How to Protect Children and Teens Against Online Scams

The internet offers kids endless opportunities to learn, create, and connect—but it also comes with risks. From fake giveaways to impersonation and phishing, scammers are increasingly targeting young users who may not yet have the experience to spot red flags.

Teaching children and teens how to recognize and avoid online scams is one of the most important ways you can keep them safe. Whether your child is using a school-issued tablet, scrolling social media, or playing an online game, they need guidance to develop safe, confident digital habits.

Below, you’ll find the most common scams aimed at kids and teens—plus five practical ways to help protect kids from online scams and navigate the digital world wisely.

Common Online Scams That Target Kids and Teens 

Children and teens can be vulnerable to scams because they’re naturally curious, trusting, and still developing their decision-making skills. Here are some of the most common scams aimed at young users:

Gaming Scams

Scammers use popular online games to tempt kids with “free” in-game currency (like Robux or V-Bucks), rare items, or cheat codes—often leading to phishing sites or malware instead.

Tip: Teach kids never to enter their login info on third-party sites or click offers that seem too good to be true. For more tips on protecting children and teens online, check out our full guide on how to protect children and teens from online scams.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams come in the form of messages—emails, texts, or DMs—that try to trick kids into giving up personal information. These messages often impersonate trusted sources, like teachers, friends, or even game companies.

Tip: Encourage kids to show you any message that asks for passwords, gift card codes, or other personal info.

Fake Contests and Giveaways 

“Congratulations! You just won a $100 gift card!” These scams hook kids with fake prizes, then ask them to click a link, enter personal info, or pay a fee to claim their reward.

Tip: Make sure kids know legitimate contests never require payment or personal details to claim a prize.

Social Media Impersonation

On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, scammers create fake profiles to befriend or impersonate someone your child knows. They might send suspicious links, ask for photos, or try to move the conversation to another platform.

Tip: Remind kids to never accept friend requests from people they don’t know in real life and to come to you if something feels off.

Scam Toy Stores and Merch Sites 

Fraudulent websites often pop up offering popular toys, trendy clothes, or collectibles at huge discounts—especially around holidays or back-to-school time. These sites take payment but never deliver, or worse, steal credit card information.

Tip: Always verify shopping sites together and encourage your child to ask before making any online purchases.

Practical Steps to Protect Kids from Online Scams

Understanding the common scams targeting kids and teens is the first step toward protecting them. But knowing is only half the battle—empowering your child with the right tools and habits is essential. Below are five practical ways you can help your children develop the skills and confidence they need to recognize threats, avoid danger, and navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

1. Start Early: Teach Online Safety from a Young Age

Teaching internet safety for kids should begin as soon as your child begins using devices. Just as you’d teach them to be cautious crossing the street, you should also teach them to think critically about what they see and do online.

Break it down with examples they can understand:

• For younger kids: “If someone says you won a prize but you didn’t enter anything, it’s probably a trick.”
• For teens: “If a stranger DMs you or asks you to send personal info, talk to a trusted adult right away.”

This early foundation gives them confidence and caution as they grow more independent online.

2. Set Clear Boundaries and Rules for Internet Use

Setting boundaries helps prevent risky behavior. Create rules about what your child can do online, which websites or apps are allowed, and what information is never okay to share—like full names, addresses, phone numbers, or passwords.

Consider drafting a family technology agreement and keeping it visible. You can include rules like:

• Only message or video chat with people you know in real life.
• Always ask before clicking unfamiliar links or downloading files.
• Don’t share personal information, even if a website or game asks for it.
• Keeping expectations consistent helps your child build safe online habits.

3. Use Parental Controls and Monitoring Software

Technology can be a powerful ally in keeping kids safe. Use parental control tools to:

• Block access to risky or inappropriate sites
• Set screen time limits
• Prevent unapproved downloads
• Monitor online activity for suspicious behavior

There are a variety of apps and platforms that support these features, including built-in controls on iOS, Android, and gaming consoles. For added protection, consider software like Bark or Qustodio.

Even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends monitoring online activity to help identify and prevent scam attempts. You can explore their tips as well as their guide to Protecting Kids Online for more information.

4.  Encourage Open Communication

Open, honest conversations are key. Let your child or teen know they can come to you with any questions or concerns—without fear of punishment. Scammers often rely on secrecy, so make sure your child understands it’s always okay to ask for help.

To encourage communication:

• Ask what they’re seeing online or which apps their friends are using.
• Use calm, curious responses if they bring up something risky.
• Praise them for being cautious or coming to you with a concern.

When kids feel supported, they’re more likely to reach out before a mistake turns into a problem.

5. Make Online Safety a Regular Conversation

Online scams for kids are constantly evolving. Instead of a one-time safety talk, make it a regular part of your family conversations. You can:

• Watch short videos about scams and phishing together.
• Share age-appropriate news stories about current digital threats.
• Schedule monthly check-ins to review apps, permissions, and passwords.

Framing online safety as a shared responsibility helps kids see online safety not as a restriction, but as a shared responsibility and a normal part of growing up.

Empower Kids to Navigate the Online World with Confidence 

Protecting kids from online scams isn’t just about blocking content—it’s about teaching them to think critically, act cautiously, and speak up when something feels wrong. By starting early, setting rules, using tech tools, and creating space for open conversations, you’re giving your children the tools they need to safely navigate the digital world.