How to Stay Safe from Online Scams: Essential Tips for Teens

Meet Alex, a teenager excitedly awaiting the arrival of a new skateboard deck from an online supplier advertising on social media. Drawn by a tempting half-price deal, Alex used her birthday money to make the purchase. 

Weeks later the deck had not arrived, and then the website disappeared. Alex was the victim of a fake online store scam, a tough lesson for a youngster just getting to grips with managing their own money. 

This story is just an example, but it is not unique. Teens, new to online shopping and easily tempted by too-good-to-be-true online deals, are often the target of scammers ready to take advantage of their trusting nature and limited financial experience.

Keep reading to learn how teens are targeted by online scams, the most common scams to watch for, and practical tips on how to stay safe from online scams. Plus, discover the benefits of choosing a financial institution like Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, which looks out for teens’ best interests through a suite of financial products geared just for them.

Screen Smarts: How to Stay Safe from Online Scams

Online scams are designed to trick internet users into making poor decisions, often leading to financial loss or even identity theft. To achieve this, scammers create convincing fake websites, make too-good-to-be-true offers, or impersonate real people or brands. 

For teens still learning about financial responsibility, these scams can be particularly dangerous.

Teens make attractive targets for scammers because of their financial inexperience as well as their natural tendency to trust others. Tempting offers of good deals and quick rewards can also make even the most savvy young consumers vulnerable to scams. 

The digitally connected nature of today’s teens can also play a role. Teens are much more comfortable with online interactions and transactions than older adults. Scammers exploit this willingness to trust online connections to tempt teens into making unwise purchases or other financial decisions.

Common Online Scams Targeting Teens

How exactly do these online fraudsters tempt teens? Here are some of the most common online scams that every teen should know to watch for.

Fake Online Stores

Scammers set up fake online stores that mimic popular legitimate ones, offering in-demand products at incredibly low prices. Always look for a physical address or customer service contact information to verify the legitimacy of the store. Read reviews for insights into their customer service.

Social Media Impersonation (“Catfishing”)

Scammers create fake profiles on social media to impersonate someone you believe you know to gain your trust and then ask for money or personal information. Be wary of friend requests from strangers or online profiles that lack depth, such as just a few photos or friends.

Phishing Emails and Texts

Phishing involves sending emails or texts that appear to come from reputable sources, like banks or other trusted online services, asking you to provide personal information. Check that the sender’s email or phone number corresponds with the claimed source. Never click on links provided by unknown sources. 

Free Gift/Contest Scams

These schemes lure teens with promises of free gifts or winnings from contests they never entered. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never share personal information with these sources or make payments to claim a prize.

Gaming and In-App Purchase Scams

Scammers also target teens through popular online games, offering free in-game currency or exclusive items in exchange for their personal information or access to their accounts. Always use the official platform to purchase credit or items and never share login details with anyone. 

4 Tips for Safe Online Shopping

For tech-savvy teens always ready to embrace the latest trends, knowing how to protect oneself online is crucial. Follow these tips to keep any type of online shopping safe and secure:

1. Use Trusted Websites

Stick to well-known and reputable online retailers. Look for URL addresses that start with “https” (the ‘s’ stands for secure) and always check for a padlock symbol in the address bar before making an online purchase or providing any sort of personal information.

2. Check Site Reviews

Before buying from an online store, always read reviews and feedback from other customers. Independent sites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews often provide insights into the store’s reliability, responsiveness, and customer service.

3. Guard Your Personal Information

Always be careful about what personal information you share. Avoid storing debit card details on websites. Also consider using payment methods that offer additional protections, such as Apple Pay, Cash App, or Venmo Teen Account.

4. Strengthen Your Passwords

Always use complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Never use personal information like variations of your name or your birthdate. Consider using a password manager to keep track of all your strong passwords.

Protecting Yourself on Social Media

Teens are typically far more familiar with using social media than older adults, but that does not mean they know how to stay safe. Here’s how to safeguard your personal info on social media.

Be Skeptical of New Friend Requests

If you don’t know them personally, it’s safer to ignore friend requests. Scammers can often create fake profiles for people you think you might know to gather personal information or spread scams.

Adjust Your Privacy Settings

Be sure to review and adjust your privacy settings regularly to control who can see your posts and personal information. It’s better to keep your profile visibility limited to known contacts.

Think Before You Share

Be careful about what personal information you choose to post online. Oversharing details like your location, address, birthday, or upcoming plans can make it easier for scammers to pretend to know you, and can also make you a target for identity thieves.

Check Information Before Sharing

Try not to spread unverified news or offers. You can unwittingly help scammers reach new victims by unsuspectingly sharing deals or sensational news that seem overly exaggerated, endangering other social media users.

How Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Ensures Teen Safety 

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is always looking to improve our systems and stay up to date with the latest technology to ensure your safety. Members savings, checking and goal accounts for teens receive account protections like real-time fraud alerts: Sign up for real-time fraud alerts using our online banking app. We’ll notify you about large or suspicious transactions on your account.

In addition, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union will never contact you via phone, email, or through social media channels asking for confidential, personal, or financial information. This would include account information, social security numbers, and credit/debit card numbers. If you receive a call or text that you are unsure about, please contact our Member Contact Center at 978-452-5001.

Trust Jeanne D’Arc’s StartStrong teen banking services to keep you safer from the start. Click below to learn more, or get started with an account of your own.

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