SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Scam Alert: New Scam Targeting Teens And Young Adults
There Is A Rise In A New Scam Targeting Teens And Young Adults – Especially In The United States & Canada
This extremely damaging scam mainly works when a fraudster takes advantage of a victim’s naivety and commits fraud in the victim’s name.
Though anyone can be targeted, we are seeing reports that the most common age range of victims are late-teens to young adults. This is thought to be because these groups generally have less of an income stream and are more susceptible to being tricked into giving their information for financial crimes or fraud in exchange for monetary payments or other benefits. In short, they simply do not know any better.
Here Are The Basics Of This Scam:
- A victim is approached by a stranger (or strangers) who offers them a chance to make money.
- The victim is given explicit instructions to open a checking/savings account with a credit union or bank and to give the stranger (fraudster) full access to this account.
- The victim is then assured that nothing illegal is going on and/or that they will not be held responsible for anything the fraudster does with the account information.
- With the account information that was provided to them, the fraudster commits fraud and money laundering in the target’s name.
- Though the target may believe they are not liable for the crimes perpetrated by the fraudster, the reality is that they could be held responsible since they willingly allowed someone to use their account.
- This could lead to jail time and/or heavy fines.
Beyond the legal troubles this will bring, giving away your personal information to someone you don’t know can lead to a host of personal/financial troubles (such as identity theft, for example) which can affect your credit for years to come. Since the most frequent victims of this type of fraud are young people, imagine how someone’s entire life can be altered by an incident like this.
Additionally, if this person is underage then the parents can also be financially liable for any losses. AND if the account is used to defraud others then the parents could be liable to the other victims for their financial losses.
The Best Way To Prevent This Type Of Fraud?
Fraud Specialists say vigilance and knowledge are key.
First, parents MUST talk to teens and young adults about how common fraud and scams are. Do not accept that the teen thinks that they know everything about the internet because they actually know very little. It is important to point out that their actions can affect the parents financially and criminally too!
Protecting Yourself And Your Family Is The First Critical Step
It sounds ridiculous, but no one is trustworthy online, unless you know them and verify them.
No untrusted sources should ever have access to any of your vital financial or personal information such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, or passwords used to access email or online banking.
Be sure to secure this information carefully and understand that willingly giving it to a fraudster could act as permission for them to commit crimes in your name.
Keep an eye out for yourself and others who might be targeted by manipulative scammers.
The money offered can often lead someone to go against their gut and make choices that they normally would not.
Providing awareness and education about this type of fraud is another way to help prevent it. Teach children who to trust when it comes to financial information, and visit your credit union or bank branch to introduce them to those who they can trust with their financial information.
The best way to fight fraud is to report it. When you are the victim of fraud or scams report it to the local police, the national police (such as the FBI, RCMP, etc.), and always report it to SCARS www.Anyscam.com for distribution everywhere!
Scams and Bank Fraud can happen to anyone, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Quick, decisive action can save you pain in the long run. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud contact your local law enforcement and then ALSO report it to your financial institution(s) immediately.
Remember These Rules
The SCARS’ Scammer’s Star – How To Identify Fakes & Scammers
The SCARS’ Scammer’s Star – How To Identify Fakes & Scammers
TAGS: SCARS, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, Crybercriminals, Scam Victims, Financial Crime, Financial Scams, Bank Fraud, Money Laundering, Scammer Account Access
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Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- U.S. State Police (if you live in the U.S.) – they will take the matter more seriously and provide you with more help than local police
- Your National Police or FBI « www.IC3.gov »
- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network on « www.Anyscam.com »
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
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To learn more about SCARS visit « www.AgainstScams.org »
Please be sure to report all scammers
on « www.Anyscam.com »
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Table of Contents
- There Is A Rise In A New Scam Targeting Teens And Young Adults – Especially In The United States & Canada
- Here Are The Basics Of This Scam:
- The Best Way To Prevent This Type Of Fraud?
- Protecting Yourself And Your Family Is The First Critical Step
- Remember These Rules
- Yangyang Sweet / 阳阳 Sweet – Impersonation Victim – Used By Scammers – 2025
- Elicitation – A Scammer’s Manipulation Technique – 2025
- SCARS Institute’s New Survivor Community – www.SCARScommunity.org – 2025
- WARNING: AI-Enabled Browsers Pose a Cybersecurity Risk – 2025
- New United Nations UNODC Report on Corruption and Cybercrime – 2025
- SCARS Institute – 12 Years of Service to Scam Victims/Survivors – 2025/2026
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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