With more than 95% of South African children accessing the internet regularly, online safety has never been more important. Many children unknowingly engage with online scammers, risking their personal information and financial security. Despite this, fewer than half receive formal online safety education.
Leon Jacobs, the chief information officer of consumer finance business RCS, acknowledges that although younger generations are digitally savvy, they are still minors who need guidance to recognise online threats. A single mistaken click can expose them to serious cyber risks, he warns.
“The holidays bring the challenge of managing kids’ screen time without school and activities to keep them busy,” says Jacobs. “Beyond general safety, parents must also teach their children to spot and avoid online scams and fraud.”
The rise of online scams
The SA Kids Online Study, released by UNICEF in 2020, found that while children primarily use the internet for learning and entertainment, a lack of awareness and unsupervised access put them at risk of online violence, exploitation, and abuse.
The study disclosed alarming statistics:
- 70% of children use the internet without parental consent.
- 25% have added people they’ve never met to their friends or contacts list.
- 18% have sent a photo or video of themselves to a stranger.
Despite these risks, only 41% of children have received any online safety education.
With online scams becoming more sophisticated, children are increasingly vulnerable to phishing, impersonation, and fraud schemes on the internet.
Common online scams targeting children and teens
Cybercriminals exploit young users’ inexperience through various schemes, including:
- Fake competitions: Scammers lure children into providing personal details by advertising fraudulent giveaways and prize draws.
- Modelling agency scams: Posing as talent scouts, fraudsters request inappropriate images under the guise of securing modelling contracts.
- Credit provider impersonation: Criminals pretend to represent legitimate financial providers such as RCS, using platforms such as Telegram to trick victims into filling out loan applications with sensitive information.
- Requests for deposits: Fraudsters pose as financial institutions, promising easy loan approvals but demanding upfront payments – only to disappear once the money is sent.
Jacobs emphasises that legitimate credit providers will never request deposits, administration fees, or any other payment to secure a loan or competition entry. Raising awareness and educating children about these threats is key to keeping them safe online.
Seven guidelines for cyber-savvy kids
“As digital natives, children are comfortable transacting online, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to fraud,” says Jacobs. “Parents must ensure their children understand the risks and can identify potential threats.”
He outlines seven rules to build digital resilience:
- Use trusted websites: Only shop on sites that are secure. Look for the padlock icon and “https://” in the URL.
- Keep personal information private: Never share full names, home addresses, or banking details unless on a verified site.
- Be wary of “too-good-to-be-true” deals: If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is. Always verify with a parent before clicking on promotions or discounts.
- Watch out for phishing scams: Cybercriminals use fake emails and adverts to trick users into providing sensitive information. If an email requests personal details or payment, consult an adult first. Also be cautious of “click here” or “follow the link” instructions.
- Use strong passwords: A password should be complex and not easily guessable. Also, never share passwords with friends.
- Don’t send photos to people you don’t know, ever: As a critical reminder, never send photos to people you don’t know, as sharing personal images with strangers can expose you to identity theft and further exploitation. Always verify the legitimacy of online contacts and remain vigilant against any requests that seem unusual or intrusive.
- Ask for help when unsure: If something online feels wrong or confusing, don’t hesitate to ask a parent or teacher for advice.
Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity
Jacobs warns that fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals, including children. While online shopping offers convenience, it also requires caution. Parents should teach their children safe payment practices and the importance of verifying financial transactions through official channels.
If you or your child suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to the relevant authorities.
“Parents can empower their children to operate safely in the digital world and to avoid falling victim to online scams through cyber awareness. With education and vigilance, we can create a safer online environment for the next generation,” he says.
