Just like how you protect your belongings from mischievous siblings, it’s essential to guard your money from sneaky scammers. In this post, we’ll show you how to avoid being potentially scammed and keep your hard-earned money safe.
1. Learn to spot red flags
First things first, understanding red flags will help you steer clear of scams. Be cautious if someone promises you quick money or offers something that sounds too good to be true. Remember, there’s no such thing as easy money!
2. Guard your personal information
Keep your personal information like your full name, address, school details, and bank account numbers ALL private. Scammers can pretend to be someone you know or a company you trust, but always check with your parents or a trusted adult before sharing any information online or offline.
3. Be careful of what you post online
Make sure to never post sensitive or private information online. Do not post pictures of your credit or mada card for example.
4. Be skeptical of unsolicited messages
If you receive unexpected messages or emails from unknown emails or numbers, do not click on any links. Scammers can pose as companies, governments, and even people you know. They can try to trick you by sending messages that sound frantic, urgent, and require your immediate attention.
5. Double-check URLs and websites
When you visit websites or e-commerce stores, make sure they have “https://” in the address bar, which indicates it’s a secure connection. If something seems off or different from what you expected, don’t proceed and tell your parents right away.
6. Avoid sharing photos and videos without permission
Some scammers may try to blackmail you by using photos or videos you’ve shared online. Never share any content that could potentially be misused or make you uncomfortable. Go to a trusted adult if you have any concerns.
7. Seek guidance from trusted adults
If you’ve ever come across something that feels strange or uncomfortable, talk to your parents, guardians, or teachers about it. They will help you understand if it’s a scam and how to protect yourself.
8. Be mindful of how they are asking for money
Sometimes, scammers will ask for payments in the form of gift cards. This is because gift cards can be hard to track and so have become a favorite form of payment. Official businesses and forms of government will not ask for payment via a gift card.
9. Educate your friends
Spread the word and share what you’ve learned about detecting scams with your friends. Together, you can create a safe online community and look out for one another.
10. Report suspicious activities
If you receive any suspicious text messages or believe what you’ve received is a scam, then definitely report them to a trusted adult (your parents or school). They can help you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others.
11. Expect to see a trend of scams using AI in the future
Lastly, as we see the rise of AI in everyday and professional life, we can also expect that scammers will also utilize these tools to scam people of their hard-earned money. So, when it comes to emails and text messages, be wary of the structure of the sentences and the number and email addresses you receive these messages from.
By learning how to detect financial scams and protecting yourself, you’re building strong and secure money habits. Remember, your money is precious, and being cautious with it will keep you ahead of the game. Stay informed, be vigilant, and always seek help from adults you trust when in doubt. With these tips, you’re ready to take on any financial challenge that comes your way.