The internet harbors a great many cost traps. Children and young people in particular, but also adults, often fall for them.

Advertising traps on the internet – How to protect yourself

Scammers often advertise supposedly great sweepstakes or free offers on the internet. In the end, however, these dubious services entail considerable costs, for example, if a long-term subscription is unintentionally concluded. An internet ad blocker can help in the first step to prevent such advertising traps from appearing on the screen at all.

Advertising traps on the internet – How they work

Scammers often try to refer to dubious sites with deceptive links on the internet. In apps, for example, messages about an alleged win are displayed for this purpose, which in reality, of course, does not exist at all. If these links are clicked, personal data must be entered, and a paid subscription is automatically concluded – however, this is only one of many examples of how advertising traps work on the internet. Often, the computer is also infected with malware or other harmful software programs via these dubious sites.

So-called phishing is also particularly often used for fraud on the internet. With this method, scammers try to obtain sensitive data such as passwords, TANs, PINs, or credit card numbers. The victims of phishing, which is particularly often practiced via email, are asked in emails that appear very reputable and professional to visit a website, which also looks deceptively real, and enter their most personal data or passwords there.

Parents, in particular, must be careful here and openly discuss the advertising traps circulating on the internet with their children. Because if damage occurs or a paid service is used by children, the parents are usually liable for it. Often, however, these demands are not justified. However, if a few tips and certain rules are observed when surfing the internet, these pitfalls can be easily avoided.

Tips for protection against dubious offers on the internet

Firstly, children should definitely be thoroughly educated about commercialism and advertising on the internet. This will make them aware that there are certain dangers on the internet that they need to pay attention to. Secondly, in-app purchases and other paid offers on the net should also be discussed. It is good if parents establish the rule that children should never use paid services independently.

It is also helpful to provide children with examples of cost traps and scams on the internet. This way, children develop an understanding of them and are more attentive when online.

Parents should also define fixed rules with their children regarding the input of personal data and the setup of accounts on the internet. It is best if parents are always called in these situations to monitor the input. A child should never enter data independently on the internet.

The secure setup and configuration of smartphones, laptops, and computers is also an important point. With the help of anti-virus programs, ad blockers, regular security updates, and special settings for children, a solid basis can be created that offers security when surfing the internet.

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