How scammers target children online and practical steps to help young people recognise and avoid fraud.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-19