Fraudsters are increasingly targeting children of all ages with sophisticated schemes to steal money and valuables, prompting warnings from experts on how to protect them. These schemes range from enticing younger children with promises of cheap game currency to manipulating older children with threats of parental imprisonment.
Children aged 3 to 6 are particularly vulnerable to scams involving game currency. Fraudsters often pose as children’s bloggers or famous figures, offering free promotional codes or discounts on in-game purchases to gain their trust.
As children enter junior school (ages 7-11), fraudsters employ social engineering tactics. They may pressure children to share phone passwords or send screenshots, potentially leading to unauthorized loans being taken out in the parents’ names.
For children aged 12 to 15, schemes become more complex and involve impersonating school officials. Fraudsters may ask for codes from the “Gosuslugi” (Government Services website) or scare children into believing their parents are in danger, instructing them to film their homes and hand over valuables to supposed “employees.”
Teenagers aged 16 to 18 are often targeted with offers of illegal earnings, such as becoming “drops” for fraudulent activities. This involves using their bank cards to carry out illicit transactions, which can lead to criminal charges.
Irina Zinovkina, Head of Analytical Research at Positive Technologies, emphasizes the importance of building trust with children. She advises parents to create an environment where children feel comfortable admitting mistakes and seeking help without fear of punishment.
Zinovkina also suggests that parents should admit their own mistakes and set a good example for their children. She stresses the importance of teaching children that they are not responsible for solving adult problems and that threats from strangers, such as claims of parental imprisonment, should be reported to parents immediately.
While technical solutions for children’s devices can be helpful, Zinovkina acknowledges that children are often adept at bypassing these restrictions. She recommends parental control and monitoring of children’s online contacts to prevent exposure to dangerous individuals.