Youth Education: Scams and Fraud

Two children in skeleton face paint sit on a porch surrounded by pumpkins. One wears a top hat and cape; both are holding phones, creating a festive Halloween atmosphere.

Ghouls and goblins? Not that scary. But online scams targeting kids? Now that’s a fright! This October, we’re sharing spooky-smart tips and activities to help families outwit digital tricksters before they strike.

3 Tips for Teaching Kids to Spot a Scam 

  1. Don’t Take the Candy! If something seems too good to be true—like a free Roblox code or prize—it probably is. Teach kids to pause before they tap.
  2. Ghostbusters Rule: Tell an Adult. If a message, pop-up, or link feels weird, the safest move is to call in backup. Encourage kids to come to you right away.
  3. Spot the Costume. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust. Look closely—does the email look off? Is the message urgent and strange? Help kids learn to recognize red flags.

Activity: Scams & Schemes - A Haunted How-To

This booklet is full of Halloween fun and real-world safety skills—teaching kids to spot scams, decode messages, and ask for help when something feels off.

Youth Education Hub

Explore various topics to teach kids about good money habits, find ideas for money-making adventures, and more.