“Look! It says I can get these for free.”
Picture your child holding out a screen. You’re making tea, sorting a bag or trying to finish a job. They want to show you a prize or an item for their game.
You may not know the game. You may not know if the offer is real. You can start with five words:
“Let’s have a look together.”
A scam is a trick used to steal money, private details or access to an account. Children can be targeted too, as MoneyHelper explains.
At Pocket Money Adventures, we want to help you talk about this in a calm, clear way. Your child does not have to work it out alone.
A scam may look like a treat
It might look like free game coins or a prize. A message may ask for a password before your child can claim it. The NSPCC warns about scams like these. A child can face them before they have a bank account of their own.
Wanting the reward does not make your child foolish. You can share their interest while you check what the offer asks them to do.
A real purchase inside a game can cost real money too. That is not always a scam. Your child may not know that pressing a button can lead to a charge. Explain the cost and when they need to ask you first.
For ages four to seven, keep the plan small
“Leave the screen as it is. Ask a grown-up you trust.”
Choose who that person could be at home or at school. Try a made-up message on paper: “This says we’ve won a prize. Who could help us check?”
Let your child point to someone or say their name. Practise asking that person for help. There is no need to open a real scam link or see if your child falls for a trick.
The grown-up does the checks and deals with any money or accounts. Your child’s part is to ask for help.
With an older child, start with their game
Ask them to show you a game or app they use. You can learn about it together.
Then ask: “What would you do if someone offered you a reward but wanted your password?”
Talk through how to leave the chat and get help. Explain that they should not send passwords or sign-in codes in a message. Find the real help page through the app itself, rather than a link someone sends.
Check who can contact your child and how payments are set up. MoneyHelper suggests using parental controls. These are settings that help you manage what your child can do. Explain them together. They cannot stop every risk.
Tap Tap Pause
Tap Tap Pause is our short routine: two gentle taps, then a pause for one breath before acting. Show your child first. They can join in with a tapping action that feels right for them. A breath or a pause card works too.
After the pause, ask for help and check. With a young child, the grown-up leads. Older children still need support too.
A pause cannot prove an offer is real. It does not make anyone safe from every scam. You can show your child how you check a message:
“I didn’t expect this. I’ll check it another way.”
Have a plan for your own messages too
If a caller asks you to move money to a “safe” account, end the call. Open your bank’s app or use the number on your bank card to check. Do not use a number the caller gives you. Take Five explains these scams.
If a message says a family member has a new phone number, try their old number first. Check it is really them before sending money.
“I already clicked.”
You may feel worried. Try to start with: “Thank you for telling me.” Help with the problem first. Talk about safer choices once the urgent steps are done.
You could make this promise now:
“Even if you’ve clicked or shared something, please tell me. I’ll help you work out what to do next.”
If it has already happened
- Money gone or bank details shared? Contact the bank straight away. Use its app or a number you trust. You can also call 159 to reach banks that have joined the service.
- Password shared? Help your child change it through the real app or website. Change it on any other account where they used it too.
- Link opened or software installed? Use the National Cyber Security Centre’s guide for the next steps. It also explains what to do if someone has taken over an account.
- Need to report fraud? In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, use Report Fraud or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Call 999 if someone is in danger right now.
You do not have to solve it all on your own. The person running the scam is at fault.
One small step today
Ask your child: “If something online promised you a prize, who could help you check it?” Give them time to answer. Then let them practise asking you.
At Pocket Money Adventures, we help children and families talk about money, wants and choices. Talking about scams is part of that wider conversation.
To ask about our work with schools, families and community groups, email hello@pocketmoneyadventures.co.uk.
You cannot promise your child will never meet a scam. You can make sure they know they can come to you.