FOX: Study: Teens are falling for online scams more than seniors

[China]

Study: Teens are falling for online scams more than seniors

 

Online scams are becoming more and more prevalent alongside the use of technology.

 

Social Catfish, a company dedicated to preventing online scams through reverse search technology, works with the AARP, Better Business Bureau, FTC, and the FBI to gather information.

A new study found tech-savvy teens are falling for online scams at a higher rate than seniors.

 

The money lost by victims under 20 years old grew by 1,125% over the last five years compared to 390% for seniors. Teens lost $8.2 million in 2017 compared to $101.4 million last year.

 

“They’re growing up in this TikTok generation, the iPhone generation, where it’s really cool to talk to strangers online. Whereas when you and I grew up, we were always told to not talk to strangers. A big thing that’s making these young people get scammed because they’re so confident online and everybody wants to be the next TikTok star. People are [getting] their advice from people on social media versus googling it and doing their due diligence,” David McClellan, the CEO and founder of Social Catfish, said.

 

4 common scams targeting teens in 2022:
 

1. “Sextortion”: The FBI announced a dramatic increase in “Sextortion” plots against teenage boys. Scammers pose as attractive females on social media, send nude photos and ask for the same in return. Once received, the victim is told if he does not send money, the photo will be sent to all his friends and family and posted online.
2. Student Loan Forgiveness: Since the government announced up to $20,000 in student loans can be forgiven, fake websites with imposter Department of Education logos are tricking people into providing their bank and personal information in hopes of having their debt forgiven.
3. Online Gaming: Players use credit cards to make in-game purchases that will help them win. Scammers pose as fake vendors and send phishing links during the in-game chat to make these purchases. If clicked, the criminal will have access to all your information.
4. Talent Scout: Users on Instagram and TikTok receive DM’s offering modeling and acting opportunities. They ask for a fee to apply but of course, there is no job waiting. They will request personal information during the “application process” and use it to commit identity theft.

 

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