Scammers in Russia often target children, trying to deceive them on social networks, as well as calling children on their mobile phones. Expert of the People's Front project "For the Rights of Borrowers" and the "Moshelovka" platform, Alexandra Pozharskaya, shared advice on how to protect children from cyber scammers. In her opinion, parents should create clear algorithms of actions and show children how important it is to keep information confidential.
Create an algorithm of actions. Agree that in any call [from scammers] or message, the child should immediately stop the conversation, inform you, or clarify the information with the class teacher.
In her opinion, it is impossible to overestimate the importance of conversations on cybersecurity topics. The expert emphasized that parents should explain that no one should ever be told codes from SMS, even if the interlocutor introduces himself as an acquaintance.
The code from SMS is a one-time key to money or personal data, and giving it to a third party is like giving a wallet to a stranger.
It will also be useful to install applications on the child's phone to identify numbers that may alert you to potential fraudulent calls. It is recommended to set up bank cards linked to the student's phone with low limits for online payments or completely disable the possibility of making such transactions.
Pozharskaya emphasized that children can become victims of cyber scammers due to trust in adults, lack of critical thinking, and a lack of understanding of the technical aspects of security.
Scammers often create an artificial sense of urgency and panic: you need to update urgently, otherwise the diary will be blocked and there will be problems with grades.