Kids and teens spend a lot of time online, which creates an opportunity for fraud. These attempts aren’t always obvious; they can show up in games, social media, job offers or college planning — often during big life changes that come with strong emotions and quick decisions.
Being targeted by scammers can happen to anyone. Many kids and teens don’t have the life experience to spot warning signs, especially when being rushed or pressured into a decision. With open conversations and a few rules, you can help young people slow down, double-check and feel comfortable asking for help.
Why Teens Are Targeted
Many fraud attempts feel personal. Messages may look like they come from a friend, a brand your teen follows, an appealing opportunity or someone offering money.
Teens are also learning independence and may want to handle things on their own. That’s a healthy step, but it can make them hesitant to involve an adult if something feels off. Some fraud attempts rely on that silence. In other cases, the goal isn’t your teen’s money — it’s access to personal details that could lead back to an adult account.
Common Scams To Know About
- For kids and tweens: Fraud often shows up through online games. This can include fake prizes, free virtual currency or pressure to spend real money in an app. These attempts create excitement and urgency to make quick decisions.
- For teens: “Easy money” pitches are a trap. Requests to move money through payment apps, invest quickly, deposit fraudulent checks at the ATM or help a “friend” with an urgent problem are red flags. Social media impersonation is also growing on apps like Snapchat, Whisper, WhatsApp, Discord and Kik.
- For college-bound teens: Messages about scholarships or financial aid are common. Two key reminders: Legitimate scholarships don’t charge application fees, and FAFSA is always free.
Talking Points To Prevent Fraud
Conversations about fraud prevention don’t need to be formal. Short, regular check-ins work best. Starting with common scams your youth may have already seen online can help keep it natural.
Ideas to prevent fraud:
- Pause before sending money or personal information.
- Urgency is a warning sign.
- Don’t keep money problems secret from the family.
- Adults should be involved in all financial decisions.
For college planning, set clear expectations:
- Review scholarships and financial aid messages together.
- FAFSA applications are always free.
- If something feels unclear, stop and check together.
Safety steps work best when they feel supportive, not controlling. Clear boundaries around online and social media activities help create a safer space for kids and teens.
If Fraud Has Already Happened
Take practical steps right away. Change passwords for online banking accounts and report the issue to your financial institution. Remind your youth that one mistake doesn’t define their financial future — and asking for help early makes a difference.
Moving Forward Together
You don’t have to cover everything at once. Even one small step helps.
- Talk about one fraud attempt your youth has heard about.
- Set a family “pause before you pay” rule.
- Review alerts and security settings together.
- Explore trusted financial education resources as a family.
For more tools and guidance, visit our fraud prevention resource center.
Building fraud awareness isn’t about fear. It’s about confidence, communication and knowing your youth can turn to you — before or after a mistake happens.