Spot the Scam - Teens Edition

You can probably recognize well-known scams, like the one where a person in a foreign country needs your help collecting lottery winnings. But there are many other sneaky scams; several specifically targeting teens.

Contests & Sweepstakes
Recognizing the difference between a legitimate contest and scams can be difficult but warning signs to watch out for including entry fees that are exorbitant, claims that everyone wins, competitions run by private individuals, and the need to send money to receive your prize.

Inexpensive Brand Name Items
Cellphones, designer clothes, and accessories, and electronic gadgets selling at a fraction of the retail price are usually cheap knockoffs. Sure, it’s nice to find an amazing deal, but nobody is really selling a pair of headphones worth $299 for $50.

Scholarships & Grants with Fees
Legitimate college scholarships or gran opportunities will never request a credit card or bank account information. Be very suspicious of any company that guarantees to find you money for college, claims they will fill out all the applications on your behalf, or requires payment before applying.

Promises of Part Time Jobs
Requiring money in exchange for a guaranteed job, making you buy something before you can start work, or offering a well-paying dream job are all warning signs of a fake job. These scams are after your personal information and money, not your skills.

Talent & Modeling Contracts
Reputable agencies won’t solicit you on social media sites, require a hefty up-front fee, or make you sign a contract without discussing all the details with you. They might be promising a backup dancer position on your favorite artist’s world tour or an acting gig on a hot new TV show, but chances are these amazing “opportunities” do not exist with this organization.