Teach kids to spot financial scams early. From fake deals to phishing tricks, help your mini millionaires pause, check, and stay safe online
Kids are digital natives.
And because they’re tech-savvy, it opens up a whole new world of dodgy characters trying to work their online scams on unsuspecting kids. From social media scams and fake online shopping deals, to freebies, competitions, and incredible-sounding offers, the golden rule is this: If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Teaching your mini millionaires to spot scams early helps them tune into their spidey senses. It can save them from the unpleasantness of being scammed while preparing them for a future where scammers will only get smarter and more skilled thanks to advances in technology.
Legit investment opportunity? Check out how to teach kids about investing.
Encourage kids to treat offers that look fun or urgent like a brain teaser that needs a moment’s thought.
Young people are more than three times more likely to fall for financial scams than their grandparents. Hard to believe, but that’s mostly because scams today are cleverly tailored to younger audiences.
Remind your child: if you come across an offer too good to be true, be especially cautious if it makes you feel rushed to sign up, click, or provide personal details.
Takeaway: Pause for a sec. It might save you from regret.
The mindset of pausing can also be really helpful when teaching kids to compare prices.
Turn “checking in” into a family rule.
Encourage your mini millionaire to check with you before they respond to any offer they see or receive, especially if it’s connected to money or personal information. This is even more important if they have their own phones with access to email and social media.
A second pair of eyes (especially ones with a little more life experience, like mom and dad) can make all the difference. Just as important: make sure your child knows they can check in without being scared or feeling embarrassed.
Takeaway: A quick check-in with an adult builds safety.
Make screenshots second nature
Teach kids that their very first action when they see something suspicious. Whether it’s an ad for “free Robux,” an unbelievable deal on trendy shoes, or a weird message from someone they don’t know (or even someone they do), their first step should be to take a screenshot.
Then, ask Mom and Dad.
Share that screenshot in the family chat or show it in person before deciding what to do next. This simple habit reinforces the pause and gives adults the chance to calmly assess the risk together with them.
Takeaway: A screenshot is a snapshot that can save your day.
Getting scammed can mean all sorts of financial trouble, including going into debt. Check out: how to teach kids about debt.
This week’s free printable is designed to spark family conversations about scams.
Print it out, cut out each card, laminate them if you like, and use them to kickstart “scamversations” around the dinner table or during family time.
Each card contains a scenario, everything from “win a prize” tricks to “pay upfront” traps. Kids can decide together: is it a scam or is it safe?
It’s a simple, practical way to practice spotting red flags before your mini millionaire comes across them in real life.
