Experts emphasise early education in digital hygiene, including strict rules on sharing codes and recognising manipulation tactics, to help children avoid falling victim to online scams.
Parents can help children avoid scams by teaching digital hygiene early, limiting access to banking apps and making one rule non-negotiable: never share a one-time code from a text message with anyone else, according to IT expert Sergei Shcherbakov, speaking to Lenta.ru. He said fraudsters often rely on trust and panic, so children need a clear habit of pausing before responding to pressure.
Shcherbakov also warned families to talk teenagers through fake part-time jobs and promises of free in-game currency, noting that genuine employers do not ask people to pay for work. He recommended a simple “three-minute rule”, under which a child must check with an adult before making any urgent decision. If a scam succeeds, he said the priority is to block the card at once and file a police report.
The warning echoes broader consumer advice from banks and anti-scam agencies, which say children should be taught not to share personal data online and to recognise fraudulent offers before they spread. U.S. Bank advises parents to keep communication open about online activity, while Australia’s Scamwatch says scammers commonly exploit emotions, urgency and trust to push victims into acting quickly.
That pattern was also highlighted by Petyr Shcherbachenko, an associate professor at the Financial University under the Russian government, in comments to NEWS.ru. He said scammers often call early in the morning or late at night, when people are less alert, and may mention searches or criminal cases to scare them into acting without thinking. His advice was blunt: end the call, verify the information through official numbers and never hand over codes or personal details.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
