I don’t like to fearmonger, but every time I look at an app or software my kids want to download, it’s a potential scam.

Here’s a list of the more recent scams I’ve cautioned against, and one that I almost fell for myself!

• Don’t answer any text (especially a group text) or from a number you don’t know. The longer they get you on the phone the easier it is to extract information….
• Even if the text seems to know information about you, do not engage.
• See the first AI Summary in Google? You need to fact check all of that, and not just using the sources they provide.
• When you download an app, don’t let yourself click and download the top icon automatically, because some sponsored apps are buying that spot and taking your credit card information.
• If you’re playing a community created game and it promises you a lot of coins, or other in-game currency, Do. Not. Engage.
• Definitely do not scan a QR code that promises a great deal.
• Stay as anonymous as you can online. Don’t tell anyone your name,

Warn them about the times that scammers act like friends. They may spend any amount of time, sometimes years, grooming a child to reveal something private, or send a photo–any way they can turn around and extort money out of you.

I really hate to sound fearmongering, and always frame these as simple safety rules you must understand and follow for the privilege of using the internet. But even on the correct webpage, there are sometimes huge “Download Here” buttons that take you away from what you wanted.

Every moment of caution has to come with the assurance that you, their parent/caretaker/educator, are their safe space and your child can go ask or tell you anything. That doesn’t mean safe from consequence at all, but safe from being shamed or berated for not understanding the context of all these scams. The more they can be themselves and make mistakes with us, the more comfortable they’ll feel with bigger problems.

Hear advice on how to create and nurture that safe space from a Licensed Therapist here: Patreon.com/OutThinkMedia

Resources

• Primer: Clues your Child Might be at Risk of Grooming
• Sextortion & Kids w/ Jen Lawrence (Out Think Influencers ep2)
• FightCyberCrime.org
• @WeFightCyberCrime on instagram
• Help for Romance Scams (all ages)
• Excellent piece on how to recover emotionally after a romance scam

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