Better Internet for Kids

Advances in AI technology means that fraudsters can easily create deepfake videos, cloned voices, and highly realistic fake websites. These tools allow scammers to create more convincing and complex schemes that are harder to detect. As a result, even experienced users can find it difficult to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent content, increasing the risk of falling victim to these scams. Children and teenagers are also increasingly being targeted by online scams. These often occur through gaming platforms, social media, or direct messages, where tactics are designed to take advantage of curiosity, peer influence, and the appeal of online validation. 

Research from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland indicates that nearly half of young adults have reported being targeted by scams. In digitally connected countries like Ireland, exposure to such risks is high - up to 68 per cent, according to data from the European Commission. 

So, how are young people being drawn in? And how can parents and educators help them stay safe? 

Why children and young people are vulnerable to scams 

As they continue to develop the critical thinking and digital literacy skills to assess risk, they can be more susceptible to online scams. Individuals engaged in online fraud often focus their efforts on the platforms where young people are most active - such as gaming environments, messaging apps, and social media channels like TikTok and Instagram.  

Children and young people may not always question messages that appear to come from friends or links that offer free game credits or prizes. These scams are typically designed to align with young users’ interests. Common tactics include fake offers for in-game rewards, or alerts about supposed security issues, with the intent of gaining access to personal data, money, or trust. 

Types of online scams young people encounter 

Here are some common traps and how they work. 

1. Phishing: the classic disguise 
   Phishing scams often look like official messages from a platform your child trusts, for example like a Roblox login page, or a TikTok password reset. Usually, the child receives a link – often from what appears to be a friend – and is prompted to enter credentials. It all looks legitimate until their account is hacked. More generally, phishing is when fraudsters try to gain access to your confidential information such as bank details, credit card information, or passwords. Learn more about phishing on Webwise’s website.  
2. Impersonation and social engineering 
   Imposters create fake profiles mimicking friends, influencers, or even teachers. These scams rely heavily on emotional manipulation, gaining trust before introducing a malicious link or request.
3. Fake shopping sites and counterfeit goods 
   Scams involving offers of exclusive items - such as gaming skins or limited-edition merchandise - can be used to target children and young people. These scams may request login credentials or a small “verification” payment in exchange for the promised items. In many cases, the items are never delivered and can result in financial information being stolen.
4. “You’ve won!” scams 
   Prize promotions or wins sound exciting but can be misleading. When children receive these messages or emails, they may be asked to provide personal information or make payments under the pretence of covering “processing fees”. These tactics are commonly used in online scams to collect sensitive data or money.
5. Money mule recruitment 
   Criminal networks sometimes recruit teens to receive and transfer stolen money, usually in exchange for a cut of the money or a flashy gift. Many young people may not fully understand that this activity - known as money muling - is illegal. It can result in serious consequences, including a criminal record, restrictions on banking, and long-term financial impacts. While people of any age are susceptible to becoming a money mule, based on a survey conducted by FraudSMART, the majority of money mule bank accounts belong to those aged between 18 and 24 years of age, with some as young as 14. Recruitment often takes place through social media advertisements.
6. Investment scams 
   Scammers often promise quick profits through cryptocurrency or other investment opportunities. These scams frequently use social media ads or influencers to create a sense of credibility and urgency, encouraging people to make fast decisions without sufficient research.
7. Romance scams and catfishing 
   Online scammers may operate on dating websites, social media platforms, or online forums, using fake profiles to build relationships with victims. These individuals often attempt to establish trust by communicating through instant messaging, text messages, or phone calls. Once a connection is formed, they may request money, gifts, or sensitive personal content. Over time, the interaction can shift from friendly to exploitative in nature.
8. Ransomware and malware distribution 
   Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a user’s files or entire system by encrypting the data. The attackers then demand a payment, often called a ransom, in exchange for a key that can decrypt and restore access to the files. In some cases, individuals - including teens - may unknowingly become involved in spreading ransomware by sharing infected files or links, sometimes in exchange for money or other incentives.
9. Social media spoofing 
   Social media spoofing involves creating a fake account that uses someone’s name or image without permission. It can be used to spread malware, damage their reputation, or trick others into sharing personal information.  

Where scams appear: common places to watch out for

Scams can be found in many places online: 

• emails and pop-up ads
• text messages and phone calls
• gaming chats and friend requests
• social media direct messages
• fake payment pages or online shops
• online quizzes, surveys, and giveaways.

How to spot a scam: signs your child should know

Encourage your child to Stop, Think, Check. Slow down and think critically, especially when: 

• you are pressured to act immediately
• the offer feels “too good to be true”
• the message creates fear, urgency, or excitement
• you’re asked to switch to another platform quickly
• the person insists on secrecy, or avoiding adult involvement
• teach children to ask simple questions like, “does this make sense?” or “would this company really contact me this way?” 

Reducing risk: practical tips for parents and educators 

Education is an important tool. It begins with having open and regular conversations with young people. Some helpful tips include: 

• encouraging children to think critically about offers and messages,
• warning against clicking suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources,
• teach them to guard personal information – login details, real names, birthdays
• discussing privacy settings and digital footprints,
• reinforcing that they can and should come to you if something feels off,
• installing reputable antivirus and security software,
• using password managers to store complex, unique passwords,
• avoiding public wi-fi when entering sensitive information. 

It is important to remind them that no online opportunity should require them to keep it a secret or feel pressured to stay silent. If something upsets or bothers them, they can always come and talk to you. 

If your child falls for a scam: what to do next? 

Being a scam victim can have emotional, financial, and physical impact. Stay calm and reassure your child. Let them know that you are there to help them.  

• Reassure them. They are not in trouble.  
• Gather any details: screenshots, emails, account names.
• Report the scam on the relevant platform.
• Contact your bank if any financial information was shared.
• Reset passwords, and enable two-factor authentication.
• File a report with Garda cybercrime reporting in Ireland.

Review the experience together, and approach this as a learning opportunity rather than a lecture. What happened? Why did the scam succeed? What can be done differently in the future?  

Looking ahead: why awareness must continue evolving

Advances in AI are changing how scams are created and detected. While it is not possible to predict every scam, with support and guidance children and young people can develop the awareness and confidence needed to recognise potential risks.

It is important to keep discussions about scams open and regular. Sharing experiences and encouraging questions can help build critical thinking. Staying safe online involves more than just technology like firewalls and filters; it requires trust, awareness, and the ability to stop, think, check before acting. 

Resources for parents and caregivers

	#TalkListenLearn online topic generator  The Webwise online topic generator is a great way to begin conversations with your child about the opportunities and challenges of being online.
	Casting the Net: cybersecurity In this episode of the series, Dr. Hazel Murray provides advice and tips for young people about being secure online.
	Garda cybercrime reporting  Information and advice from An Garda Síochána.
	Talking to your teen about staying safe online  Tips and advice for parents and caregivers about talking to their teen about staying safe online.

Find more information about the work of the Irish Safer Internet Centre, including their awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services – or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.