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Scams are not going away. The reality of the rise of the internet is that while making things easier for shopping, learning, entertainment, and other conveniences, it also made things easier for scammers. Bad actors no longer need to physically rob a bank to obtain money—they can do so behind a screen. Given that scams are continually rising, it is a far more prudent approach to educate customers on how to avoid scams, and to show you what scammers are trying to do so that you can combat it yourself.

This post is part one of our Cybersecurity Month series. Throughout October, we’ll be sharing more insights into how scams work and how you can stay protected.

Fraudsters don’t just target older adults—they actively go after teenagers and young professionals. Two common scams to watch for:

Sextortion Scams (Targeting Minors)

The scam: ESPN published an article on August 10, 2025, titled “The Predatory Web of Sextortion Increasingly Ensnares Young Athletes”. The article described real cases of scammers messaging high school students on Instagram while posing as potential romantic interests. After some back-and-forth communication, the scammer would send a nude photo of this “romantic interest” and ask for one in return. Once they received one, the conversation shifted from flirting to blackmail, with the scammers threatening to share the image with the student’s family and friends if they didn’t pay.

How to avoid it: Never accept a friend request on any social media platform from someone you don’t know. Avoid engaging in conversations with strangers online and never send sensitive information—or images—to anyone you haven’t verified. If you are a parent reading this, stay aware of what your children are doing on social media.

Fake Job Scams (Targeting 18–34)

While this is a wide age range, the Better Business Bureau’s 2024 Scam Tracker Report shows that 18–24-year-olds and 25–34-year-olds are often susceptible to the same scams.

The scam: Generally speaking, 18–34-year-olds work for a living, which usually requires employment unless you’re an entrepreneur. Today, it’s increasingly common to search for jobs on websites like Indeed.com and Monster.com. These sites make it easier for people to find jobs in their field, within their preferred pay range, and/or near their location. Unfortunately, they also make it easier for scammers to post fake job listings—or, if targeting businesses and entrepreneurs, fake résumés. Many of these fraudulent postings boast enticing benefits, like fully remote work and even signing bonuses.

After “accepting” the job, the applicant receives a check from their supposed employer with instructions to buy supplies or something similar. Soon after, the employer contacts them again, claiming their “secretary” accidentally sent the check for the wrong (inflated) amount. To resolve the issue, the applicant is told they can keep a little extra for the inconvenience but must return the excess via wire transfer or cryptocurrency. The scammer may even threaten that if the money isn’t returned, the “secretary” could be arrested for fraud and the applicant charged as an accomplice. Once the funds are sent, the scammer cuts off all communication. Eventually, the applicant receives a notice from their bank that the check was counterfeit and the entire amount has been reversed.

How to avoid it: Don’t accept a job offer without verifying the employer. Do thorough research on every company that contacts you and confirm the legitimacy of the job before sharing personal information or accepting payment.

Resources:

• Protecting Kids Online | Consumer Advice
• Kids and Cell Phones | Consumer Advice
• Security Center | Pioneer Bank 

Sources:

Wetzel, Dan. “The Predatory Web of Sextortion Increasingly Ensnares Young Athletes.” ESPN, 10 Aug. 2025. Link

2024-RiskReport-US