Teens Beware! 5 Tips to Keep You Safe from Online Scams

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a major concern. Leading tech companies invest heavily in developing cybersecurity solutions to protect users from online scams and fraud. Malicious individuals use various tactics to steal personal information, which can have devastating financial consequences for the victim. The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have also contributed to this issue. While AI has the potential to streamline tasks through automation, it has also been utilized to create deepfakes that pose a threat to one’s online presence. For instance, a man from Kerala was recently tricked out of Rs. 40000 through an AI-generated fake video call on WhatsApp. Given this situation, it is crucial to prioritize your safety, and we offer you here five essential cybersecurity tips.

According to the report of the online investigation service Social Catfish, cybercriminals not only target pensioners but also young people, especially teenagers. It further claims that in the US, people aged 20 and under are vulnerable to scams, with the amount of money they lose increasing by a whopping 2,500 percent, from $8.2 million in 2017 to $210 million in 2022. The study says, “Teens and children see the biggest percent increase in losing money.” At the same time, the money stolen from pensioners has increased by 805 percent.

While prime-ages remain the most vulnerable to scams, with $3.1 billion lost to them in 2022 alone, the number of young people being targeted is a growing concern. Therefore, there is a need to raise awareness among them. Check out the top 5 cyber security tips to stay safe from online scams.

1. Use 2FA authentication

Adding double protection to your social media accounts is essential. Most social media platforms offer additional security options like OTPs via emails and phone numbers, etc. You can never be too safe, so use two-factor authentication wherever you can.

2. Check profiles before friending anyone

Scammers usually create fake profiles to interact with people on social media platforms. Most of these profiles do not have an extensive message history or many friends or followers. You should screen and research each profile before friending them.

3. Avoid spammy links

If someone sends you an unsolicited link on any social media platform that takes you to an external website, never click on such links. Scams can happen by clicking on a link that can even drain your bank account in seconds. Therefore, you should try to stay away from links that direct you to external websites.

4. Report unusual activity

If you have noticed any unusual behavior that suggests someone is a scammer, report that profile to the social media platform immediately. Instagram, Facebook and other platforms have safeguards against illegal activity, allowing people to report it to the platform’s moderators.

5. Protect your privacy

Many social media platforms, such as Instagram, allow users to choose who can interact with their posts. In addition to being able to delete comments, users can also disable them entirely. You can also control who tags you in posts, and you can even remove yourself from posts you’ve been tagged in. Finally, block anyone you don’t want to share your messages with on social media platforms.