Family Month is a good reminder that protecting your family also includes protecting their financial and digital lives. Children and teens use technology daily, and scammers often target them through games, apps, and social media. It’s important to set clear, practical rules that reduce fraud risk, protect privacy, and build safe habits early. Teach your family never to share login details or payment information and to report anything suspicious immediately.
A simple family safety plan helps everyone know what’s expected, how to recognize warning signs, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Fraud often starts with small requests for information. Teaching children and teens to pause, ask questions, and come to a trusted adult can help stop scams before damage occurs.
Start with conversation and awareness
Begin by talking with your children about how they use apps, games, websites, and social media. Take time to sit with them occasionally so you can better understand their habits and the types of messages or offers they see online.
Encourage them to speak up if something feels suspicious or uncomfortable because reporting concerns early can help prevent fraud and limit potential impact.
Set clear rules for devices and accounts
Establish basic household rules for device use, downloads, and online purchases. Explain that banking and other sensitive activity should only take place on secure home networks, and public Wi Fi should be avoided for account access.
Parents can also help manage device security by keeping operating systems and apps up to date, using device passcodes or biometric locks, and enabling parental controls when available. These tools can help limit access to inappropriate content, prevent unauthorized purchases, and reduce opportunities for fraud and scams.
Teach smart sharing to prevent fraud
Explain to kids and teens that personal details can be valuable to scammers. Information such as school names, home addresses, daily routines, and full birth dates should never be shared publicly.
Social media and gaming profiles should be set to private, with connections limited to people they know in real life. Scammers often use personal details to create convincing messages or fake offers.
Focus on payment and account safety
Online games, apps, and in app purchases are frequent fraud targets. Teach children never to share passwords, verification codes, or payment information, even with someone who seems trustworthy. Be cautious of messages that promise prizes, discounts, or pressure them to act quickly.
Using a password manager for shared family accounts can help protect logins and reduce the risk of account misuse.
Know what to do if fraud occurs
If you notice unauthorized charges or suspicious activity, keep any related information and contact us immediately about your Bonvenu accounts, or the applicable service provider for other identified issues. Quick action can help prevent further fraud.
For serious situations such as identity theft or online exploitation, report the activity to the appropriate authorities.
Make fraud prevention a routine
Revisit your family’s fraud safety plan every few months. Review account activity, privacy settings, and apps, and update rules as your children’s online activity changes.
Taking simple steps can make a big difference in reducing fraud risk and keeping your family safer year round.
