Over 95% of children in South Africa regularly access the internet but less than half are taught about online safety.
We teach our children how to tie their shoes, cross the road, and ride a bicycle – all things we were taught as children. Today’s toddlers and teens, however, have access to an entirely new digital realm through their smart devices.
While the younger generations are naturally more digital savvy, they’re still minors who need to be taught to recognize online threats. A single mistaken click can expose them to serious cyber risks.
“The holidays bring the challenge of managing kids’ screen time without school and activities to keep them busy,” says Leon Jacobs, CIO of RCS. “Beyond general safety, parents must also teach their children to spot and avoid online scams and fraud.”
The rise of online scams
South African children are among the millions worldwide who access the internet daily, making them prime targets for online scams.
Research shows that 25% of children have added people they’ve never met to their friends list, and 18% have sent photos or videos to strangers.
Additionally, cybercriminals often prey on young users who lack the experience to distinguish between legitimate connections and fraudulent schemes.
Common online scams targeting children and teens include:
- Fake competitions – Fraudsters lure kids into providing personal details by advertising fake giveaways, contests, or prize draws.
- Modelling agency scams – Scammers posing as talent scouts request revealing images under the guise of securing modelling contracts.
- Credit provider impersonation – Criminals impersonate legitimate financial providers, such as RCS, on Telegram and other platforms, trying to trick unsuspecting individuals into filling out loan application forms, which typically include sensitive information that can be used for illegal purposes by scammers.
- Requests for deposits – Legitimate credit providers, like RCS, will never ask customers to pay an upfront deposit, administration fee, or any other payment to secure a loan, credit approval or competition entry. Fraudsters pose as financial institutions online, luring victims with promises of easy loan approvals and then demanding a deposit before releasing the funds – only to disappear once the payment is made.
Guidelines for cyber savvy kids
“As digital natives, children are comfortable transacting online, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to fraud,” says Jacobs. “Parents must ensure their children understand the risks and can identify potential threats.” He outlines seven simple rules to build digital resilience:
- Use trusted websites – Only shop on sites that are secure. Look for the padlock icon and https:// in the URL.
- Keep personal information private – Never share full names, home addresses, or banking details unless on a verified site.
- Be wary of ‘too-good-to-be-true’ deals – If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is. Always verify with a parent before clicking on promotions or discounts.
- Watch out for phishing scams – Cybercriminals use fake emails and ads to trick users into providing sensitive information. If an email requests personal details or payment, consult an adult first. Also be cautious of ‘click here’ or ‘follow the link’ instructions.
- Use strong passwords – A password should be complex and not easily guessable. Also, never share passwords with friends.
- Don’t send photos to people you don’t know, ever – As a critical reminder, never send photos to people you don’t know, as sharing personal images with strangers can expose you to identity theft and further exploitation. Always verify the legitimacy of online contacts and remain vigilant against any requests that seem unusual or intrusive.
- Ask for help when unsure – If something online feels wrong or confusing, don’t hesitate to ask a parent or teacher for advice.
Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity
Fraudsters are constantly developing new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals, including children. Online shopping is convenient, but it requires vigilance. Parents should guide their children in safe payment practices. RCS cardholders can enjoy peace of mind when they transact securely on approved payment gateways.
If you or your child suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities and always verify financial dealings through official channels.
“Parents can empower their children to operate safely in the digital world and to avoid falling victim to online scams through cyber awareness. With education and vigilance, we can create a safer online environment for the next generation,” concludes Jacobs.