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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

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Remote Access Scams: Never Let a Stranger Control Your Screen

High Youth Shield By Youth Shield

In a remote access scam, someone pretends to be tech support, a game moderator, or a helpful online friend and asks you to install a screen-sharing or remote-control app. Once you allow it, they can see your messages, open your accounts, and steal data or money. They often claim there is a problem with your device, account, or refund to make you act quickly. Giving someone remote access is like handing them your unlocked phone or computer.

Solutions

Never install a remote-control or screen-sharing app because someone online or on a call asked you to. Stop and tell a parent, guardian, or teacher if someone says your device or account has a "problem" that only they can fix. If you already gave access, disconnect from the internet, uninstall the app, and change your passwords from a different safe device. Contact the real company or your bank directly using official details, not the ones the stranger gave you. Turn on two-factor authentication so a stolen password alone can't unlock your accounts.

Fake Apps and Copycat Downloads: Check Before You Tap Install

High Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Scammers sometimes make apps that copy the name, logo and look of popular games, chat tools or photo editors. Once installed, a fake app can show endless ads, steal logins, collect personal data or trick you into paying for things you didn't mean to buy. Links shared in DMs, comments or videos can also push you to download apps from outside official stores, which makes the risk even higher.

Solutions

Download apps only from your official app store, and open the store yourself instead of using a link someone sent you. Check the developer name, reviews, download history and permissions before installing, and be careful if anything looks copied or oddly spelled. Never install apps from unknown websites, "modded" versions or files sent by strangers. If an app asks for access that doesn't fit its purpose, such as contacts, messages or full device control, deny it or delete the app. If you already installed a suspicious app, uninstall it, change the passwords you used on your phone, and tell a trusted adult.

"Is This You?" Link Scams: A Curious Click That Can Cost You Your Account

High Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Scammers send messages like "Is this you in this video?" or "Look what they're saying about you," often from a friend's hacked account. The link leads to a fake login page or a harmful download designed to steal your password or take over your device. These messages work because they use curiosity, embarrassment and trust in a familiar name to make you click before thinking.

Solutions

Don't open surprise links, even from friends. Ask them on another app or in person if they really sent it. Check the web address before typing anything. If a page asks you to log in to view a video, close it. Turn on two-factor authentication so a stolen password alone isn't enough. Never download files or apps that a link says you need to see a video. If you clicked and entered details, change your password right away, log out of other devices and tell a trusted adult.

Fake Scholarship and Student Grant Scams: Free Money With a Hidden Price

Medium Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Scammers pose as scholarship providers, schools, or government helpers and say you've been selected for free money. Then they ask for a "processing fee," your bank details, ID documents, or your login to a school account. Messages often arrive by email, social media DM, or text, and use pressure like "claim within 24 hours." Real scholarships don't charge you to receive money, and the personal information you hand over can be used for identity theft.

Solutions

Never pay a fee to receive a scholarship, grant, or prize. Real ones don't ask for it. Be suspicious if you're "selected" for something you never applied for. Check the offer on the official website of the school or organisation, typing the address yourself instead of using the link you were sent. Don't send ID photos, bank details, or passwords to anyone who contacted you first. Show the message to a parent, teacher, or school counsellor, then report and block the sender.