May 21, 2025 | posted by Lily Chavez
How to Keep Your Kids Safe from Online Gaming Scams
Online gaming is more popular than ever among kids and teens—but with that popularity comes risks. Scammers often target young players with fake offers, phishing links, or misleading messages disguised as part of the game. As a parent or guardian, knowing how to spot and prevent these threats is key to keeping your child safe online.
Common Gaming Scams Targeting Children
Kids may encounter a range of online gaming scams, including:
- Phishing Scams: Fake messages from “game support” asking for usernames, passwords, or account info.
- Free Currency or Skins: Offers for free V-Bucks, Robux, or other game currency that require account access or credit card info.
- Malware Disguised as Game Mods: Cheat codes or downloadable "hacks" that infect devices with spyware or viruses.
- Fake Giveaways & Contests: Scammers trick players into clicking malicious links by offering free in-game items.
- Friend Request Scams: Predators or scammers pose as friendly players to gather personal information or send harmful links.
Here are a few simple but effective ways to protect your family:
1. Talk About Scams
Help your child understand that not all offers are legit. Promises of free game currency, exclusive items, or cheat codes are common tricks used to steal personal info or money.
2. Set Strong Privacy Controls
Most games and consoles have privacy settings that limit who can contact your child. Disable chat features where necessary and only allow friend requests from known players.
3. Teach Safe Sharing Habits
Remind kids to never share passwords, account info, or personal details—no matter how “friendly” another player may seem.
4. Be Wary of Links & Downloads
Scammers often send links that look like they lead to real game sites or updates. These can install malware or steal login credentials. Encourage kids to always check with a trusted adult before clicking anything suspicious.
5. Use Parental Controls & Monitoring Tools
Tools like ExperienceIQ from DirectLink allow you to set screen time limits, filter harmful content, and monitor activity to help keep your kids safe while they play.
Learn how DirectLink OMNI IQ network can help protect your family: https://www.directlink.coop/omniiq
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