A new study in Wales has shown that nearly half (46 per cent) of young people aged 8 to 17 have fallen victim to online scams, with 9 per cent (including children as young as eight) having lost money to fraudulent schemes.
Scams A Regular Part of Online Life For Young People
A recent study by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) has unveiled a worrying trend, with findings released in conjunction with Safer Internet Day 2025 on 11th February. The results highlight how exposure to online scams has become a regular part of life for young internet users.
The Scale of the Issue
As part of the research, the UKSIC conducted an extensive survey to assess the frequency with which young people come across online scams, the types of scams they encounter, and their effects. Alarmingly, a massive 79 per cent of those surveyed said they come across scams at least once a month, with 45 per cent encountering them weekly and 20 per cent seeing scams every single day! These figures appear to show that scams are not occasional threats but are a persistent online hazard.
An Urgent Matter
Will Gardner OBE, Director of UKSIC, has highlighted the urgency of the matter, stating: “This Safer Internet Day, we want to put the importance of protecting children from online scams on the agenda. For too long, young people have been overlooked, yet our research clearly demonstrates how much of an impact online scams can have on them.”
What Are The Most Common Scams Targeting Young People?
The research identified several scams that young people are particularly vulnerable to. The most common include:
– Fake giveaways. Scammers promise free prizes or rewards to lure victims into sharing personal information.
– Phishing scams. Fraudsters send messages or emails pretending to be from a trusted source to trick individuals into handing over sensitive details.
– Fake websites. Counterfeit online stores or platforms that appear legitimate but are designed to steal money or data.
– Online shopping scams. These include fake ticket sales and fraudulent in-game purchases or ‘trust trades.’
Mostly On Social Media
Social media platforms were found to be the most common space for encountering scams (35 per cent), followed by email (17 per cent) and online gaming (15 per cent). The research revealed, perhaps not surprisingly, that younger children (8 to 11) are particularly vulnerable in online gaming environments, with 22 per cent reporting that they had experienced scams in this setting.
The Emotional and Psychological Toll
The impact of online scams appears to extend far beyond any financial loss. For example, the research found that almost half (47 per cent) of those scammed felt anger and frustration, while 39 per cent felt sadness. Other emotional reactions highlighted in the research included stress (31 per cent), embarrassment (28 per cent), and shock (28 per cent). Also, and alarmingly, over a quarter (26 per cent) said they blamed themselves for falling victim to a scam, a figure that rises to 37 per cent among 17-year-olds.
This sense of self-blame and embarrassment is thought to be preventing many from seeking help. For example, nearly half (47 per cent) of young people in the research said they believe embarrassment is the biggest barrier to reporting scams, while 41 per cent worry they would be blamed, and 40 per cent fear getting into trouble, such as having their devices taken away.
What Can Be Done?
The research appears to highlight an urgent need for better education about online scams. Encouragingly, 74 per cent of young people want to learn more about spotting and avoiding scams. Schools and parents must play a key role in this education, equipping children with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online.
For parents and carers, open conversations about online safety may also be essential in tackling this issue. For example, the study found that 72 per cent of young people would turn to a parent or carer if they were worried about an online scam, and 40 per cent of parents reported that their child had taught them how to recognise scams.
To help young people protect themselves, some steps that experts often recommend include:
– Think before you click. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, especially if they promise prizes or seem urgent.
– Verify sources. Check if a website or message is genuine before sharing any personal information.
– Protect personal data. Be cautious about sharing personal details online.
– Use security features. Enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords.
– Recognise red flags. Poor spelling, urgent demands, and ‘too good to be true’ offers are common signs of a scam.
Government Action and Industry Responsibility
With online scams becoming more sophisticated, particularly with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), there is growing concern that fraudsters will find it even easier to deceive young people. The study found that 32 per cent of young people worry that AI will make scams harder to spot.
Will The Online Safety Act Help?
The UK government has taken some steps to combat the rise in online fraud. For example, from next month, the Online Safety Act will require tech companies to take proactive measures to remove illegal content, including scams. As Tech Minister Baroness Jones says: “The normalisation of scams online is a shocking trend. Fraudsters are clearly targeting vulnerable young people who should be able to connect with friends and family without being subject to a barrage of scams.”
Technology companies also have a responsibility under the Act to ensure their platforms do not provide a hiding place for fraudsters. Scam job offers are a growing issue, with fraudsters impersonating TikTok employees and offering fake roles that promise high earnings in exchange for engaging with content.
The Importance of Intergenerational Learning
The study, which was focused on children in Wales, also highlighted the value of intergenerational learning when it comes to online scams. It seems that young people are not just learning from parents and carers but are also educating them. For example, a significant 40 per cent of parents admitted that their child had taught them how to spot scams. This exchange of knowledge may be crucial in strengthening online safety for all age groups.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
The findings of this study paint a pretty stark picture of the digital landscape for young people, where online scams are no longer an occasional nuisance but a persistent and deeply embedded threat. With nearly half of young internet users having fallen victim to fraud, and a substantial proportion experiencing distress as a result, it’s clear that online safety must be given greater priority.
Much of the public discourse around scams tends to focus on older people being the primary victims, with news reports frequently highlighting cases of pensioners losing their life savings to fraudsters. While these concerns are entirely valid, this research sheds light on an overlooked reality, i.e. young people are also being targeted and, in many cases, successfully deceived. Their relative inexperience, combined with the digital environments they frequent (particularly social media and gaming platforms) make them attractive targets for scammers. This should serve as a wake-up call that online fraud is not just an issue for the elderly but one that affects all age groups.
Beyond the personal impact on victims, the prevalence of scams among young people may also carry wider implications for UK businesses. As the next generation of digital consumers, young people are forming habits and attitudes towards online transactions that could shape the future of e-commerce. If scams continue to erode trust in online platforms, businesses (particularly those reliant on digital sales) could face challenges in attracting and retaining younger customers. Companies that fail to create secure and transparent online experiences may find themselves losing out to competitors that prioritise fraud prevention and user safety. Also, with AI making scams more sophisticated, businesses will need to stay ahead by investing in stronger verification processes and customer education initiatives to protect their brand reputation.