Teenagers and Online Scams: A Guide for Parents
Teenagers face gaming scams, fake giveaways, easy-money jobs, money mule offers and sextortion. How each works and how parents can talk about them without shutting the conversation down.
Teenagers are online more than almost anyone, and they are confident with technology. But confidence is not the same as protection. Scammers target teens through games, social media and messaging apps, with offers designed for their interests: free game currency, cheap trainers, easy money, and online relationships. Here is what to know, and how to talk about it.
Scams that target teenagers
| Scam | How it works |
|---|---|
| Gaming scams | Free currency or skins in exchange for logging in on a fake site, account trading that ends in theft, or "cheats" that install malware. |
| Fake giveaways | Influencer or brand "giveaways" that want personal details, a small fee or account access. |
| Fake shops | Cheap trainers, phones and gadgets advertised on social media that never arrive. See scam ads. |
| Easy-money jobs | Task scams and "promoter" roles. See task scams. |
| Money mule offers | Cash for "lending" a bank account. See money mule recruitment. |
| Sextortion | A fake profile gets intimate images, then threatens to share them. See sextortion: what to do. |
| Account takeover | Stolen social or gaming accounts used to scam friends. |
Sextortion is the most urgent to talk about. Teens, often boys, are targeted by criminals posing as other young people. Make sure your teen knows they can come to you and will not be in trouble.
How to talk about it
- Ask, do not accuse: "Have you seen any weird giveaways or offers lately?"
- Share examples and let them spot the red flags. Teens often enjoy "catching" scams.
- Remove fear of punishment: "If something goes wrong online, tell me. You won't lose your phone for it."
- Talk early and often, not just after a problem.
Simple rules for teens
- Never share passwords or codes, even with friends.
- Log in to games only through the official app or site.
- Never let anyone use your bank account or card.
- Do not send images you would not want shared, and never pay anyone who threatens you.
- If anything feels off, tell a trusted adult.
Settings that help
- Two-step verification on gaming, social and email accounts.
- Private profiles and limits on who can message them.
- Spending limits or approvals for in-app purchases.
If something happens
- Stay calm and thank them for telling you.
- For sextortion: stop contact, do not pay, save evidence, report to the platform, and use NCMEC's Take It Down or report to CEOP (UK) or your local police.
- For money or account loss: contact the bank or platform and secure accounts.
Make checking a habit. Show your teen CyberWatch AI Scan for a quick, free check of any offer or message.
For younger children, see teaching children about online scams. For the wider picture, read our guide on how to avoid online scams.
Frequently asked questions
What scams target teenagers most?
Gaming scams (free currency, account trading), fake giveaways, easy-money jobs, money mule offers, fake shops for trainers and tech, and sextortion.
How do I talk to my teenager about sextortion?
Calmly and in advance. Explain that criminals pose as young people to get images and then threaten, that it is never the victim's fault, and that they can always come to you without getting in trouble.
Should I monitor my teenager's phone?
That is a family decision. Whatever you choose, an open relationship where they feel safe telling you about problems is the most important protection.
Sources
- Is your explicit content out there?, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
- CEOP Safety Centre, National Crime Agency (UK)
- Kids and Video Games, US Federal Trade Commission
