Scam calls have long been a nuisance for adults, but an emerging concern is the impact these fraudulent calls are having on children and teenagers. As technology advances, so do the tactics used by scammers, and young people—especially those who are tech-savvy but may not have the experience to spot deception—are increasingly becoming targets.
In this blog, we'll explore how scam calls affect children and teens, what risks they pose, and how parents can protect their families from these potentially harmful scams.
The Rising Threat of Scam Calls
Scam calls are a widespread problem across the globe, and their reach extends far beyond just adult populations. According to a report from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), fraudulent phone calls, including scams targeting children and teens, have risen sharply in recent years. While older adults remain the most common victims, children and teens are becoming a more frequent target for scammers using sophisticated tactics designed to exploit their inexperience.
In 2023 alone, fraud and cybercrime accounted for more than £1.5 billion in financial losses in the UK, with a significant portion of these scams coming from phone-based fraud. A study by Citizens Advice found that one in five young people reported receiving scam calls, with many of them not recognising the potential risks until it was too late. This growing trend has led to concerns about the vulnerability of children and teens, particularly in the digital age.
Types of Scam Calls Targeting Children and Teens
Scammers often tailor their approaches depending on their target audience. With children and teenagers, the focus tends to be on exploiting their desire for instant gratification, free offers, or a sense of adventure. Some common types of scam calls targeting young people include:
Prize Scams
Teenagers are often attracted to the idea of winning something for free. Scammers may pose as representatives of well-known companies or social media platforms, claiming that the child has won a prize or gift card. The scammer then asks for personal information or payment for "shipping fees" before sending the supposed prize.
Tech Support Scams
Many teens rely on smartphones and other devices, which makes them simple targets for scammers posing as tech support agents. These scammers often claim that there’s a problem with the teen's device, offering to fix it remotely. In doing so, they may gain access to personal data or install malware on the phone.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are a significant concern, especially as children and teens engage more frequently on social media and email. Scam calls in this category typically involve scammers pretending to be trusted companies, such as their bank, a favourite retailer, or even a social media platform. The goal is to trick the teen into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.
Loan or Debt Scams
With many teens starting to use their own credit cards or making purchases online, scammers may target them with false offers for loans or "easy credit" to lure them into debt. These calls often sound too good to be true, but young people may not have the financial awareness to recognise the risks.
Fake Charity Scams
Scammers may also impersonate charitable organisations to exploit the goodwill of teens. These calls typically claim that the teen has won a prize or is being asked to donate to a cause in need. The scammer may even play on emotions, asking for donations to make the teen feel generous, only to pocket the money for themselves. Teens may be particularly vulnerable to these scams, especially if the cause seems noble or relates to an issue they care about.
Psychological Impact of Scam Calls on Young People
While financial loss is an obvious consequence of falling for a scam, there are also serious psychological impacts, especially for children and teenagers. Being scammed can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, and guilt, which may be difficult for young people to navigate, especially if they are too embarrassed to report the incident to their parents.
Loss of Trust
Scammers often take advantage of the trust that children and teens place in others, which can result in a loss of confidence in the people they interact with online or over the phone. Teens who fall victim to scams may become more wary or distrustful, which could affect their social relationships and future interactions.
Fear and Anxiety
In some cases, scam calls can lead to heightened anxiety, particularly if the scam involved threats, such as impersonating a law enforcement official or claiming the teen owes money. The emotional toll of being deceived can also manifest in long-term feelings of insecurity or fear.
Impact on Social Connections
Teens who fall victim to scams may also be targeted by other malicious actors, especially if scammers sell or share their information. This can result in ongoing harassment or further financial and personal harm.
Damage to Self-Esteem
When young people fall victim to scams, their self-esteem can take a significant hit. Teens may feel embarrassed about their inability to recognise the scam, especially if they have shared sensitive personal information or made a payment. This can lead to a lack of confidence in their decision-making skills, which may affect their ability to trust themselves in the future.
Long-Term Emotional Consequences
For some teens, the emotional impact of a scam can linger long after the incident. If the scam involved threats or deception, it could lead to long-term feelings of vulnerability and insecurity. In extreme cases, the psychological effects of being scammed could contribute to issues like depression or social withdrawal, particularly if the teen feels isolated or unsure about how to seek support.
How to Protect Your Child from Scam Calls
Scam calls targeting children and teens are becoming more prevalent, with scammers using sophisticated tactics to exploit their vulnerabilities. Protecting your child from these types of scams requires awareness, open communication, and the use of practical tools. In this section, we’ll explore several strategies to help safeguard your child and teach them how to recognise and avoid scam calls.
Educate Your Children About Scam Calls
The first line of defence against scam calls is education. Talk to your children about the risks of unsolicited calls and the common types of scams targeting young people. Teach them to be sceptical of unexpected calls and to never share personal information over the phone, whether it’s their full name, address, or banking details. Encourage them to ask you first if they’re unsure about a call.
Use Call Blockers
One of the best ways to protect your child from scam calls is by using a call-blocking device or app. Many smartphones now have built-in features that allow you to block unwanted calls, but a more comprehensive solution is to install a dedicated call-blocking device. These devices, such as CPR Call Blocker, can help filter out scam calls, robocalls, and telemarketers, providing an extra layer of protection for your family.
Set Up Parental Controls on Phones
Most modern smartphones come with built-in parental control options that allow you to restrict certain types of calls and messages. You can set up restrictions to prevent unknown numbers from getting through or limit your child’s access to certain services that may be vulnerable to scams.
Monitor Phone Activity
Keeping an eye on your child’s phone activity can also help identify potential issues before they escalate. While it’s important to respect their privacy, maintaining an open line of communication about phone usage can help ensure they aren’t being targeted or taken advantage of by scammers.
Encourage Critical Thinking and Reporting
Encourage your child to think critically about every phone call they receive, especially if the caller asks for money or personal information. Teach them that it's always okay to hang up and consult you or another trusted adult before making any decisions. Additionally, ensure that your child knows how to report scam calls, either by informing you, contacting the relevant authorities, or using apps that allow users to report fraudulent numbers.
Conclusion
Scam calls targeting children and teens are a growing concern, but there are steps parents can take to protect their families. By educating children about the risks, using call blockers, and leveraging technology, parents can reduce the likelihood of their children becoming victims of these harmful scams. Staying vigilant and proactive is key to ensuring that the next generation remains safe and secure in an increasingly digital world.
Introducing CPR Call Blocker: A Practical Solution
If you’re sick of spam calls disrupting your day, the CPR Call Blocker provides an effective solution. The device is designed to block nuisance calls before they even reach you, allowing you to maintain focus and control over your phone. Here’s why it stands out:
Pre-installed spam numbers: The CPR Call Blocker comes with thousands of known spam numbers already blocked, so you won’t be bothered by common scam or telemarketing calls.
User-friendly features: You can manually add numbers to your personal blacklist, giving you complete control over who can and cannot reach you.
Immediate relief: With the push of a button, you can block numbers as they come in, ensuring that repeat offenders don’t disturb you again.
The CPR Call Blocker is particularly useful for individuals who work from home or run small businesses, where every interruption can have a lasting impact on productivity and mental well-being.
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