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.
This blog will explore how scam calls affect children and teens, the 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 issue in the U.S. and have been steadily rising over the past few years. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scam calls have become one of the most common forms of fraud in the country, with millions of Americans affected every year. The concern for children and teens is growing, as they often lack the life experience and skepticism that adults have developed.
In fact, a 2022 study from the Better Business Bureau found that nearly one in five young people aged 13-17 had fallen victim to a scam call. These calls are not only financially harmful but can have long-lasting emotional effects as well.
Types of Scam Calls Targeting Children and Teens
Scammers use a variety of tactics to deceive children and teens into giving up personal information, money, or even their sense of security. These are some common scam types targeting younger audiences:
Prize Scams
Teenagers are often drawn to the idea of winning something for free. Scammers may pose as representatives of popular brands, online gaming platforms, or social media companies, claiming that the child has won a prize. The catch? They typically ask for personal details or payment for supposed shipping fees, even though no prize ever exists.
Tech Support Scams
Many teens spend significant time on their smartphones and computers, making them prime targets for tech support scams. Scammers may pretend to be technical support agents, claiming that there's a problem with the teen’s device. They may offer to fix the issue remotely, only to steal personal data or install malicious software.
Phishing Scams
As children and teens spend more time on social media and through email, they are increasingly at risk of phishing scams. Scammers may impersonate trusted brands, such as popular retailers or social platforms, to trick the teen into revealing sensitive information like passwords, account details, or even credit card numbers.
Loan or Debt Scams
With many teens beginning to use credit cards and exploring online shopping, they are vulnerable to scammers offering fake loans or credit opportunities. These calls often promise "easy" money, but they are designed to lure young people into debt. The offers are too good to be true, but teens may lack the financial awareness to recognize the risks.
Fake Charity Scams
Scammers may also pose as representatives of charitable organizations, preying on the goodwill of teens. They might claim that the teen has won a donation prize or request donations for a supposed cause. While the charity may seem legitimate, the scammer’s goal is simply to pocket the money.
Psychological Impact of Scam Calls on Young People
While the immediate consequence of falling victim to a scam may be financial loss, the emotional and psychological effects can be just as significant, if not more so, for children and teens.
Loss of Trust
When teens fall for scams, it can lead to a loss of trust in others, both online and offline. They may become more suspicious of those they interact with, which can affect their ability to form healthy social relationships. The experience may make them question the motives of those around them, causing unnecessary stress.
Fear and Anxiety
Scam calls that threaten legal action or claim that the teen owes money can lead to anxiety or fear. The emotional toll can cause the teen to feel insecure or unsafe, especially if the scammer impersonates an authority figure such as law enforcement. This kind of stress can linger long after the call has ended, leaving the teen feeling vulnerable.
Impact on Self-Esteem
Falling victim to a scam can significantly damage a teen’s self-esteem. Many young people feel embarrassed or ashamed after being tricked, especially if they shared personal information. These feelings of guilt can lead to a lack of self-confidence and even social withdrawal.
Long-Term Emotional Consequences
The psychological impact of being scammed can persist for months or even years. Teens who are repeatedly targeted by scammers may experience chronic anxiety, insecurity, and a lack of trust in others. In some cases, this emotional distress could lead to depression or a general withdrawal from social interactions, further isolating them from their peers.
How to Protect Your Child from Scam Calls
With scam calls becoming more sophisticated, it’s essential for parents to take proactive steps to protect their children from falling victim to these scams. Here are some practical strategies:
Educate Your Children About Scam Calls
The first line of defense against scam calls is education. Teach your children about the risks associated with unsolicited phone calls. Ensure they know not to share personal information, such as names, addresses, or credit card details, over the phone. Encourage them to come to you if they receive an unexpected or suspicious call.
Use Call Blockers
One of the best ways to protect your child from scam calls is to install a call-blocking device. Many smartphones come with built-in call-blocking features, but a dedicated call-blocking device, such as the CPR Call Blocker, offers even more comprehensive protection. This device blocks scam calls, robocalls, and telemarketers, preventing unwanted interruptions and keeping your child safe from phone-based fraud.
Set Up Parental Controls
Most modern smartphones come equipped with parental control settings that can be customized to restrict certain types of calls. Use these features to block unknown numbers or limit your child’s access to services that may expose them to scams. Many mobile carriers also offer additional call-blocking services that can be activated on your child's device.
Monitor Phone Activity
While respecting your child’s privacy is important, it’s also essential to keep an eye on their phone activity. This doesn’t mean tracking every text message or call, but having open discussions about phone usage can help prevent potential scams. Make sure they know how to identify suspicious calls and report them to you immediately.
Encourage Critical Thinking and Reporting
Teach your child to be skeptical of any unsolicited phone call, especially those asking for money or personal information. Let them know it’s okay to hang up and consult you before taking any further steps. Additionally, encourage them to report scam calls to relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission, or use apps that allow users to report fraudulent numbers.
Conclusion
Scam calls targeting children and teens are becoming an increasingly significant problem. With young people being especially vulnerable to the tricks and tactics used by scammers, it’s important for parents to educate their children and implement safeguards to protect them.
By using tools like call blockers, setting parental controls, and maintaining open communication, you can help reduce the chances of your child becoming a victim of phone scams. Staying vigilant is essential to ensuring your child's safety in today’s digital world.
The CPR Call Blocker Solution
One of the most effective tools available for preventing scam calls is the CPR Call Blocker. Designed to protect both households and businesses, this innovative device can block thousands of scam numbers with the push of a button.
Unlike many other call-blocking solutions, CPR Call Blocker allows users to manually block unwanted numbers, giving them full control over their phone lines. It also comes pre-programmed with thousands of known scam numbers, ensuring that users are protected from day one.
For households, CPR Call Blocker offers peace of mind, particularly for elderly individuals who are often prime targets for phone scams. Businesses benefit from reduced disruptions and improved productivity, as fewer scam calls reach their phone lines.
Please browse our selection of products or contact us so we can assist you.