Kids as well as adults can be defrauded. This article takes a longer look at the kind of precautions kids might want to take to avoid scams, and we’ve also outlined a few tips below.
When shopping online, make sure you recognise the name of the website.
If you want to buy something from a website you’ve never bought anything from before, it’s also a good idea to do a search for them and see if there are any reviews or reports. Google their name, and you might find other people who’ve used them and been scammed.
Also watch for sneaky scammers who might be setting up sites that look like familiar retailers, but are actually sneaky misspellings of familiar names, such as arnazon (‘r n’) rather than amazon.
Look out for the special ‘s’ in ‘https’ and/or the padlock symbol
If a website’s address has https at the beginning, it means it’s using a special way to communicate, which is a bit more secure. If it isn’t there, think twice about making that purchase.
Regularly update your browser to ensure you always have the latest security features.
The makers of web browsers such as Chrome, Safari and Firefox regularly update their software, to make sure that it’s safe and secure. Make sure you have the latest version running on your phone or computer, before you buy stuff.
Check your statements regularly
Make sure you recognise all vendors and if you don’t recognise any, contact our help team.
Parents and children can view purchases via the Rooster app. If you think something’s a bit off, we’re always happy to help. You can contact us via the app.
Never give your PIN away anywhere
Remember, your PIN is YOUR secret code for ATMs and in shops, not for online shopping. Never give that information away online. Retailers may ask for the long number written on the card, and the CVV. A lot of card providers write that number on the card itself, but RoosterMoney adds an additional layer of security, by letting users generate one-off CVV numbers via the app. Find out more about that here.
Never respond to out one-time passcodes requests
Sometimes you’re asked to enter one-time passcodes (OTPs) to access certain services. These passcodes, which are often sent via text message, provide an extra layer of security.
Scammers may try to get around this layer of security by sneakily trying to get the passcode from you, via Instagram, Whatsapp or text message, posing as a bank or other authority figure.
Have a strong password and change it regularly
A lot of scammers crack users’ security thanks to old, or easy-to-guess passwords. You can beat them, when you’re shopping online, by using a stronger password, with different symbols, letters and numbers, and by changing your password regularly. Some tech firms such as Apple and Google mintor data breaches and let you know if one of your passwords has been published online. If one of yours has been leaked, make sure you updated it.
Always log out of sites when you’re done
Simply closing your browser isn’t the same as logging out.
Use the Rooster Money app
The Rooster Money app and the Rooster Card* come with enhanced security features. Parents can get a purchase notification to keep track of shopping, and they can freeze and unfreeze cards if they get lost or fall into the wrong hands.
Contact us If you think a bad retailer has scammed you online, and the merchant is not responding. We may be able to help, via a chargeback. You can find out more here.
*Card for ages 6-17. Parent/guardian must be 18+ and UK resident. Fees and T&Cs apply. Spend and top up limits apply.