The internet is a central part of young people’s lives — from gaming and social media to online shopping. But with opportunity comes risk, and research shows that children and teenagers in the UK are increasingly falling victim to online scams.

The Scale of the Problem

A recent study in Wales found that 46% of young people aged 8–17 had been a victim of an online scam. This is an alarming figure — nearly half of children in this age group have already had their trust exploited online.

The UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) also reports that young people are regularly exposed to online scams, often without realising it. These scams can appear in multiple places:

  • Social media feeds and direct messages

  • Gaming platforms and chat rooms

  • Fake websites or shopping platforms

  • Emails and texts designed to look legitimate

Common Types of Scams

The scams targeting young people often play on curiosity, trust, or the desire for quick rewards. The most common include:

  • 🎁 Fake giveaways: “You’ve won!” messages that trick children into sharing details.

  • 🎮 Fraudulent in-game purchases: Fake offers for skins, credits, or upgrades.

  • 🛒 Online shopping scams: Too-good-to-be-true offers that never deliver.

  • 🌐 Fake websites: Cloned pages designed to steal login or bank details.

  • 📧 Phishing emails/messages: Disguised as official communication from schools, game developers, or platforms.

The Impact on Young People

Falling victim to a scam can be distressing. Young people may feel embarrassed, scared, or unsure who to turn to. Some do not seek help, fearing they will get into trouble, while others may withdraw or lose confidence online. The emotional impact can be just as serious as the financial loss.

How to Avoid Scams

Education is the most powerful defence. Parents, schools, and guardians can help by:

  • Talking openly about online risks and normalising conversations about scams.

  • Encouraging young people to pause before clicking on links or entering details.

  • Using parental controls and monitoring tools where appropriate.

  • Reminding children that if something looks too good to be true, it usually is.

  • Showing them where to seek help — from a parent, teacher, or reporting tools like Report Harmful Content and Action Fraud.

What Is the Government Doing?

The UK Government has introduced the Online Safety Act, which places new duties on tech companies to protect users — including children — from harmful and fraudulent content. This means platforms are expected to take more responsibility for preventing scams, removing fraudulent adverts, and creating safer online spaces for young users.

While no law can eliminate scams entirely, the Act provides a framework for stronger accountability. Combined with education and awareness, it can help reduce the risks young people face.

Final Thought

The reality is stark: almost half of children in Wales report being scammed online, and similar patterns are seen across the UK. With scams becoming more sophisticated, protecting young people requires a joint effort — from families, schools, tech companies, and government.

Because for young people, being online should be about connection, creativity, and opportunity — not exploitation.

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