Parents today face a daunting task of keeping their teenagers safe from the ever-evolving threats of the digital world. One of the most significant concerns is the rise of phone scams that can lead to financial losses, identity theft, and other serious consequences. As a protective parent of two teenagers, I have learned to be vigilant in monitoring their online activities and educating them on the dangers of phone scams. In this article, I will share my experiences and provide practical tips on how to help your teenagers avoid falling prey to these scams.
Why Phone Scams are a Concern
Phone scams are a significant threat to teenagers, especially with the widespread use of smartphones and the increasing sophistication of scammers. These scams can take many forms, including phishing emails and texts, fake game rewards, and social media impersonation. According to Ben Colman, a cybersecurity expert, teenagers are vulnerable to these scams because they are often naive and unaware of the risks.
Awareness is Key
The first step in protecting your teenager from phone scams is to raise their awareness of the dangers. You should explain to them that phone scams are a reality and that they can target anyone, regardless of age. It’s essential to teach them to be cautious and not to respond to messages from strangers.
- Explain that phone scammers often use fake caller IDs and convincing messages to trick people into sharing sensitive information.
- Teach them to verify the sender’s identity through a different channel before clicking on links or providing information.
- Emphasize the importance of being skeptical and not to trust messages that seem too good (or bad) to be true.
Teaching Your Teenager to Delete Spam Texts and Block Senders
Everyone in your family should have their device spam filter activated for texts and emails. However, some scams can still make it past the filter. To protect your teenager, you should teach them to delete scam and spam texts and block the numbers that sent them.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Delete | Delete scam and spam texts immediately. |
| Block | Block numbers that send scam or spam texts. |
Helping Your Teenager Avoid Clicking on In-Text Links
It’s essential to teach your teenager not to click on in-text links unless they can verify the source. The FTC warns that some in-text links can install malware on your device, which can steal sensitive information.
Keeping Communication Lines Open
It’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your teenager. If they receive a suspicious message, they should come to you for help. You can take a look at the message and help them decide on what to do next.
“It’s not just about spelling errors and bad grammar anymore — the scams look and sound real with AI,” said Cindi Carter, global chief information security officer at Check Point Software.
Common Scams Targeting Teenagers
While any teenager can fall victim to phone scams, some scammers specifically target this age group. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
- Gaming-related scams: Scammers offer fake game rewards or ask for personal information to harvest in-game currency.
- Social media scams: Scammers pose as friends or influencers to trick kids into clicking malicious links.
- Friendship scams: Scammers build a relationship with your child or teenager to extract sensitive personal information.
- Account takeover scams: Scammers take over your teenager’s social media account and use it to steal information or access other accounts.
- Delivery scams: Scammers target teenagers who shop online, often using deepfake audio and video.
What to Do If Your Child Has Fallen for a Scam
If your child has fallen for a scam and shared sensitive information, act quickly and calmly. Document everything related to the scam, including screenshots, messages, and any information shared. Contact your financial institutions to freeze accounts and update passwords across all platforms.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Document everything | Take screenshots, save messages, and document any information shared. |
| Contact financial institutions | Freeze accounts and update passwords to prevent further unauthorized access. |
| Protect credit and identity | Consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus and freezing credit reports. |
Conclusion
As a parent, it’s essential to be proactive in protecting your teenager from phone scams. By raising awareness, teaching them to delete spam texts and block senders, and helping them avoid in-text links, you can significantly reduce the risk of your child falling victim to these scams. If your child does fall victim, act quickly and calmly to minimize the damage. By working together with your teenager and staying informed, you can keep them safe from the ever-evolving threats of the digital world.