If your child spends time gaming online, there’s a good chance they’ve already encountered a scam whether they realised it or not.
Popular platforms like Roblox and Minecraft are now prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals targeting young players. They’ll dangle everything from free Robux and secret mods to exclusive skins – all designed to trick children into clicking on dodgy links, sharing personal info or accessing their parents’ bank cards.
According to online safety expert and neuroscientist Dr. Huriye Atilgan, this isn’t a fringe issue anymore.
“These cybercriminals aren’t just opportunists. They’re deliberately going after children on platforms like Roblox and Minecraft because they know how young minds work – and because kids often have access to mum or dad’s payment details,” she says.
“They design scams to be bright, tempting and convincing, banking on the fact that a child won’t stop to question whether it’s fake. Parents need to understand that their child is navigating a space full of risks. The gaming world has changed, and it’s time our safety conversations catch up.”
Here’s how to talk to your child about online scams and help them spot danger before it clicks.
- Explain how scams actually work
Kids won’t take online safety seriously if they don’t understand the why. Break down how scammers operate – what they want, how they get it, and what red flags to watch for. Use real-life examples like a fake offer for free in-game currency or a message from someone pretending to be a friend. The more relatable the scenario, the more likely your child is to remember and recognise it later. Make it clear that even clicking a single suspicious link can have serious consequences.
Top tip: Watch a YouTube video together that shows common gaming scams in action, then pause and talk through what went wrong.
- Normalise saying no to strangers online
Just like in real life, children need to know it’s smart to ignore or block someone who’s asking for something suspicious. Many scams start with a friendly message: “Hey, want free Robux?” It seems harmless, but it’s a setup. Let your child know they never need to respond, and that they won’t get in trouble with you for walking away from a dodgy situation. Reinforce that being safe online is more important than being polite.
Top tip: Set up a rule together: if someone they don’t know asks for personal info, money, or login details, they bring it to you first – no questions asked.
- Talk about ‘too good to be true’ offers
Scammers rely on excitement to override caution. Limited-time deals, secret hacks, and outrageous giveaways are all classic traps, and kids are prime targets because they want to believe it’s real. Help your child build a radar for things that sound too perfect. Ask them questions like, “Why would a stranger give away thousands of Robux for free?” or “How would this benefit the person sending it?” to encourage sceptical thinking.
Top tip: Make it a game: take turns spotting scammy-looking ads or pop-ups and rating how “suspicious” they are. It teaches awareness in a fun, non-judgemental way.
- Make sure your child knows what not to share
Usernames, passwords, real names, school info, even their pet’s name – it all matters. Scammers will use anything they can to guess logins, pose as friends, or steal identities. Children often don’t realise how much they’re giving away in casual chat. Go through what’s private, why it matters, and how scammers use that information.
Top tip: Create a simple rule of thumb together: “If you wouldn’t shout it out in the school playground, don’t type it in a game chat.”
- Set boundaries – and stick to them
Scam risks rise when kids play on unmoderated servers, download sketchy add-ons, or access games through third-party sites. Set clear guidelines about where and how they’re allowed to game, and keep devices secure with firewalls, antivirus software and password protection. Let them know these rules aren’t about punishment – they’re about keeping the experience fun and safe.
Top tip: Create a shared “safe gaming checklist” that includes things like approved sites, trusted friends, and a list of known scams to watch out for.
