Protecting Teens and Young Adults From Scams

Teens and young adults may be comfortable online, but that doesn’t make them immune to scams. As they start earning their own money, shopping independently, looking for jobs, or finding their first apartment, scammers are finding plenty of ways to reach them. In fact, consumers age 29 and younger lost nearly $500 million to scams in 2025, according to the Federal Reserve.

A few scams are especially important for young people and their families to recognize:

• Online shopping scams: A great deal found through social media or an unfamiliar website may not be what it seems. Before buying, take a minute to research the seller and be cautious of pressure to act immediately.
• Fake job offers: Be wary of employers who ask for money upfront, send a check and ask you to send part of the money elsewhere, or request sensitive financial information early in the hiring process.
• Rental scams: First apartments can be exciting, but never let that excitement rush the process. Be cautious of someone demanding a deposit before you’ve seen the property or verified who owns or manages it.
• Fake checks and payment requests: Money showing up in your account does not necessarily mean a check is legitimate. If someone sends you a check and then asks you to send money back or forward it somewhere else, stop before doing anything.

One of the best defenses is also one of the simplest: slow down. Scammers want people to act before they have time to think, research, or ask someone they trust. At Front Royal Federal Credit Union, we want our younger members to develop good financial habits from the start, and knowing how to protect their money is part of that.

If something involving your account, a payment, or a request for financial information doesn’t feel right, reach out to us. We’d much rather help you take a second look before money changes hands.

Posted by Amanda Thomas in Uncategorized.