Understanding the Impact of Falling Victim to an Online Scam

Introduction

How do you measure the impact of online scams?  Do you count the financial impact, or the lost time spent trying to reclaim personal data.  Do we consider the personal costs, such as the feelings of shame and humiliation, often associated with this sort of crime.  An Ofcom study reported that more than 30% of adults described immediate negative impact on their mental health when they had fallen prey to an online scam.

Today is Safer Internet Day and this year's theme focuses on helping young people identify online scams.

If you see something online that is too good to be true, then it probably is! This #SaferInternetDay is all about scams online, to find out more about the day, as well as advice for helping keep yourself and others safe online visit saferinternetday.org.uk

The statistics

The figures suggest that close to half of children and young people aged 8-17 have been victims of online scams.  This number rises to 55% of 18-24 year olds. Citizens Advice estimates that 9 million adults in the UK have been affected. There are also some very interesting stories of big businesses falling foul of these kinds of crimes, showing that it’s not just our students who need to be aware of the rise in scams.

Recognizing the Signs of Online Scams

The materials shared by the UK Safer Internet Centre provide children with a good way of assessing texts, emails and in game offers for signs of a scam.

Always stop, think and ask yourself the following questions

Does it Seems to be good to be true?

Has someone Contacted you, when you weren’t expecting it?

Is someone or something Asking for personal information?

Is someone asking for Money or are trying to trade with you?

SCAM

If one or more of the answers to these questions is ‘yes’, then it could be a scam.

Encouraging Open Communication

So, it happened.  You clicked on the link, shared the information, made the purchase, and now you're left with a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach.  Being able to tell someone and reach out for help as soon as possible is key to trying to minimise the potential damage or harm done.

Open communication about online experiences is crucial. It’s so important that we help our young people feel comfortable discussing their online interactions both positive and negative.  We need to create time and space for young people to share.  For the listener it’s vital that they remain calm and non-judgemental try to ensure that any questions focus on key facts to ensure appropriate actions can be taken.  Crucially, the language and tone need to reassure the person disclosing the scam and avoid victim blaming.  Each year on Safer Internet Day whatever the theme, open communication is an overarching principle and something to be encouraged far beyond the ‘special assembly’.

Conclusion

Safer Internet Day serves as a reminder of the importance of online safety and should be celebrated every day!  By addressing the emotional impact of online scams and trying to reduce the shame felt by providing education and awareness, young people can be better protected. Thank you everyone for your ongoing efforts to create a safer digital environment. Through open communication and embedded practice, the goal is a safer internet for all.  See you all again next year!