ChildCyberGuardOnline Scams That Target Children and Teens
Children and teenagers are attractive targets for cyber criminals. They have accounts worth stealing, they click quickly, and they are unlikely to tell a parent when something goes wrong. Here are the scams to know.
Key takeaways
- Common kid scams: free Robux, fake giveaways, phishing logins, IP-grabber links, sextortion and cheat malware.
- Block dangerous sites before they load and teach three rules: never share passwords, never "verify" for prizes, tell a parent.
- In sextortion cases: never pay, stop contact, keep evidence and report it.
1. "Free Robux" and free game currency
Websites and videos promise free in-game currency for your password or "human verification". They are scams that steal accounts or install malware. Legitimate games never ask for your password on another website.
2. Fake giveaways and prizes
"You won a phone!" messages ask for personal details or a small payment. Real competitions do not ask children for passwords or bank details.
3. Phishing login pages
A link to a page that looks exactly like Instagram, TikTok or a game login. The child types their password; the criminal now owns the account and uses it to scam friends.
4. IP-grabber links
A "funny video" link that secretly records the visitor's IP address, and sometimes location. Bullies and criminals use them to threaten or "dox" children. Sites like these can be blocked.
5. Sextortion
A stranger, often posing as a teen, persuades a child to share an intimate photo, then threatens to share it unless the child pays or sends more. Tell your child that it is never their fault, that they will never be in trouble with you, and to come to you immediately. Report it to the SAPS and stop all contact; do not pay.
6. Malware disguised as cheats and mods
"Cheat" downloads and game mods are a classic way to infect a PC with password-stealing software.
How to protect your child
- Block the dangerous sites before they load. ChildCyberGuard's scam, phishing and malware shield is on by default and blocks known fake-login pages, malware sites and IP-grabber links.
- Teach three rules: never share a password; never click "verify you're human" for a prize; tell a parent about anything that scares you.
- Turn on two-step verification for important accounts.
- Watch your alerts and have a calm chat when one appears.
For the human side of this, read about online grooming warning signs and how to talk to your kids.
Frequently asked questions
Is "free Robux" ever real?
No. Sites and videos offering free Robux or game currency for your password or a survey are scams that steal accounts or install malware.
What is an IP-grabber link?
A link that secretly records the visitor's IP address, sometimes used to threaten or locate someone. These services can be blocked.
My child was blackmailed with a photo. What now?
Reassure them it is not their fault, do not pay, stop contact, save the evidence and report to the SAPS.
ChildCyberGuard blocks porn, social media, scams and any site you choose — and shows you every site your child visits. Free for 7 days, then R200 per device per year.
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