They might be digital natives – streaming, scrolling and swiping without a second thought – but that doesn’t mean teens are immune to online scams. “There’s a misconception that if you’ve used technology all your life, you’ll be less likely to be scammed,” says Susan McLean, founder of Cyber Safety Solutions. “That’s not the case. Anyone can be scammed because offenders are good at picking targets.”
The numbers back her up. In 2023, research from RMIT University revealed a rise in scammers targeting gen Z and millennials, with dodgy job offers and fake crypto investments topping the list.
Confidence can create vulnerability
“Younger Australians are often more exposed to scams precisely because of how they engage online, whether it’s through social media, gaming, online shopping or dating apps,” says associate professor Shumi Akhtar, financial and cybercrime expert at The University of Sydney. “Their digital confidence can lead them to trust online interactions too quickly or to overlook warning signs. And scammers are skilled at tailoring their tactics to the vulnerabilities and habits of younger users.”
Ticketing and marketplace scams
From sold-out gigs to second-hand bargains, scammers know exactly where to strike. Fake ticket sales are a big one – Coldplay and Taylor Swift fans lost hundreds of thousands of dollars last year after succumbing to ticketing scams.
And it’s not just music lovers in the firing line. “Young people moving out of home can be scammed by people selling cheap household goods,” says McLean. “They say they’re clearing out their parents’ home or moving overseas so they need to sell quickly. People transfer the money but the goods don’t exist.”
The rise of employment scams
Looking for your first paid gig can come with its own risks for teens. As Akhtar explains, job scams are becoming increasingly common. “Fraudsters advertise flexible work-from-home roles or side hustles that turn out to be fake but require an upfront fee or personal details that can be used for identity theft.” Help your teen dig a little before applying for anything and always be wary of offers that sound too good to be true.
Money mule scams
There’s growing concern about young Australians becoming “money mules”. “They’re approached through social media or at events like O-Week to open a bank account on behalf of a criminal group,” says McLean.
Traditionally, scammers require payment by crypto or gift cards but these accounts allow them to syphon money from scams instead. “The person who opens the account has nothing to do with it but gets paid $400 or $500 a week. It’s money laundering and they could be prosecuted.” It may sound like easy cash but the fallout can be anything but – a reminder that if something feels off, it probably is.