Four ways you can help protect your children from gaming scams

Parenting

Without question, online gaming has become a beloved pastime for millions of children worldwide. However, as this virtual playground has expanded, it’s also attracted a sinister presence.

Today an increasing number of cybercriminals are exploiting the innocence and vulnerability of young gamers. To help you avoid these risks, the experts at Mobile Premier League (MPL) are sharing four ways parents can protect their children while gaming.

Gaming scams are on the rise

According to a 2024 report by Kaspersky, cybercriminals launched over 7 million attacks on children in 2022, a staggering 57% increase from the previous year. 

These attacks often exploit popular game titles like Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Apex Legends, with over 878,000 phishing pages created specifically for these games.

Tactics employed by scammers

Scammers employ a variety of tactics to lure unsuspecting children into their financial traps. One common ploy involves offering free in-game currency, skins, or cheats, enticing young gamers to share personal information or click on malicious links. 

Children haven’t fully developed their understanding of online risks and don’t always know what risk they’re putting themselves in, the MPL experts explain. 

This lack of experience in children was highlighted in the case of a family in April of this year, where their 8-year-old son unintentionally racked up $4,000 in charges while playing video games.   

Phishing attempts disguised as legitimate gaming websites or updates are also prevalent, tricking children into downloading malware or revealing sensitive data. These incidents not only pose financial risks but also expose children to potential identity theft and fraud.

Risks to children’s safety and privacy

Gaming scams pose grave risks to children’s safety, privacy, and financial security, particularly because younger people are more vulnerable.  

Cybercriminals may exploit personal information to commit identity theft, access bank accounts, or even engage in online harassment and cyberbullying. Additionally, malware infections can compromise device security, exposing children to further risks.

Parents must remain vigilant and educate their children about the dangers of online scams. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, making it necessary to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect our children while they game.

Four ways you can safeguard your young gamers

MPL encourages taking these steps to help protect young gamers:

  1. Enable parental controls and restricting in-app purchases to help prevent unauthorised spending.
  2. Educate children about safe online practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and never sharing personal information with strangers.
  3. Regularly monitor gaming activities and fostering open communication with children to help identify potential threats early on.
  4. Encourage your children to report any suspicious activities or requests for personal information immediately.

Protect your children from gaming scams

The rise in gaming scams targeting children shows how important it is to teach online safety skills. Scammers are taking advantage of both game features and kids’ trusting nature. We suggest parents create a ‘gaming contract’ with their children, spelling out safe habits and limits. This might cover rules for buying items in games, talking to other players, and spotting warning signs. 

Adding extra security steps to gaming accounts and checking privacy settings regularly can help protect young players. Keeping an open dialogue about what happens online is vital for safeguarding children in today’s gaming environment.

Mobile Premier League (MPL) is a popular gaming platform in the US, offering a variety of games across categories like card games and casual games. Players can compete in these games to earn real money through cash tournaments and battles. 

The platform ensures a secure and fair gaming experience with robust security measures and transparent policies. MPL supports multiple payment options for deposits and withdrawals, including Apple Pay, PayPal, and bank transfers. The app is available for download on mobile devices, allowing players to enjoy games and win cash prizes conveniently.