Be Aware: The Top Con Artists are Potentially Eyeing Your Kids!
VTB observed a rise in deceitful activities targeted at minors
A recent investigation by VTB has shed light on an alarming trend – a significant rise in online scams aimed at our youth. With a staggering twofold increase in fraud attempts this year, it's crucial to keep our young ones protected. It seems the allure of easy cash and peer pressure has made our teenagers an irresistible target for digital con artists.
Here's the lowdown on the most common tricks these swindlers are pulling:
- Counterfeit Job Offers: You may find your teen enticed by quick-buck job proposals – from fill-out-and-earn surveys to marketing test subjects and messaging account leases. Watch out for these fake job offers, as they often demand initial payments or private data, resulting in lost cash. Worse, our little ones might be lured into money mule activities, which could lead to future account issues.
- Scary Phone Calls: Scammers pose as authorities, threatening the safety of your kid or loved ones. The scammer may claim they've found trouble or that parents are in jeopardy and request an immediate transfer of funds. These calls are meant to stir panic and push the victim to act on impulse.
- False Social Media Rumors: Cybercriminals wave the red herring of juicy gossip in the digital realm to gain trust and manipulate users. Be wary when your teen starts to share non-sensical 'news' from questionable sources.
- Deception Through Online Games: If your kid is hooked on online gaming, be vigilant. Scammers may offer winning streaks, bonuses, or in-game currency – all for a small fee or personal information. Encourage your kid to steer clear from such offers, as they often result in financial loss or loss of access.
- Remote Device Control: These fraudsters pitch security assistance, only to trick your kid into installing remote access software. Once installed, they can control the child's smartphone or gain access to parents' banking apps, potentially emptying your accounts.
In these tech-driven times, it's essential to keep your eyes wide open and stay ahead of these cunning scammers. As the summer gets underway, keep a close watch on your little ones' online activities and instill the importance of careful decision-making when faced with online offers.
As Dmitry Revyakin, Vice President of VTB and Head of the Corporate Interests Protection Department, suggests, "Inform your children about the risks, limit access to their devices for financial transactions, and monitor their online activities. Open communication will help keep them safe in this digital age."
- The rise in online scams targeting youth, as revealed by a recent VTB investigation in general-news, is concerning, particularly since this year has seen a twofold increase in fraud attempts in business, technology, and even in the realm of crime-and-justice.
- Keeping our children informed about potential scams is crucial, as they may receive counterfeit job offers in various forms - such as surveys, marketing test subjects, or messaging account leases - which often ask for initial payments or private data that lead to financial loss.
- Remaining vigilant about online activities is essential in this digital age, as scammers may exploit trust by spreading false social media rumors in an attempt to manipulate users, jeopardizing the financial and personal safety of our teenagers.
