In the past five years, the amount of money lost by teens to scams has skyrocketed by 2,500%. This alarming increase highlights the growing risks teens face online.
In one heartbreaking case, a 14-year-old took their own life after following advice from an AI chatbot. Another family is suing the same chatbot—Character AI—after it encouraged an autistic 14-year-old to harm his parents and exposed an 11-year-old to inappropriate content.
These tragic stories are stark reminders that young people are particularly vulnerable on the internet. While AI is a recent concern, it’s far from the only threat. According to the FBI’s crime division, teens have lost exponentially more money to scams than older adults. While seniors have seen an 805% increase in scam-related losses, the rise among teens is far more severe.
So why are teens so much more at risk? Because scammers have more tools at their disposal than ever to target them. If you know someone born between 1996 and 2010, ask them about this—it’s a growing problem.
Common Scams Targeting Teens
- Impersonation of Influencers:
Many teens idolize online influencers, making them easy targets for scammers. Fraudsters can easily create fake accounts, run fake contests, and convince victims to share personal details or even money to claim non-existent prizes.
Tip: Stick to official accounts of well-known influencers. Avoid giving personal or financial information through direct messages (DMs). - Online Romance Scams:
Scammers often use photos of attractive young people to pretend they’re romantically interested. After establishing an online relationship, they will ask for money, gifts, or private information.
Tip: Use reverse image search to check if the photos appear elsewhere. If the person refuses to video chat or meet, it’s likely a scam. - Sexting and Blackmail:
One of the most dangerous scams involves a request for explicit pictures or videos. Once a victim shares this content, the scammer threatens to release it unless they receive money. This type of manipulation has tragically led to suicides, as it’s especially devastating for teens.
Tip: Have open conversations with your kids about the dangers of sending explicit images online, even to people they know personally. - Fake Game Rewards:
Scammers target younger teens by offering rewards or in-game prizes in exchange for credit card details or by tricking them into downloading harmful software.
Tip: Only purchase apps or in-game content through official app stores. Never trust “private” deals.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Teen?
The internet offers endless opportunities, but it’s also a breeding ground for scams and predators who are experts at manipulation. The best thing you can do as a parent is maintain open, honest communication.
When my child was younger, we talked about online risks in ways he could understand. I emphasized that he should come to me if anything or anyone made him feel uncomfortable, no questions asked. The foundation of this approach is trust—children need to know they won’t get in trouble for being deceived.
Action Plan for Parents
Let’s face it—today’s kids are savvy and can often bypass parental controls. But that doesn’t mean they’re beyond guidance. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Have the passcode: You should have access to your child’s phone at any time. While you might not check it constantly, your child needs to understand that you can, ensuring transparency.
- Set limits: Use built-in app controls to monitor screen time and apply content filters to block inappropriate material.
- “Friend” or “Follow” them: Connect with your child on social media to stay aware of their online circle and interactions. Without this connection, they may find ways around your monitoring.
- Familiarize yourself with privacy settings: Platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube have specific features that allow parents to stay informed about their child’s activity.
Ultimately, the best way to keep your child safe is by being their go-to resource for support. Let them know you’re there to listen and help whenever they need it. That trust is the most important safety net.
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