School's out for summer, and that means many kids will be spending more time with smartphones, tablets and gaming devices. Unfortunately, scammers know this, and they're actively targeting young people online to steal their personal information. Even if your kids are tech-savvy, they may not be aware of the risks of identity theft, financial scams and other cybercrimes.
Play it safe! Here are four cybersecurity reminders to share with your kids this summer:
#1: Sharing Isn't Always CaringYour child's personal information has value to cybercriminals, so it's important to keep it private. Identity thieves can use a child's identity to open credit card accounts, apply for loans and commit other crimes. Remind your kids to never share information such as their full name, usernames and passwords, home address or Social Security number online. It's also a good idea to use a nickname and generic profile photos on gaming and social media platforms. #2: Think Before You Click Do your kids know the danger of clicking on unknown links? Falling for a phishing scam can expose your financial or personal information to cybercriminals and even download malware onto devices. Bookmark the websites your children are allowed to access, and teach them how to pause and think before clicking on links in emails, text messages or social media. For example, links to a “free" prize or game may be a trick to steal their information. Remind your kids that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Lastly, encourage them to come to you if they have any questions about links they come across. #3: “Digital Money" is Real MoneyMany games and apps use digital currency to pay for upgrades and special features. Instead of saving your credit card information to their device or account, one idea is to use a gift card so there's a clear spending limit. Not only will this help prevent fraud and accidental overspending, but it can give you an opportunity to teach your kids about using money responsibly. #4: Stay Safe on Social MediaIf you allow your kids to use social media, choose and set privacy settings that you're comfortable with on all their accounts. This may include limiting who can see their profile, photos, location and other personal information. Teach your kids not to accept friend requests from people they don't know in real life. Likewise, remind them not to respond to messages from strangers or share personal information, even if the other person seems friendly.
Your child's personal information has value to cybercriminals, so it's important to keep it private. Identity thieves can use a child's identity to open credit card accounts, apply for loans and commit other crimes. Remind your kids to never share information such as their full name, usernames and passwords, home address or Social Security number online. It's also a good idea to use a nickname and generic profile photos on gaming and social media platforms.
Do your kids know the danger of clicking on unknown links? Falling for a phishing scam can expose your financial or personal information to cybercriminals and even download malware onto devices. Bookmark the websites your children are allowed to access, and teach them how to pause and think before clicking on links in emails, text messages or social media. For example, links to a “free" prize or game may be a trick to steal their information. Remind your kids that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Lastly, encourage them to come to you if they have any questions about links they come across.
Many games and apps use digital currency to pay for upgrades and special features. Instead of saving your credit card information to their device or account, one idea is to use a gift card so there's a clear spending limit. Not only will this help prevent fraud and accidental overspending, but it can give you an opportunity to teach your kids about using money responsibly.
If you allow your kids to use social media, choose and set privacy settings that you're comfortable with on all their accounts. This may include limiting who can see their profile, photos, location and other personal information. Teach your kids not to accept friend requests from people they don't know in real life. Likewise, remind them not to respond to messages from strangers or share personal information, even if the other person seems friendly.
Fraud Prevention Starts with You!
People of all ages can benefit from learning about cybersecurity and safe online practices. It's not too early to teach your children about the importance of keeping their personal information private and how to spot the signs of a scam. With a little extra caution, you can help prevent fraud and keep your kids safe and secure.
Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) is here to help you protect yourself and your family against fraud! Stay ahead of the latest scams with our helpful fraud prevention tips, tools and resources. Visit WPCU.coop/StopFraud to learn more.