Dinero Teens: 3 Common Types of Fraud Targeting Teens — and How to Avoid Them

Fraud is everywhere. From sneaky online scams to fake emails and text messages, fraudsters are always looking for ways to trick people into giving away their money or personal information. As a teenager growing up in the digital age, you might think you're too smart to fall for these tricks, but even the savviest tech users can be targets. Learning how to spot fraud and protect yourself is a crucial life skill.

What is Fraud?

Fraud is when someone uses lies or deception to steal money or personal information. This could happen in various ways, such as fake websites, phishing emails, scam calls, or even shady offers on social media. Fraudsters often play on your emotions, like excitement, fear, or urgency, to get what they want.

1. Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping scams involve people pretending to be legitimate online sellers, creating false stores or profiles with what seem like great deals to get people to buy items or goods that never arrive or are counterfeit. Don’t fall for one of the scams by:

1. Shopping only from trusted websites. Look for "https://" in the web address.
2. Reading reviews and checking return policies.
3. Being cautious with deals that seem unbelievably cheap.

2. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams target you through email, phone, or text by someone posing as a real person or institution, trying to steal your account number, address, banking details, or login credentials. Avoid becoming a victim by:

1. Never clicking on suspicious links or giving out personal information.
2. Checking the sender's email address carefully—scammers often use addresses that look almost real.
3. Verifying the message with the company or person directly.

3. Social Media Scams

Social media scams can include romance scams, impersonations of government agencies or authority figures, or fake prize winnings asking for your personal information. Keep in mind:

1. Don’t believe in offers "too good to be true."
2. Keep your accounts private and don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
3. Never share sensitive details, like your bank info or passwords, with anyone online.

Fraudsters are sneaky, but you can outsmart them by staying cautious and informed. If something feels off or suspicious, trust your instincts. Recognize the red flags to keep your information safe—being smart about fraud is a skill you’ll use for life!