Online Scams: The Growing Threat to Young People

Key Findings from UKSIC Research

• 79% of young people encounter online scams at least once a month, with 20% seeing them daily—including children as young as 8.
• 18% of 8 to 17-year-olds know someone their age who has lost money to a scam.
• Over a quarter (26%) of young victims blame themselves for falling for scams.
• 74% of young people want better education on how to spot scams online.

As part of Safer Internet Day 2025 (Tuesday, 11th February), the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) has released new research highlighting the alarming frequency of scams in young people’s online experiences. Almost half (45%) of 8 to 17-year-olds encounter scams at least weekly, while 46% have been scammed themselves. 9%—including 8-year-olds—have lost money to an online scam.

The Rising Threat of Online Scams

Parents and carers are increasingly concerned about the growing prevalence and sophistication of scams:

• 83% believe scams are more common than ever.
• 81% feel scams are becoming more convincing—a concern shared by 43% of teens.
• 32% of young people worry that new technologies like AI will make scams harder to detect.

The UKSIC is bringing these issues to the forefront this Safer Internet Day, ensuring that young people’s experiences and concerns about online scams are acknowledged and addressed. The campaign provides vital information and resources to help young people, parents, carers, and educators combat scams effectively.

Types of Scams Affecting Young People

Young people most commonly fall victim to:

• Fake giveaways, phishing scams, and fraudulent websites
• Online shopping scams, including fake ticket sales
• Trust trades in online games

Scams are encountered in various digital spaces:

• 35% of young people come across scams on social media.
• 17% receive scam attempts via email.
• 22% of 8 to 11-year-olds report encountering scams in online games.

The Emotional Impact of Being Scammed

Falling victim to scams has serious emotional consequences:

• 47% feel angry or annoyed.
• 39% feel upset or sad.
• 31% experience stress and worry.
• 28% feel embarrassed or shocked.
• 26% blame themselves—rising to 37% among 17-year-olds.

A culture of victim-blaming prevents many from seeking help. Almost half (47%) say embarrassment stops them from reporting scams, while 41% fear being blamed and 40% worry about punishment (e.g., losing access to devices).

How Young People Are Fighting Back

Despite these challenges, young people are taking action:

• 87% would block scam accounts.
• 84% would delete scam messages.
• 79% would check with a parent or carer before engaging.
• 49% have helped friends identify scams.
• 62% feel responsible for educating family and friends.

However, even with these efforts, young people are still falling victim, highlighting the need for more comprehensive prevention strategies.

Parental Concerns and Intergenerational Learning

Parents and carers are also affected by scams:

• 63% worry about becoming scam victims.
• 34% feel they are likely to be scammed.
• 35% have already been scammed.
• 31% have lost money to scams.

Young people often turn to their parents for guidance—72% would seek parental help if worried about a scam. However, parents need more resources to effectively support their children while also protecting themselves.

Encouragingly, 40% of parents have learned how to spot scams from their children, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational learning. Safer Internet Day 2025 aims to foster these conversations, ensuring families work together to stay safe online.

Online scams are an increasing threat to young people, requiring urgent action. UKSIC’s research underscores the need for education, support, and intergenerational collaboration to combat scams effectively. By raising awareness and providing resources, Safer Internet Day 2025 aims to equip young people and their families with the knowledge they need to stay safe in an ever-evolving digital world.

For more information, visit Safer Internet Day 2025.