As teens in Hawaii step into more independence – first jobs, online banking, social media growth – scammers see new opportunities. They use fake giveaways, influencer scams, sextortion, sketchy scholarship offers and high‑pressure messages to trick young people who are still learning how institutions and money really work.

Because so much of life happens on your phone, it’s easy for scammers to sneak in through DMs, texts, apps, or fake accounts. Their number one goal? To rush, confuse or scare you into giving up information, such as your personal identity or money.

This part of our “Scams Across Generations” series breaks down the types of scams hitting Hawaii’s teens the hardest – and how you can stay one step ahead.

Common trappings include:

• Fake Giveaway Contests: Con artists set up clone or fake influencer accounts announcing contest wins. Or Bank Details Harvesting: “Winners” are asked to hand over their debit card or bank login details under the guise of depositing the cash prize.
• Influencer Offers: These types of scans target young individuals who are seeking to become “influencers”, or an individual with a large following online. Oftentimes this comes with fake brand deals, unrealistic offers, upfront fees, phishing links or requests for personal information to work with bigger companies (How to Spot an Influencer Scam| Backstage ).
• Sextortion: Sextortion is a crime where someone threatens, coerces, or pressures an individual to send explicit photos or videos after gaining their trust or pretending to be someone They typically ask for money in exchange for keeping the photos private. THE FBI advises to never pay or send more images and to instead block and report the scammer. (Sextortion – FBI)

• Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams

Guaranteed Funding: Ads or emails promise guaranteed college scholarships or grants.

Processing Fees: Scammers demand a small “application fee” or sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers to secure the funds

How to Stay Safe Amongst the Generations

While there are so many different types of scams there just waiting for a single mistake, there is one thing all of these have in common: They are avoidable! To prevent scams always slow down and verify before sending money, sharing personal information or clicking links. Be sure to always make sure you are using trusted sources both in person and online. Be cautious receiving messages for unknown numbers, urgent requests, guaranteed products, gift cards, crypto or someone requesting personal information. When online, make sure to use strong passwords, two-factor authentication and make sure to keep your social media accounts private.

It is also important to recognize that anyone can fall victim to scams regardless of age, and there is no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed if you become a victim. Scammers are purposely skilled at manipulating people, and falling victim to a scam does not mean you are careless or unintelligent. If you think you or a loved one has been scammed do not be afraid to ask for help and report it to the proper authorities. If you’re unsure whom to contact, call SMP Hawaii.

If you’re interested in joining SMP Hawaii as a volunteer to help protect people of all ages from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse, here’s how to find us.

Visit: https://www.smphawaii.org/
Call Toll Free: 1‑800‑296‑9422
Email: info@smphawaii.org

Help SMP Hawaii “Swat Those Scams!”