The internet is helpful for learning, finding creativity and developing connections. But it also has a darker side: online scamming. In an age when children are as comfortable navigating the internet as they are riding a bike, parents and guardians face a new kind of neighborhood safety concern — online scammers. These people are organized, persistent and skilled at tricking young people into revealing personal information, or even sending money.
This concern is relevant in Southeast Michigan, where technology is woven into school curriculum and social life. But you can help in protecting kids online by making them aware of scammers on gaming apps, social media and messaging platforms.
Know the scams that target kids
Online scammers often prey on trust, curiosity and excitement, which are qualities children naturally have. In Southeast Michigan, police and community safety reports have highlighted several common scams targeting children.
- Urged to keep the call secret: Scammers pressure children to keep conversations confidential, creating an alarming sense of secrecy. This tactic isolates the child from their parents or guardians, making them feel part of something special or exclusive.
- Pressured to respond immediately: The pressure can lead children to act impulsively. Scammers may claim that failure to respond quickly has consequences and they may provide an ultimatum.
- Fake contest messages: Children may receive messages claiming they’ve won a contest they never entered. These messages often ask for personal information or require the child to click on a link to claim their prize.
- Phishing links on social media: Social media scams involve sending messages that appear to be from friends or trusted sources and contain links to fraudulent websites.
- Friend requests from strangers: Scammers often create fake profiles on social media platforms to send friend requests to children. Once connected, they may attempt to engage in conversations.
- Gaming currency scams: Children may encounter scams that promise free in-game currency or items in exchange for personal information or payment.
Explaining scams in age-appropriate language can help your child recognize a red flag when they see one.
RELATED: How to Prepare Your Rising Senior for College Applications
Set boundaries on devices and applications
Not every online space is suitable for children, even if it seems harmless. Some popular platforms have been linked to scam attempts, especially when children interact with strangers. Parents play a role in protecting kids from online scammers by enabling device control, reviewing the privacy settings for each app their child uses and setting a device curfew while under your supervision. Some schools partner with cyber safety organizations to educate families on parental control tools.
Create a no-blame reporting rule
Sometimes, children may feel embarrassed to say they were tricked, so parents should establish a no-blame reporting rule to assure their kids they won’t get into trouble for telling them about suspicious activity or reporting that they were scammed. Sticking to the no-blame reporting rule gives children a sense of comfort when sharing that they were scammed.
Create a team effort for digital safety
Protecting children from online scammers is about building an environment where they feel comfortable talking about their lives online. By staying informed, understanding and setting boundaries, you give your child the understanding and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely. The internet is a wonderful place for learning and connection, so by approaching online safety as a family effort, you can provide your child with the tools to navigate the world.
