How scammers trick children and teenagers in online games: Common techniques and methods of protection

Children and teenagers often become victims of scammers in online games: their gullibility, interest in rare items and lack of experience in cybersecurity make them especially vulnerable.

How do scammers operate and how can you protect yourself? Read the NEWS.am Tech article.

Common fraud schemes

1. Counterfeit game items or currency

Scammers can promise game currencies, skins or rare items, and in order to get all this, they ask to follow malicious links or enter confidential data (passport data, card numbers, etc.). Malicious links can lead to fake phishing sites, the purpose of which is also to steal confidential data or money.

2. Impersonation

Scammers often pretend to be developers or moderators of online games and request account data. They also often create fake profiles to trick people into giving them money or information.

3. Marketplace Scams

In games where players can trade with each other, scammers offer valuable items, often for a low price, but disappear after receiving the victim’s payment or items. They also create fake ads for discounts on in-game items or accounts, accept payment, but never deliver the promised goods.

Adults are often victims of these scams, but children and teenagers are even more common, as they are usually more trusting.

4. Exploiting Trust and Emotions

Scammers often prey on children’s emotions by threatening to block accounts, faking emergencies, or pretending to need help. They also pose as friends or helpful, friendly players to gain trust and gain access to accounts.

5. Malware and Viruses

Scammers may promise “cheats” or “game hacks” and require you to download malware or spyware to get them. They may also offer “free versions” of popular games that are actually files with malware.

6 tips to protect children and teens:

1. Educate your children: Tell them about online scams, the importance of keeping passwords confidential, and teach them to recognize phishing attempts.
2. Enable parental controls: Use parental control settings to monitor and limit online interactions.
3. Protect accounts: Encourage strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA).
4. Be skeptical: Don’t click links or download files from unknown sources.
5. Track spending: Regularly review in-game purchases your children have made and set spending limits.
6. Report suspicious activity: Use in-game reporting tools or contact customer support if you suspect fraud.