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How to tackle online scams

Find out what actions you and your child can take if they become a victim of scams online.

A dad comforts his daughter to help deal with scams.

Quick things to know about tackling online scams

If you or your child suspects someone is targeting them for a scam, they should stop communication. They can do this by blocking the user contacting them.

If they notice a scammer targeting someone else, they should not engage with the criminal.

If your child is a victim of a scam or sees a scammer targeting someone else, they should report the user on the platform.

For cases where your child is the victim, you should also report the incident to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040).

In addition to reporting the scam, remember to get support for your and your child’s wellbeing.

This could be through conversation together or with the use of helplines like Childline (0800 1111). You can also find support for yourself through organisations like Family Lives (0808 800 2222).

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What to do if your child sees a scam

If your child sees or experiences a scam online, they should prevent any further contact with the scammer. While it may be tempting to call out the scammer’s actions, they should not send any messages if they think someone is targeting them or someone else.

Instead, teach your child how to block other users on any platforms or messaging apps they use. Then, encourage them to use the tool if someone ever sends them a suspicious or scary message. If no block function exists, then not replying or reading any future messages is the best approach.

In cases where your child suspects someone is scamming another person or group of people, they should use the in-built report functions on the relevant platforms. Even if it doesn’t affect them directly, they’ll be taking action to protect other people who might not have as much information as they do.

Above all, empower them to come to you — even if they didn’t fall for the scam. It’s important that you know about the issues your child faces (and manages) online.

How to report scammers online

Once contact with the scammer has been cut off, they should be reported to prevent them from scamming anyone else in the future. Who the scammer should be reported to varies on what type of scam they were running, and where the scam took place.

  • Report phishing emails by forwarding them to [email protected]. Forward phishing text messages to 7726.
  • Report scam ads to the Advertising Standards Authority.
  • Report the scam directly to the platform that it happens on by using the in-built tool, usually accessible via a flag icon or through three dots or a gear icon next to the user’s name or on their profile.
  • Make sure to also report any scams or cyber crime to Action Fraud.
  • If the scam involved a payment card, immediately report it to the relevant financial institution to put a stop on the card or freeze funds for use by the scammer.

When reporting a scam, try and save as much evidence as possible to attach to your report. This can include screenshots of the scammers messages, emails or numbers they used and recordings or images they sent.

What if my child is a victim of a scam?

If your child is the victim of an online scam, assure them that it’s not their fault and that you’re there to help. Encourage them to speak up immediately so you can help them get the right protection.

Together, help them through the following actions.

Update their security

If your child gives a scammer personal information such as account logins, help them review their account security. They should change their password and logout of their accounts on all devices as soon as possible.

Additionally, if your child has used the same password for other accounts, they should change those passwords too. A password manager is a great way to create a range of complex passwords without having to remember dozens of unique logins.

Check-in on finances

In cases of financial scams, your child might have entered their/your card details somewhere unsafe. This could include suspicious online shops or forms.

If this happens, contact the relevant financial institution such as the bank or credit card company. They are trained to deal with all types of scams and can help protect funds and information. In many cases, they can also help dispute purchases made by the scammer.

While this process might involve getting a new card, opening a new account or losing some money, it’s an important step for long-term protection.

Assure your child that financial scams can happen to anyone. This is a learning opportunity and they will know to do additional checks in the future. Make sure they know that you are always there to support them and offer another opinion on whether something is safe.

Support wellbeing

Becoming a victim of a scam can negatively impact a young person’s wellbeing in massive ways. They might fear engaging in the spaces they once enjoyed or feel anxious about getting scammed again. In many cases, children will feel embarrassed, guilty or angry about falling for a scam.

As a parent or carer, lead regular conversations with them about how they’re feeling — even after everything is long sorted. Ask them about the impacts the experience has had, what they struggle with, what they have learnt and how they now engage with the space in which it happened.

Speaking with your child regularly about their digital life will also help them feel more comfortable about coming to you if something goes wrong. It can also help you pick up on anything that seems ‘off’.

Alternative sources of support

In some cases, your child won’t want to talk with you. This is usually down to those feelings of embarrassment and guilt. It’s important that you acknowledge this discomfort and provide alternatives. This could include:

  • a mental health professional through the NHS or private care;
  • helplines, forums and chats like those available through Childline, The Mix, Meic (Wales) and Kooth;
  • Ditch the Label, where they can talk with others who might have had similar experiences;
  • YoungMinds, where they can find support and information to support their wellbeing.

Supporting your own wellbeing

In many cases, parents prioritise their child’s wellbeing over their own. However, it’s important to also get support for yourself. The following services are designed to support parents with helplines, advice and more:

A family sits on their sofa, holding various devices and a dog sitting at their feet

Get personalised advice and ongoing support

The first step to ensure your child’s online safety is getting the right guidance. We’ve made it easy with our ‘My Family’s Digital Toolkit.’