Raising Awareness for a Safer Digital World
As the half-term holiday unfolds, nimbl, the pre-paid pocket money card and app, is amplifying its fraud detection awareness campaign for children aged 6 to 18. Their downloadable infographics, The Lifecycle of a Scam and Mind Your Money, are simple, effective tools for parents, carers, and schools to educate young people about identifying and avoiding scams.
With 90.92% of nimbl users reporting that their children are aware of online scams, the need for vigilance grows ever more urgent. The increasing sophistication of generative AI has led to a more than fourfold rise in account hacking attempts since 2022, according to Sift’s Digital Trust and Safety Index.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed that 3.7 million fraud incidents occurred in England and Wales by the end of 2022, with a staggering 86% of these cases going unreported, underscoring the extent of the issue.
Empowering the Next Generation
“Knowledge and vigilance are crucial for outsmarting scammers and ensuring a safe digital experience,” says Alana Parsons, CEO of nimbl. “Equipping young people with the right information at an early age can make a significant difference in safeguarding their online interactions.”
As society moves towards cashless transactions, managing money digitally is both empowering and challenging for young people. Over the past year, tens of thousands of parents and carers have registered for the nimbl card and app, with 87.47% saying it has helped their children learn about money. However, the journey to financial independence must be complemented with lessons on online safety.
Practical Tips to Spot and Stop Online Fraud
- Know the Risks
Online scams come in many forms, but the most common tactics include:- Phishing: Scammers impersonate trusted organisations, sending emails designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information like bank details or passwords.
- Smishing: Similar to phishing, but conducted via text messages containing malicious links.
- Vishing: Fraudsters use phone calls to extract personal details, sometimes leveraging AI to mimic the voices of trusted individuals.
- Think Before You Click
Always check for “https://” and a padlock symbol in the website address bar to ensure a secure connection. Suspicious URLs, spelling errors, and unexpected sender addresses should raise red flags. - Ask Before You Act
If something seems unclear or suspicious, young people should consult a trusted adult before taking action. Scammers often use urgency to pressure victims into quick decisions. - Protect Yourself and Your Money
Emphasise the importance of secure passwords and two-factor authentication. Warn against sharing money or card details with anyone, even friends, without supervision. - Report Scams
Reporting suspicious activity is vital in combating fraud. Young people should inform a trusted adult about any dubious emails, messages, or calls. Adults can then report the incident to Action Fraud.
Fostering Financial Confidence
By adopting these tips, families can create a safer online environment and empower children to manage their digital finances responsibly. Nimbl’s commitment to fraud awareness is a step toward building financial literacy and safeguarding the next generation against online risks.