Editor’s Note: The employees quoted here don’t have job titles that include the word “fraud,” yet fraud prevention has become a key part of their daily work. They spend time recognizing scams, creating safeguards, and assisting customers who’ve fallen victim to fraud. Committee members understand the pressure of parenting but can’t over-emphasize the importance of making kids aware that the digital world is a fraudulent space.

In an increasingly connected world, parents need to help kids understand the risks of digital spaces. Our advice?  Learn, teach, overshare, and repeat.

Have the Conversation About Fraud

Kids encounter digital fraud tactics every day, whether through phishing emails, fake giveaways, or social media impersonators. Parents should talk openly about these schemes and explain how to recognize them. Use real-life examples and emphasize that it’s always okay to double-check with a trusted adult.

Jamie Singer, vice president of deposit operations, regularly reminds her family not to panic if they receive a frantic text or phone call. “I told them if you don't know the person, it's okay to hang up. Don't always trust the number that may appear to be calling you, as that number could be spoofed." she says.  "Call your trusted banker - me, in this case - or use the number on the back of your debit card or the one on the institution’s website." 

Kelly Raison, vice president of retail operations and process improvement, echoes the warning: “If it sounds too good to be true, it’s a scam. Rarely do companies send texts to urgently collect money—so no, you don’t owe the IRS money!”

Both experts stress that even if a message doesn’t raise alarms, kids should never engage with strangers online. It’s easy for someone to pretend to be a peer. One message to share with children: "Online, people can easily hide their identity. Just because someone says they’re 12 and like the same games you do, doesn’t mean it’s true."

Define Personal Information and Why It’s Valuable to Scammers

Children may not understand what counts as sensitive information. It’s up to parents to explain that names, birth dates, home addresses, phone numbers, school names, profile pictures, and even usernames can be valuable to scammers.

Charlie Kerwin, another Fraud Committee member, notes that kids often overshare online. “They don’t value privacy the same way past generations did,” he says, citing the influence of social media.  Charlie adds: “Kids need to understand how the information they provide can be used against them.”

Need help starting the conversation? A good teaching moment might sound like this:

“Would you trust someone who walks up to you at the park and says they’re your friend—even if you’ve never met them? It’s the same online. Be just as careful.”

Set Clear Rules and Use Parental Controls

Parental controls, boundaries, and age-appropriate access can go a long way in protecting kids from fraud. Caeri Chiaro, senior compliance manager, delayed her daughter’s access to social media until she turned 13, despite pushback.

“She got her first iPhone at 10 for emergencies, but we set strict limits,” Caeri explains. “Once she was old enough, we made sure every app had security features enabled; some apps are better than others.  But we always had conversations about what’s appropriate to share and what to do if something seems off.”

Caeri adds that she and her daughter regularly review friend lists together. “We want her to know we’re a safe space. If something makes her uncomfortable, she won’t get in trouble for coming to us.”

Make Scam Detection a Skill

Turn scam spotting into a routine activity. Show kids phishing emails or fake giveaway messages. Make it interactive; quiz them with questions like: “If someone messages you that you won a prize, but you never entered a contest, what should you do?”

Encourage healthy skepticism and reinforce that it’s smart—not rude—to double-check anything suspicious with a parent or guardian.

The Federal Trade Commission provides resources that can help with your own education.

Practice What You Preach

Kids observe their parents’ behavior. Protecting your own information, questioning suspicious messages, and being cautious online sends a strong message. When children see adults using good digital habits, they’re more likely to adopt those habits themselves.