Avast, ye landlubbers! Beware, for scurvy scammers be targetin' yer sprouts and young scallywags!
2024-02-04
Avast ye, me hearties! Whilst the old sea dogs be often prey to scoundrels, listen closely, for I tell ye a tale of young scurvy knaves. The scurvy dogs among the teens be growin' their online cybercrimes 2500% between 2017 and 2022. Arrr, the times be changin'!
In the language of a 17th century pirate, it's quite surprising that it's not just grandmas getting scammed these days. Teens have been losing a staggering amount of money to online scams, with losses growing by 2,500% between 2017 and 2022. In 2022 alone, victims under the age of 20 lost $210 million. It's crucial to educate our kiddos on red flags to prevent them from becoming victims.Sextortion scams have seen a 20% increase between October 2022 and March 2023, with scammers now targeting teen boys. State house Rep. Brandon Guffey from South Carolina is working to bring harsher punishments for this kind of sexual extortion after his son tragically took his own life due to being targeted. Common tactics used in these scams include the threat of exposure, causing panic among kids, who often make payments out of fear. Parents should talk to their children about this issue and let them know they're there to help.
Popular online games like Roblox and Fortnite are not only popular among kids but also among cybercriminals. These platforms require credit card information and personal details, making them vulnerable to hacking. Social media influencers are also at risk, as scammers try to exploit their desire to make money online.
To keep your kids safe from scammers, it's important to stay informed and keep your tech-knowledge up to date. Kim Komando's podcast, "Kim Komando Today," provides tech news, tips, and caller questions, while her radio show is available on over 425 stations. Additionally, her 5-minute daily email newsletter is a great resource for staying updated.
Overall, the digital world can be a scary place, but with the right precautions and knowledge, we can navigate it safely and protect our loved ones from falling victim to scams.