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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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Phishing Texts: Spot the Fake Message Before You Tap the Link

Medium Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Phishing texts pretend to come from a delivery company, bank, school, game or even a friend. They use urgent wording like "act now" or "your account is locked" to make you tap a link and enter a password, code or payment details. The link often leads to a fake page that looks real. Scammers want you to react quickly, so slowing down is your best defence.

Solutions

Pause when a text feels urgent, scary or too good to be true. Don't tap links in unexpected messages. Open the official app or type the website address yourself. Never share passwords, verification codes or card details by text. Check with a parent, guardian or the real sender through a trusted contact method before you act. Report and block the number, delete the message, and change your password right away if you already entered details.

Fake Follower Boosts: "Get 10K Followers Fast" Can Cost You Your Account

Medium Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Some websites, apps and DMs promise instant followers, likes or views if you share your username and password, pay a small fee, or "verify" on a login page. Many are scams built to steal your account, collect your payment details, or use your profile to spread more scam links. Once a scammer has your login, they can lock you out, message your friends, or sell the account. Fake followers also don't build a real audience, and they can get your account flagged.

Solutions

Never give your password to a site or app that promises followers, likes or views. Grow your account with real content and genuine interaction instead of shortcuts. Turn on two-factor authentication and check which third-party apps can access your account. If you already shared your login, change your password right away and log out of all other devices. Report the scam to the platform and tell a trusted adult if money or personal details were involved.

Fake CAPTCHA Tricks: Never Paste Commands to "Prove You're Human"

High Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Some scam and malware sites show a fake "Verify you are human" box. Instead of asking you to click pictures, they tell you to press certain keys, then paste and run something on your device. That hidden command can install malware that steals passwords, game logins and personal files. Real CAPTCHAs never ask you to open system tools or paste anything.

Solutions

Stop if a "human check" asks you to paste, run or type a command. Close the page. Never follow key-combination instructions from a website, especially ones that open Run, Terminal or PowerShell. Only download games, mods and videos from official stores and trusted sites, since fake checks often appear on pirate and "free" sites. If you already pasted something, disconnect from the internet, tell a trusted adult, run a security scan and change your passwords from a different, clean device. Turn on two-factor authentication so a stolen password alone can't open your accounts.

Free VPN Traps: Privacy Apps That Can Watch You Instead

Medium Youth Shield By Youth Shield

Some free VPN apps and sites promise to unlock blocked games, videos or websites, but they may not protect you at all. Weak or shady VPNs can collect your browsing activity, show you intrusive ads, or carry malware. A VPN sits between you and the internet, so choosing the wrong one means handing a stranger a view of what you do online. Teens are often targeted because they search for ways to get around school, game or region restrictions.

Solutions

Avoid unknown VPN apps that promise "unlimited free" access with no clear company behind them. Only install apps from official app stores, and check the developer name, reviews and requested permissions first. Be suspicious of any VPN that asks for access to your contacts, messages or files. Ask a parent, guardian or teacher before installing a VPN, especially on a school or family device. Remember that a VPN does not stop phishing or scams, so keep using strong passwords and two-factor authentication.