Unfortunately, adults are not the only ones getting text message scams on their phones. Whether it’s about unpaid tolls, undeliverable packages, or issues with an online account such as Amazon, scammers don’t discriminate against age when they’re sending out their fraudulent text messages. Chances are your tweens and teens with phones are getting these texts too. On this Fraud Friday, we’re highlighting ways to keep kids safe from scams.
Anyone with a cell phone is a potential target for scams. It’s important to teach children how to spot scams as soon as they get their first phone.
It’s easy to tell kids to delete and ignore messages from unknown senders, but helping them understand why can go a lot further! Most importantly, make sure your kids know: never click on links in unexpected texts. These links can lead to fake websites designed to steal personal data or financial information. One wrong click can lead to identity theft, loss of funds, or unauthorized access to accounts.
You can also turn scam-spotting into a learning activity. When your child receives a suspicious text, ask them for the red flags that helped them know it was a scam. Award a point for each correct reason!
Examples of warning signs:
● The message came from someone pretending to be a company or authority.
● It mentioned a fake problem or prize to get attention.
● The wording suggests a sense of urgency in order to get a quick response.
● It demanded payment in a hard-to-trace method (gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or payment apps).
When your kid reaches a certain number of points, reward them! It’s a simple way to teach digital safety and make it stick. Start showing them these fraud-fighting tips now so they’re always equipped to keep their personal data, accounts, and money safe.