Unscrupulous individuals in Omsk are exploiting children to swindle parents with offers of free subscriptions and in-game currency, a deceitful tactic.
In a concerning development, cyber fraud has emerged as a threat not only to adults but also to young people and children, with cases reportedly involving popular children's games such as Roblox. The Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Regional Duma Committee on Transport and Road Complex and Information Technologies, Dmitry Denisko, recently made statements about this issue, which were reported by Sibdepo.
In the case of Roblox, fraudsters often offer free subscriptions or in-game currencies, then request access to the parents' phone for purchases. This is a cause for concern as the phone is not suitable for such purchases in a child's account. Fraudsters exploit the trust of children to gain access to their parents' wallets, often by communicating with them, offering video calls or friendly chats, to gather information about family finances.
To safeguard children from such cyber threats, it's essential to combine parental involvement, awareness of safety features, and education on online safety practices. Here are some steps parents can take:
1. **Utilise Roblox's Safety Features**: Link your account to your child's to monitor their activities and set controls on their interactions. New features like "Trusted Connections" allow teens to chat without filters with verified friends, reducing the need to move interactions off-platform. Parental controls can also be used to set limits on screen time, monitor spending, and restrict interactions with unknown users.
2. **Educate Children about Safety**: Teach children about online etiquette and the importance of sharing personal information only with trusted individuals. Educate them on how to identify scams or suspicious activities, such as being asked for money or personal details.
3. **Monitor Online Activities**: Regularly check your child's online activities and monitor their interactions on platforms like Roblox. Encourage children to report any suspicious activity or user behaviour to you or the platform's moderators.
4. **Use AI and Verification Tools**: Encourage teens to use AI-based age verification tools available on Roblox to ensure they are interacting with peers of a similar age. They should also be encouraged to only establish trusted connections with known friends and family members.
5. **Stay Updated**: Stay updated with the latest safety features and updates from platforms like Roblox to ensure you are using all available tools to protect your child.
As we navigate this digital age, it's crucial to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting our children from cyber threats. For more information about the disaster expected to hit the Omsk region next week, please visit Om1 Omsk.
What about reinforcing cybersecurity measures for children's online games, such as Roblox, since they have become a target for fraudsters hiding in the guise of friendly chat or offers? The increasing cases of cyber fraud in the general-news sector, particularly crime-and-justice, illustrate the need for more technology-focused safeguards to shield young minds from potential harm.
