As students gear up for another school year, the digital world will undoubtedly play a central role in both their education and social interactions. However, alongside the many benefits of being online, there are also significant risks, especially with the increasing prevalence of online scams targeting young people. It’s essential for students to be aware of these dangers and to arm themselves with the knowledge to protect their personal information and financial security. In this instalment of the Smart Digital Start Series, we’ll explore how you can identify and avoid these online threats, helping you navigate the digital world with confidence and care. 

What Are Online Scams? 

Online scams are deceptive schemes carried out over the internet with the intent to steal personal information, money, or other valuable assets. Scammers often use tactics like impersonation, fake websites, and fraudulent messages to trick victims into sharing sensitive data or making payments. As students increasingly rely on digital tools, they may encounter these scams in various forms, including emails, social media messages, and even in online ads. A report by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) revealed that in 2023, individuals aged 20 and younger accounted for nearly 18% of reported online scam victims, highlighting how vulnerable students can be in the digital space. 

Common Types of Online Scams Targeting Students 

Awareness is your first line of defence against online scams. By understanding the common types of scams, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to them. 

  1. Phishing Scams: Phishing is one of the most prevalent online scams targeting students. In fact, a recent study on students’ susceptibility to phishing emails, researchers found that over 90% of students opened at least one of three emails and over half clicked an included link. It typically involves an email or message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as your school, bank, or a well-known company. The message will often urge you to click on a link or provide personal information. However, the link directs you to a fake website designed to steal your data. 
  2. Fake Job or Internship Offers: Scammers prey on students looking for job opportunities by posting fake listings that require an upfront payment or personal information. According to a recent poll, among Gen Z job seekers, 51% of Americans and 56% of Canadians are worried about falling for a job scam, and 15% of Americans and 20% of Canadians say they have fallen for one. 
  3. Social Media Scams: With the widespread use of social media, scammers use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to spread fake giveaways, promotions, or investment opportunities. One in four people who reported losing money to fraud since 2021 said it started on social media. Reported losses to scams on social media during the same period hit a staggering $2.7 billion, far higher than any other method of contact. 
  4. Online Shopping Frauds: Students frequently shop online for everything from textbooks to electronics. Scammers create fake online stores that offer products at incredibly low prices. A study on the State of Internet Scams reported that teens and children show the largest percent increase (nearly 2,500%) in money lost, from 2017 to 2022. 

How to Spot Online Scams 

While online scams can be sophisticated, there are often telltale signs that can help you identify them before it’s too late: 

  • Unexpected Requests: Be cautious of any unsolicited emails, messages, or calls asking for personal information or urging you to take immediate action. Phishing email statistics reveal that approximately 1.2% of all emails sent are malicious, amounting to around 3.4 billion phishing emails each day. This means that for every 4,200 emails, at least one is likely to be a phishing scam. 
  • Generic Greetings and Poor Grammar: Phishing emails often use generic greetings like “Dear User” instead of your name and contain spelling or grammatical errors. According to cybersecurity experts, these mistakes are a common indicator that the message is not from a trustworthy source. 
  • Unusual Payment Requests: If an online store or job offer asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it’s likely a scam. According to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, gift card scams resulted in $228 million in losses in 2023, with the average individual loss being $500. Nearly 44% of all scam reports involved gift cards.  
  • Too Good to Be True Offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims with promises of easy money, high-paying jobs, or unbeatable discounts to trick them into sharing personal information. 

Protecting Yourself from Online Scams 

Now that you know how to recognize online scams, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim: 

  • Be Skeptical: Always question the legitimacy of unsolicited messages, especially those that ask for personal information or money. If you’re unsure, contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or website. 
  • Use Strong Passwords: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords. Avoid using easily guessed information like your name or birthdate and consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials. 
  • Use Trusted Software for Web Filtering and Content Control: To prevent falling for phishing links or accessing unsafe websites, it’s crucial to use software that filters and blocks malicious content. Netsweeper’s web-filtering software, can automatically detect suspicious links and prevent students from accessing dangerous sites. This type of software can block phishing attempts, and other online scams before they reach your inbox or browser, providing an extra layer of protection. By integrating this solution into your digital routine, you minimize the risk of being tricked by fraudulent websites. 
  • Report Scams: If you encounter a suspicious message or website, report it to the appropriate authorities or the platform where you found it. This helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

Staying Safe in a Digital World 

As students, you have the power to protect yourself from online scams by staying informed and vigilant. By understanding the common tactics used by scammers and taking proactive steps to secure your digital presence, you can navigate the internet with confidence. Remember, if something seems suspicious or too good to be true, trust your instincts and investigate further before taking any action. The digital world is full of opportunities, but with the right knowledge and habits, you can steer clear of the risks and make this school year a safe and successful one, both online and offline.