmful.
• Subscription traps: Teens unknowingly agree to recurring monthly charges after making a purchase.

According to a National Consumer League (NCL) survey, 20% of teenagers have been duped by fake health and beauty products advertised on platforms such as Instagram.

These scams not only cause financial losses but also pose health risks due to counterfeit ingredients.

Webcam and Remote Access Scams

One of the most invasive scams aimed at teenagers involves remote access to their webcams or devices. Scammers may pose as friends or technical support, persuading teenagers to activate their webcams or install software that gives the scammer control of their devices. This access may lead to:

• Blackmail: Scammers secretly record video and threaten to release it unless the teen pays a ransom.
• Malware installation: Teens unknowingly download software that allows scammers to steal personal information or track their activities.

Fake Loans and Scholarships

As teenagers prepare for college, they frequently seek financial aid, making them vulnerable to fraudulent loans and scholarship scams. Scammers offer scholarships on favorable terms only to charge upfront fees or steal personal information for fraudulent purposes.

• Upfront fees: Teens are required to pay processing fees for non-existent scholarships.
• Personal data theft: Scammers collect information such as Social Security numbers to commit identity theft.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), roughly one in every five students receives a fake scholarship offer, and many are duped into paying fees for financial aid that does not exist.

Impact of Online Scams on Teens

The emotional and financial toll of online scams on teenagers is significant. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed after falling victim to a scam, which makes them less likely to report the incident to their parents or authorities. The financial consequences can also be severe, particularly in cases of identity theft, which can damage a teen’s credit score before they even reach adulthood.

Furthermore, the emotional impact of scams like webcam blackmail can result in anxiety, depression, and a loss of trust in online interactions.

StopBullying.gov found that teens who are subjected to online scams or harassment are twice as likely to suffer from mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.

How Can Parents Protect Their Teens

Educating adolescents

The first step toward protecting teenagers from scams is online safety education. Parents should talk to their children about the dangers of online fraud and teach them how to spot red flags. Here are some important tips for teen safety:

• Verify the sources: Encourage teens to verify the legitimacy of websites or social media accounts before sharing information or purchasing.
• Recognize phishing attempts: Teach them to identify fraudulent emails and messages that request personal information or immediate action.
• Encourage open communication: Make teens feel comfortable coming to you if they see anything suspicious online and encourage them to learn more about cybersecurity for teens.

Source: eMarketer

Using Parental Control Tools

Parental control tools, such as Mobicip, add an extra layer of security by monitoring teenagers’ online activity and blocking access to suspicious websites. Mobicip helps with features like:

• Website filtering: Mobicip blocks websites that are known for scams, phishing, and other fraudulent activity.

• Screen time control: Parents can limit how much time their children spend online, lowering their chances of encountering scams.

• Social media monitoring: To avoid scam attempts, Mobicip monitors interactions and messages on platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat.

FAQs

What are the indicators of an online scam?

• Requests for personal or financial details.
• Urgent or threatening language necessitates an immediate response
• Unsolicited messages from unknown individuals.
• Offers that appear too good to be true (such as free products or substantial discounts).

How should I report an online scam?

If you or your teen encounters an online scam, please report it to the following authorities:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): To file a complaint, go to www.ftc.gov.
• Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3): To report internet fraud, visit www.ic3.gov.
• Local Law Enforcement: Report serious scams, especially those involving financial losses or personal.