People aged 18-34 face nearly three times the risk of online scams compared to those over 65, according to recent research. Social media emerges as the primary vector for these attacks.
The common assumption that older people are most vulnerable to fraud online does not match current data. Younger adults, often perceived as the most tech-savvy demographic, report being targeted at significantly higher rates. More than a third of younger victims say they felt stupid or naive after falling for a scam, despite their technical confidence.
Scammers are adopting increasingly sophisticated tactics that catch out even experienced digital users. The article features seven people describing how they fell victim to different cons targeting their hobbies, including festival-going, gaming and shopping. Each account includes lessons on staying safer online.
The gap between perceived digital competence and actual vulnerability suggests that familiarity with technology does not automatically protect against well-crafted fraud. Scammers appear to exploit the confidence of younger users by tailoring attacks to activities and communities they frequent.