Caveat: This post originated from an incident in which we assisted a family whose teenager had fallen victim to an online scam. We documented the experience in a blog post titled, “A Mother Acts to Unmask a Potential Scam That Targeted Their Teen” (1)
In today’s onlife world, social media has become an integral part of our lives, especially for teens and young adults. From connecting with friends to exploring new opportunities, social media offers endless possibilities. However, along with the benefits come risks, particularly when it comes to fraud and scams (2)(3). Recent studies have shown that young adults are prime targets for financial fraud on social media, yet many are too embarrassed to admit they’ve been victimized (4). As parents, it’s crucial to educate ourselves and our children about these dangers and take proactive steps to both educate and protect them.
Social media platforms can be fertile grounds for fraudsters to prey on unsuspecting teens and young adults. From fake investment schemes, to phishing scams (5), and identity theft, gaming scams like fake V-Bucks on Fortnite (6), and sextortion (7), the tactics used by these criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Yes, just like adults and seniors, teens and young adults are also vulnerable due to their limited life experience in navigating these onlife landscapes, and their inclination to trust others online especially those that they call “online influencers”.
One of the most concerning aspects of social media fraud is the psychological impact it can have on survivors, especially teens and young adults. Many survivors feel ashamed and embarrassed about falling for a scam, fearing judgment from their peers and family members. This reluctance to admit being scammed can prevent them from seeking help and reporting the incident, further exacerbating the problem.
As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to have open and honest conversations with teens and young adults about the fraudulent risks associated with social media. Teach them to be skeptical of unsolicited messages or requests from online friends and followers that they don’t really know and encourage them to verify the authenticity of any offers or opportunities they encounter online. The adage, “if it’s too good to be true then it likely isn’t” is just as relevant today as it was when we were younger! Emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal information and passwords and remind them never to share sensitive details and information with anyone online.
While it’s essential to respect your teen or young adults’ privacy, it’s also crucial to monitor their online activity, especially if you suspect they may be engaging in risky behavior. Keep an eye out for any unusual or suspicious behavior, such as sudden changes in spending habits or secretive online interactions. Encourage open communication and reassure them that they can come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or uncertain about something they encounter online.
If your young adult has fallen victim to a social media scam, it’s vital to provide them with support and guidance without judgment. Help them report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the platform where the fraud occurred or law enforcement agencies (8)(9). Encourage them to take steps to secure their accounts, stop payments, and mitigate any potential damage, such as changing passwords and monitoring their financial accounts for unauthorized activity.
Protecting teens and young adults from social media fraud requires a combination of education, vigilance, and support. By providing them with knowledge and teaching them to recognize the signs of fraud, we can empower our children to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. As parents and caregivers, let’s work together to ensure our teens and young adults are equipped with the skills and resources they need to stay one step ahead of online scammers.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/a-mother-acts-to-unmask-a-potential-scam-that-targeted-their-teen/
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/avoiding-cryptocurrency-scams/
3/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/alert-google-voice-verification-code-scam/
5/ https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/phishing-hameconnage-eng.htm
6/ https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/13/health/fortnite-scams-parenting-partner/index.html
7/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/sextortion/
8/ https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
