Social media scams cost Australian children AUD $129,700

Analysis from AUCyber has highlighted that social media platforms are being increasingly used to scam Australian children, resulting in losses of over AUD $129,700 in 2024 thus far.

AUCyber, recognised for its expertise in cyber security within Australia, reports that social media serves as the primary platform for these criminal activities, with 198 cases documented this year.

Peter Maloney, Chief Executive Officer of AUCyber, commented on the growing dangers posed by scammers operating via social media platforms. "The data clearly indicates that cyber criminals are increasingly focusing their efforts on targeting Australian children through the use of social media platforms," Mr Maloney stated.

This rise in fraudulent activities aligns with plans from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to introduce new legislation aimed at limiting social media access for individuals under 16 years of age, expected to be proposed later this year.

Maloney elaborated on the methods used by scammers, noting their reliance on tailored and appealing campaigns that lure in young users with promises of in-game benefits. "Common scams include fake online advertisements on search engine platforms and social media, directing them to fraudulent stores offering discounted or free credits, tokens, or skins for popular gaming platforms," Mr Maloney explained.

AUCyber underscores the importance of promoting education to combat these kinds of scams. They report that victims under 18 typically incur losses averaging about AUD $250 per incident. "Education and awareness are our first lines of defence against scammers. We must equip our children and young Australians with the knowledge and tools to recognise and report suspicious activities," said Mr Maloney.

He continued, "By engaging in open discussions about the tactics used by scammers, we can empower young people to make informed and safer online choices. This proactive approach not only protects them but also fosters a culture of vigilance and responsibility in the digital landscape."

The data provided further identifies specific scams that have targeted Australian youth. Online classified scams on sites like Facebook and Gumtree frequently result in average losses of about AUD $600 per occurrence. Scams related to online shopping, wherein fake shops or mimics of legitimate websites trick consumers, have resulted in more than AUD $200 in losses per affected item this year.

"The latest government data shows that scammers are targeting children, primarily through social media," Mr Maloney noted.

Research suggests that 91% of teenagers aged 14 to 18 possess a mobile device, making social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat especially prone to scamming activities. Scammers often impersonate friends or popular social figures to exploit young users.

While traditional methods like text messages and emails are still used in phishing scams, aiming to coax children into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links, social media remains the go-to platform for these deceptive practices. "As scammers continue to exploit these platforms, it's crucial for parents and guardians to educate their children about the risks and promote safe online practices," Mr Maloney advised.