How scammers target children online and practical steps to help young people recognise and avoid fraud.
Scams is deceptive schemes designed to trick children into handing over money, personal details, or account access, often through games, free offers, or fake giveaways.
Children and teenagers are increasingly targeted by scams, including fake giveaways, phishing messages, fraudulent online shops, and social media impersonation. Young people may lack the experience to recognise these tactics and can inadvertently share personal or financial information.
Scammers reach children through social media adverts, direct messages, fake websites, and in-game offers. Common tactics include fake celebrity giveaways, 'too good to be true' deals, phishing links disguised as account verification emails, and offers of free in-game currency. The goal is typically to steal personal information, payment details, or money.
In your child's behaviour
On their device
Teach the 'too good to be true' rule
Explain that if an offer seems unbelievably generous — free V-Bucks, a celebrity giveaway, a prize they did not enter — it is almost certainly a scam.
Practise identifying phishing
Show your child real examples of phishing messages and discuss the telltale signs: urgency, spelling errors, unfamiliar links, and requests for personal information.
Keep payment methods separate
Never store your main bank card on your child's device or accounts. Use prepaid cards or dedicated child accounts with spending limits for any online purchases.
In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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