Current:Home > InvestWorried about your kids getting scammed by online crooks? Tech tips to protect kids online-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Worried about your kids getting scammed by online crooks? Tech tips to protect kids online
View Date:2024-12-24 03:15:23
What comes to mind when you think of someone getting scammed? A grandma on the phone with some jerk? If so, this will probably surprise you.
The total money lost by teens in online scams grew by nearly 2,500% between 2017 and 2022. Victims under the age of 20 lost a staggering $210 million in 2022 alone.
Educating our kiddos on red flags is the first step in keeping them from becoming victims. That’s why I’m telling you about the scams and hacks targeting kids and teens right now.
🎉 We’re giving away a $1,000 computer! Mac or Windows, your call. All you have to do isget one issue of my free daily newsletter, The Current. Bet you’ll love it – and good luck!
‘Send me a pic’
Sextortion scams increased an alarming 20% between October 2022 and March 2023. Scammers used to target adults, but teen boys have become their latest focus.
I spoke with a lawmaker on my national radio show, South Carolina State House Rep. Brandon Guffey, who is working to bring harsher punishments for this kind of sexual extortion. His son was targeted and took his own life in July 2022. Such a tragic story. The family is now suing Instagram.
Common tactics:
◾ Scammers create fake social media and gaming accounts, posing as an attractive young girl.
◾ They start talking to a teen boy, send over some pics, and then ask for nude photos or videos in return.
◾ If the victim sends one, the scammers demand a payout and threaten to post the incriminating photo or video for all their friends and family to see if they don't pay.
The threat of exposure causes major panic, and many kids try to make the payments. Don’t wait to talk about this one with your children. Let them know you’re there to help if something like this happens.
Game over
Roblox and Fortnite are household names among both kids and cybercriminals. Both platforms have their own in-game currency, which requires a credit card and personal information tied to the account.
Common tactics:
◾ Apps and sites may promise to pay out in-game currency in exchange for clicking on bogus ads. Spoiler: The ads contain malware that helps crooks hack into the account.
◾ Fake websites often claim to sell in-game currency. Many look real enough to fool kids and adults.
Brand bandits
Today's teens consider social media influencers a potential career path. Who wouldn't want to make money just for posting online?
Common tactics:
◾ In an influencer scam, crooks pose as real brands and reach out to teens with promises of cash or gifts.
◾ They'll send a message claiming they love the victim's account and they're an excellent match for their brand – as long as they buy a few things upfront to get started. Yeah, it’s all a con.
Safety first
It’s a scary digital world out there, and I want your whole family to navigate it safely. These tips will help keep your kids safe from scammers:
◾ Have regular conversations about online dangers. Let your kids know they can always come to you with a shady situation.
◾ Use a password manager on family smartphones and computers, and enable two-factor authentication on the apps your kids use regularly.
◾ Make sure your kids’ social media profiles are private. The more info scammers have, the better for them.
◾ Have your teen's phone set up to block unknown callers and/or send them straight to voicemail.
◾ For games with in-game currency, use a reloadable gift card instead of your credit card. Bonus: They can’t spend endlessly.
Keep your tech-know going
My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.
PODCAST PICK:The meaning of "i" in iPhone
Do you know what it stands for? Plus, Drew Barrymore fell for a catfishing scam. Also, an AI-created ad targeting Hamas somehow lands on Hulu – we'll dive into that. Ever wonder what it's like to work for Bill Gates? I've got some insider info.
Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”
Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Texas man accused of supporting ISIS charged in federal court
- A new Mastercard design is meant to make life easier for visually impaired users
- White House brings together 30 nations to combat ransomware
- 3 Former U.S. Intelligence Operatives Admit Hacking For United Arab Emirates
- Whoopi Goldberg calling herself 'a working person' garners criticism from 'The View' fans
- Google Is Appealing A $5 Billion Antitrust Fine In The EU
- Behind murky claim of a new hypersonic missile test, there lies a very real arms race
- U.S. diplomatic convoy fired on in Sudan as intense fighting continues between rival forces
- Bitcoin has topped $87,000 for a new record high. What to know about crypto’s post-election rally
- This Alaskan town is finally getting high-speed internet, thanks to the pandemic
Ranking
- Will Trump curb transgender rights? After election, community prepares for worst
- Facebook will examine whether it treats Black users differently
- Oscars 2023: Everything You Didn't See on TV
- The Little Mermaid Trailer: Melissa McCarthy Transforms into Ursula Alongside Halle Bailey’s Ariel
- What do nails have to say about your health? Experts answer your FAQs.
- Oscars 2023: Everything You Didn't See on TV
- A Crypto-Trading Hamster Performs Better Than Warren Buffett And The S&P 500
- 'Concerned Citizen' At Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes' Trial Turns Out To Be Family
Recommendation
-
Agents search home of ex-lieutenant facing scrutiny as police probe leak of school shooting evidence
-
Put Down That PS5 And Pick Up Your Switch For The Pixelated Pleasures Of 'Eastward'
-
In this case, politics is a (video) game
-
Transcript: Christine Lagarde on Face the Nation, April 16, 2023
-
Olivia Culpo Celebrates Christian McCaffrey's NFL Comeback Alongside Mother-in-Law
-
TikTokers Are Trading Stocks By Copying What Members Of Congress Do
-
Oversight Board slams Facebook for giving special treatment to high-profile users
-
Amazon warehouse workers on Staten Island push for union vote