Today, children actively use smartphones, play online games, shop, and communicate on the internet. Scammers take advantage of this by using various fraudulent schemes to obtain money, personal data, or access to devices.
The Most Common Scams
“Bonuses” in Online Games
Scammers promise in-game currency, premium accounts, or rare items in exchange for parents’ bank card details or SMS verification codes.
Phishing Links and Malware
Disguised as game cheats, bonuses, or game hacks, children are encouraged to click on a link or install an application. As a result, criminals gain access to the device, user accounts, and personal information.
Calls from “Teachers” or School Staff
Fraudsters pretend to be employees of educational institutions and, under various pretexts, attempt to obtain personal information or verification codes.
Marketplace Scams
Teenagers are lured by unrealistically low prices for smartphones, gaming consoles, and other products. Scammers request an advance payment and then disappear.
Recruitment into Fraudulent Schemes
Minors are offered “easy money,” such as registering SIM cards or completing other tasks that are later used for criminal activities.
How to Protect Your Child
To reduce the risks, it is important to explain the basic rules of digital safety to children in advance:
- Do not click on suspicious links.
- Never share SMS verification codes, passwords, or personal information with anyone.
- Never disclose parents’ bank card details.
- Do not make advance payments to unknown sellers.
- Download applications only from the App Store, Google Play, Galaxy Store, or Huawei AppGallery.
- Always tell parents about suspicious messages, phone calls, or offers.
Additional recommendations:
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Use parental control features.
- Create strong passwords for all important accounts.
- Regularly talk to your child about safe online behavior.
The most effective way to protect a child is not only through technical security measures but also through trusting relationships with parents. If children know they can ask for help without fear of being punished, the likelihood of scammers succeeding is significantly reduced.
Source: Fingramota.kz