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Youth Shield

Protect all teens from the misuse of electronic devices and the Internet

Guides, videos and alerts that help young people and their families stay safe on social media, games and every app they use.

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Security

Deepfake Voice Scams Explained: When a Familiar Voice Isn't Real

Deepfake voice scams use AI tools to imitate how a person sounds, so a call or voice message can seem to come from a friend, relative or teacher when it doesn't. Scammers often add urgency, claiming there is an emergency, a secret or a need for quick money, so the target panics instead of checking. Young people can be reached through calls, voice notes and messages on social apps, and may also be pressured to share one-time codes or account details. The best defence is simple: pause, hang up, and call the person back on a number you already know. A family code word, plus caution about posting clear voice clips publicly, makes these scams much harder to pull off.

S By Shoxan Ali
Security

Fake Login Pages: How One Tricked Click Can Hand Over a Social Account

Many stolen accounts start with a fake login page. A teen gets a message, often from a friend's hacked account, saying "Is this you in this video?" or "Log in to claim your free reward." The link opens a page that looks exactly like Instagram, TikTok, Discord, Roblox or Snapchat, but anything typed into it goes straight to the attacker. Parents can help by sitting down with their kids and showing how to check the web address before logging in, never typing a password after clicking a link in a chat, and opening the app or typing the site address manually instead. Turning on two-step verification and using a different password for every account limits the damage if someone does get fooled, and teens should know they can tell a parent right away without being punished.

S By Shoxan Ali
News

Fake Game Links and Chats: How Roblox and Minecraft Accounts Get Stolen

Many young gamers lose their accounts not because of advanced hacking, but because they click a fake link or trust a stranger in chat. Scammers pretend to offer free Robux, rare skins, game mods or "support" help, then send kids to a copycat login page that quietly collects their username and password. Once the thieves have the login, they can lock the owner out, take items, and try the same password on social media and email. Parents can help by sitting down with their children to explain that real games never ask for passwords in chat, turning on two-step verification, and using a different password for every account. If a child has already entered details on a suspicious page, the safest move is to change the password immediately, sign out of all devices, and tell a trusted adult without fear of punishment.

S By Shoxan Ali
book 4
Security

book 4

S By Shoxan Ali

News & Alerts

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Fake Ticket Scams: Don't Pay for a Concert Seat That Doesn't Exist

Medium Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Scammers post tickets for concerts, festivals and sporting events on social media, resale groups and messaging apps, often claiming they can't go anymore. They push you to pay fast by bank transfer, gift card or a payment method with no buyer protection, then vanish or send a fake or duplicate ticket. Sold-out events and low prices make teens easy targets, because the fear of missing out makes people skip safety checks.

Solutions

Buy only from the official seller or a trusted resale platform that offers buyer protection. Never pay by gift card, bank transfer or any method that can't be reversed. Be suspicious of pressure like "only one left" or "pay in five minutes." Ask a parent or trusted adult before sending money, and check the seller's account history for signs it is new or fake. If you have been scammed, stop contact, keep screenshots, tell an adult and report the seller to the platform and your bank.

Verification Code Scams: Never Share That Six-Digit Code

High Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Scammers try to log in to your account and trigger a one-time code, which is sent to your phone. Then they message you, often pretending to be a friend, a seller or support, and say "I sent that code to you by mistake, can you read it out?" If you share it, they can use it to take over your account, lock you out and message your contacts. A code you didn't ask for is a sign that someone else is trying to get into your account.

Solutions

Treat every verification code as a password: never share it with anyone, for any reason. Remember that real companies and support teams never ask you to send them a code. If a code arrives that you didn't request, ignore it and change your password straight away. Turn on an authenticator app for your important accounts if it is available, and keep recovery options up to date. Tell a trusted adult if someone keeps pressuring you for a code, and block and report the sender.

Fake Influencer Deals: When a "Brand Partnership" Is Just a Scam

Medium Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Scammers pretend to be brands or talent agents and message young creators with offers of free products, sponsorships or easy paid promotions. The catch comes later: they ask for a "registration fee," your login details, personal documents, or a click on a fake contract link. Their messages often flatter you and add pressure, such as "reply today or we'll offer it to someone else." Real brands don't need your password or upfront payment to work with you.

Solutions

Never pay a fee, "shipping cost" or deposit to receive a sponsorship or free product. Never share your passwords or verification codes, even with someone claiming to be a brand or agent. Check the sender by contacting the company through its official website, not through the message. Be wary of pressure, flattery and unusual links, and don't open contract files you didn't expect. Show a parent, guardian or trusted adult the offer, then block and report the account.

Fake Virus Pop-Ups: A Scary Warning That Wants Control of Your Device

High Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Fake virus pop-ups appear while you browse or play, claiming your phone or computer is infected and that you must call a number, install an app or pay right now. They are designed to cause panic so you act before thinking. Scammers may then trick you into installing spyware, handing over remote access, sharing passwords or paying for a useless "fix". A real browser or website cannot scan your device and detect viruses this way.

Solutions

Do not tap, call or download anything from a pop-up that says your device is infected. Close the browser tab or app. If it will not close, restart your device or force-quit the browser. Never give a stranger remote access to your device or share passwords or codes. Only install security tools from your official app store or from a trusted provider you chose yourself. If you clicked or installed something, change your important passwords from a safe device and tell a parent, guardian or teacher.