Scammers are increasingly targeting children of all ages with sophisticated schemes, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress for families. According to Irina Zinovkina, Head of Analytical Research at Positive Technologies, understanding the specific tactics used against different age groups is crucial for effective prevention.

For children aged 3 to 6, scammers often exploit their interest in online games by offering fake in-game currency or promo codes, often impersonating children’s bloggers or celebrities.

Children aged 7 to 11 are more susceptible to social engineering tactics. Scammers may pressure them to take actions on their parents’ phones, such as transferring money or sending screenshots, by claiming that a parent made a mistake. They may also trick children into taking out online loans using SMS codes.

The schemes become more elaborate for children aged 12 to 15. Scammers often impersonate school officials, such as head teachers or coaches, and use threats and intimidation to manipulate children. They may scare children into believing their parents are in legal trouble and instruct them to find valuables and hand them over to a “representative.” The use of the word “declare” adds an air of officialdom to the scam, preying on the child’s fear.

For older teenagers, aged 16 to 18, scammers often offer illegal earnings or use them as “drops” to conduct fraudulent transactions through their bank cards. This can involve criminal liability, such as arson, or selling/renting their bank cards to facilitate money laundering. In some cases, scammers may kidnap teenagers and demand a ransom from their parents.

Zinovkina emphasizes that simply advising children is ineffective. Instead, parents need to build a strong foundation of trust so that children feel comfortable reporting mistakes and seeking help without fear of punishment. Parents should openly acknowledge their own mistakes and explain that children are not responsible for solving adult problems, especially those involving law enforcement.

While technical solutions like parental controls can be helpful, children often find ways to bypass them. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to stay informed about their child’s online communication and be aware of any suspicious contacts.