Scams Targeting Young Adults And Teens

Although younger people are no stranger to the internet, they are often more willing to share info online or fall victim to specific types of scams.

Who doesn't want easy money?

Be wary of offers for high paying, too-good-to-be-true jobs or get rich quick schemes. Unfortunately, making a lot of money very fast is just hard. Try to find jobs through trusted sources and legitimate websites, e.g. the website of an employer. Good paying jobs are often very competitive!

For parents: consider helping your children find a legitimate job or providing advice if they are interested in a small business. Scams that resemble pyramid schemes are often shared by influencers with large audiences of mostly teenagers and young adults.

Gucci for pennies on the dollar. Supreme for supremely low prices.

Be wary of ads on suspicious websites or from sellers on Facebook Marketplace, craigslist, or similar websites.

If there is no way to verify the origin of an item, it may be a fraud, a stolen good, or being sold by an unlicensed vendor.

Did you get an offer for a grant or scholarship? 

If you didn't apply for it or if they ask you to pay upfront, it is probably a scam.

Most scholarships require you to apply and demonstrate you are qualified. If you are already a college student, you may be nominated by your professor to receive an award.

If you receive an invitation to act on a show or appear on something like America's Got Talent... it might be a scam!

If you are asked to pay upfront or attend acting classes for a hefty fee, you may be surprised when you are never invited to a recording or audition.

• If it looks to good to be true — it probably is!
• Look for online stores and auction sites with good reviews and ratings from real people
• Ignore contest, job, or scholarship offers that require you to pay upfront
• Do not give out your personal information unless you are sure the person or company you are dealing with is legitimate