Scams that target kids and teens, and how to spot them

Scammers target children because children trust quickly, want in-game items badly, and may be afraid to tell their parents when something goes wrong. Teaching your child a few patterns protects them, and often protects your money too.

The most common scams

Free game currency

"Free diamonds for Mobile Legends", "free Robux", "free V-Bucks". These sites and videos ask a child to log in, download an app, complete "verification" or give a parent's phone number. The result is a stolen game account, malware, or a subscription charged to your load. There is no legitimate generator for free game currency.

Account and item trading

Older kids buy and sell game accounts, skins and items on Facebook groups. Many sellers vanish after payment, or "recover" an account after it's been sold. Most games ban account selling in their terms anyway.

Fake e-wallet and bank messages

Text messages or Messenger chats that look like GCash, Maya or a bank, saying an account is locked or a prize is waiting, with a link to "verify". Teach your child: companies never ask for your OTP or MPIN.

Too-good-to-be-true jobs

"Earn ₱1,000 a day liking videos" or "reviewer jobs" on Telegram. These start by paying small amounts, then ask for a "deposit" to unlock bigger tasks. The money is never returned.

Renting out accounts

Teens are offered money to "rent" or sell their e-wallet, bank or SIM. The account is then used to move scam money. Under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (RA 12010), acting as a "money mule", including lending or selling your account for others to use, is a crime. Make sure your teen understands this clearly.

Romance and friendship scams

Someone builds a friendship, then has an emergency and needs load or money. This overlaps with grooming and sextortion.

Fake giveaways from celebrities and streamers

Hacked or copycat accounts announcing giveaways that require a "shipping fee" or a login.

Three warning signs

Teach your child that scams usually have at least one of these:

1. Free: something valuable for nothing
2. Urgent: "within 10 minutes", "your account will be deleted"
3. Secret: "don't tell your parents", "this offer is just for you"

What to teach

• Never share passwords, OTPs, MPINs or verification codes with anyone.
• Only buy game currency in the game or official app store.
• Don't click links in unexpected messages. Open the official app instead.
• Never lend, rent or sell an account, SIM or e-wallet.
• If you're tricked, tell a parent straight away. Speed matters for recovering accounts and money.

Protect the family's money

• Require approval for all app store purchases. See stopping surprise in-app purchases.
• Don't save your card or e-wallet in your child's accounts or browser.
• Turn on two-step verification for game accounts. See passwords and two-step verification.

If your child was scammed

1. Change passwords on any affected account, starting with email.
2. Contact the game, app or e-wallet's official support.
3. If money was lost, report to your bank or e-wallet immediately and to the CICC hotline 1326.
4. Save screenshots of the conversation and the payment.
5. Thank your child for telling you.