This Post: 12 Scams Every Teen Needs to Know About Before It’s Too Late
Written By: Nancy Reynolds
When I was growing up, my parents warned me about strangers in dark parking lots.
Today, the real strangers are on our kids’ phones.
They’re on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, gaming apps, text messages, email, and even job search websites. And here’s the scary part—they’re incredibly good at pretending to be someone they’re not.
Most teens today have smartphones, social media profiles, gaming accounts, Venmo accounts, and even debit cards. To a scammer, that equates to BIG opportunity. Considering plenty of adults fall for scams every single day, it’s no surprise that teenagers do, too–especially since they’re still learning to navigate the online world, which makes them especially vulnerable.
In fact, a recent study by SocialCatfish.com found a whopping 156% increase in people under the age of 20 falling for online scams over the past three years. And the FBI reported over 13,000 total cybercrime complaints from young adults 17 and under, resulting in $12 million in financial losses with an average loss of $986 per victim.
The good news? A simple conversation today could save your teen from losing money, having their identity stolen, or becoming the victim of a scam that follows them for years.
12 Scams Every Teen Needs to Know About Before It’s Too Late
Here are 12 scams every teen should know about.
1. The “Accidental Payment” Scam
Imagine your teen wakes up to a Venmo notification showing that someone accidentally sent them $100. A few minutes later, they receive a message: “I’m so sorry! I sent that to the wrong person. Could you please send it back?” Wanting to be kind, your teen sends the money.
Here’s how it works:
The original payment came from a stolen account or fraudulent credit card. That payment eventually disappears—but the money your teen sent back is not only real, but it’s gone for good.
TELL YOUR TEEN: Never send money back to someone you don’t know. Contact the payment app instead.
2. Fake Job Offers
This scam targets teens looking for a job. (According to statistics, this scam is gaining ground with young adults!) They’ll receive a message promising flexible hours, easy work-from-home flexibility, and great pay. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Here’s how it works:
The “employer” sends a check and asks your teen to buy office equipment, gift cards, and oftentimes, send some of the money back. Days later, the check bounces and your teen is responsible for every dollar they spent.
TELL YOUR TEEN: If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if an employer sends them a check and expects them to make purchases, consider that a BIG red flag.
3. Sextortion Scams
A few years ago, a 17-year-old high school senior named Jordan DeMay thought he was chatting online with a teenage girl. It turns out, the “girl” was actually a scammer who enticed him to send an intimate photo and then demanded money and threatened to send the photo to everyone Jordan knew. Tragically, Jordan died by suicide before anyone could help him.
Here’s how it works:
A scammer pretends to be another teenager, often using a fake or stolen profile. They strive to build trust and eventually convince teens to send an intimate photo. Almost immediately, the tune changes and threats begin. “Send (x) amount of money, or I’ll send the picture(s) to your parents, friends, classmates, and everyone you follow.”
This is one scam every parent should talk about, regardless of how uncomfortable the conversation might be.
TELL YOUR TEEN: Be careful who you engage with online. Scammers are incredibly skilled at pretending to be someone they’re not. If it happens, don’t pay. Don’t keep it a secret. And don’t let shame keep you silent. Stop communicating with the scammer and tell a parent or another trusted adult immediately.
Most importantly, know this: One mistake doesn’t define you. There is nothing you could ever do that would make you unworthy of help, love, or support.
4. Fake Scholarship Scams
What teen wouldn’t get excited about winning a scholarship? Scammers know that.
Here’s how it works:
A scammer will target unsuspecting college students and send emails or text messages claiming they won money. The catch? They first need to pay an application fee, verify banking information, or provide personal information.
TELL YOUR TEEN: Real scholarships don’t require payment to receive your award. If someone asks for money or banking information upfront, it’s likely a scam.
5. QR Code Scams
QR codes are everywhere. Restaurants. Sporting events. Concerts. Parking lots. Retail stores. Unfortunately, scammers have gotten pretty sneaky by placing fake QR codes over legitimate ones.
Here’s how it works:
Your teen unknowingly scans a fake QR code, and the next thing they know, their personal data, passwords, and payment/banking information are breached.
TELL YOUR TEEN: It’s not always easy to identify, but encourage them to pause before scanning any code that seems suspicious.
6. “Your Package Couldn’t Be Delivered” Scam
I’ve seen this one personally a handful of times. It’s extremely convincing, especially if your teen is expecting a package.
Here’s how it works:
Your teen gets a text saying: “We couldn’t deliver your package. Click here to verify your address.” It looks completely legitimate. But clicking the link can install malware or take them to a fake website designed to steal passwords or payment information.
TELL YOUR TEEN: Instead of clicking the text, go directly to the shipping company’s website or app.
7. Online Shopping/Marketplace Scams
A few years ago, my daughter got scammed out of $80 for concert tickets on Facebook Marketplace–not once but twice! “Mom… they were so convincing! It never occurred to me that it was a scam.”
Here’s how it works:
Whether your teen is buying concert tickets, sneakers, a prom dress, or electronics, it’s easy to fall for an “incredible deal.” It seems totally legit. The seller might even engage in a quick online conversation to make the whole deal seem even more legitimate. They may even have a website. But… once payment is sent, the seller disappears and so does their money.
TELL YOUR TEEN: Always meet in a public, well-lit place like a police station or “safe trade zone” AND bring an adult with you. Keep all communication strictly inside the Facebook app and rely only on cash transactions. Never share personal information like your phone number, and reject any requests involving shipping, digital payment apps, or gift cards. Plus, if the deal is “too good to be true,” it likely is.
8. Gift Card Scams
One of the biggest red flags in the scam world? Someone asking to be paid with gift cards.
Here’s how it works:
Your teen finds Taylor Swift, Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen, or another sold-out concert ticket on Instagram. The seller says, “I can only hold it for 10 more minutes. Send me two $100 Apple gift cards, and I’ll transfer the tickets immediately.” As soon as the gift cards are sent, the seller is GONE.
TELL YOUR TEEN: If anyone asks you to buy gift cards and send the numbers on the back, it’s a scam. Stop the conversation and tell a trusted adult immediately. Additionally, Apple, Google Play, Amazon, or other retailers or legitimate businesses won’t ask people to pay with gift cards. Nor will a bank, government agency, or prize organization ever ask for payment with gift cards
9. Fake Bank Fraud Alerts
Your teen receives a text: “We’ve detected suspicious activity on your debit card. Your account is temporarily locked. Click here immediately to verify your identity.” The bank logo looks real, and the message seems urgent. Why wouldn’t they click the link?
Here’s how it works:
The text looks like it’s coming from their bank, but it’s actually from a scammer. The link takes your teen to a fake website that looks nearly identical to the bank’s official login page. Once they enter their username, password, debit card number, or security code, that information goes straight to the scammer. In some cases, the website even asks for a one-time verification code that’s texted to your teen’s phone. If they enter that code, scammers may be able to access their bank account immediately.
TELL YOUR TEEN: If you ever receive a text or email claiming there’s a problem with your bank account, don’t click the link. Instead, open your bank’s app or visit the bank’s website. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card to verify whether the alert is legitimate. REMEMBER: Never trust a link that comes to you. Instead, go directly to the source.
10. Gaming Scams
If your teen plays online games, they’ve probably seen offers for free Robux, V-Bucks, gaming skins, coins, or upgrades. All they have to do to secure the offer is enter their username and password. Unfortunately, that “Wow, what a great offer!” excitement your teen feels is exactly what scammers are hoping for.
Here’s how it works:
The scammer creates a fake website or message that looks official and affiliated with a popular game. They promise free Robux, V-Bucks, gaming skins, coins, or exclusive items, but here’s the catch… your teen has to log in. The moment they enter their username and password, the scammer captures that information and can take over the account, lock your teen out, and even make purchases using any payment methods linked to it.
TELL YOUR TEEN: If an offer for free in-game rewards asks for your username or password, it’s more than likely a scam. Only log in to your account through the game’s official app or website, and remember: nothing that’s truly valuable is ever free.
11. Social Media Verification Scams
With teens spending so much time on social media, they’ll likely encounter this scam at some point.
Here’s how it works:
A friend sends your teen a message: “Hey! I accidentally sent my verification code to your phone. Can you send it to me?” The problem? It’s not actually the friend texting them. A scammer took over the account. That code gives the scammer access to your teen’s account, too.
TELL YOUR TEEN: Never share a verification code with anyone. Ever.
12. AI Voice and Deepfake Scams
Here’s the scary thing: Artificial intelligence has opened the door to an entirely new kind of scam. Fake phone calls. Fake FaceTime videos. Fake celebrity endorsements. Even fake voices that sound exactly like someone your teen knows.
Here’s how it works:
Your teen gets a phone call from what appears to be their best friend. It sounds like them. “Hey, I’m in a tough situation. My phone isn’t working. Can you Venmo me $100 right now? I promise, I’ll pay you back tomorrow.” The voice sounds real. But it’s an AI-generated deepfake.
TELL YOUR TEEN: AI technology has become incredibly convincing, making it even more important for your teen to verify before believing. If a situation feels urgent, emotional, or unusual, encourage your teen to pause, call the person directly, or check with another trusted adult before taking action.
10 Red Flags That Scream “Scam”
Keeping up with every scam your teen might be subjected to is impossible, but what you can do is teach them to recognize the warning signs. If someone is saying any of these things to your teen, it’s time to slow down and assess the situation:
- “Act now!”
- “Don’t tell your parents.”
- “This offer expires today.”
- “You’ve won a prize!”
- “Click this link.”
- “Send me the verification code.”
- “Pay with gift cards.”
- “Trust me.”
- “Keep this between us.”
- “You just need to send a small payment first.”
NOTE: Scammers rely on urgency, excitement, fear, and secrecy. The moment someone pressures your teen to act quickly or keep something hidden, alarm bells should go off.
The One Thing I Hope Every Teen Remembers:
If someone asks you to send money, click a link, share a password, send a verification code, buy gift cards, send photos, or keep a secret… STOP!
Call your mom, dad, or another adult you trust. The scammer is hoping you’ll panic… DON’T. And remember THIS: Don’t let embarrassment or shame keep you quiet. The people who love you would rather help you through a difficult moment than have you face it alone.
Share this article with your teen today. It could be the most important five-minute conversation you have all week.