Scam texts (smishing) are a growing threat in the UK, and scammers don't only target adults. Young mobile users are particularly prone to falling for smishing attempts. Scammers know that children are less aware of the warning signs, which makes them prime targets.
SMS scams targeted at children can come in various forms. Your child could receive a text that informs them that they've won a prize or missed a delivery. The text could also ask them to verify their details urgently. These messages create a sense of urgency, exploit curiosity, and take advantage of your child's trust.
Worst of all, scam texts are becoming more convincing by the day. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your child how to spot a text scam.
Why Are Children Becoming Targets?
Scammers used to target only adults because it was formerly only adults who had access to important banking information. Today, scammers know that children have access to gaming accounts, digital wallets, and social media profiles.
Children are also vulnerable and easily convinced. They're also more excitable than adults. If someone tells them that they've won a prize, they're very likely to believe it.
Some parents assume their children are safe from scams. As a result, they fail to give their child proper advice on how to deal with them.
According to research by Virgin Media O2, 26% of 13-to-16-year-olds are likely to fall for a scam text.
The Most Common Scam Texts Families See
The stats show that scam texts are on the rise in the UK. A TransUnion survey published in August 2025 found that 70% of UK consumers had received scam messages. The survey found that these scams impersonated common and popular brands, such as Evri and Royal Mail.
Fake parcel delivery was the most common type of scam text - but not the only one.
Fake Parcel Delivery
The sender normally impersonates a trusted parcel courier, such as Evri.
They ask you to pay a redelivery fee, or update your address by clicking a link attached.
Bank Security Alerts
Scammers send texts that they've noticed suspicious activity. They may also suggest that they've frozen your account for safety purposes.
Prize and Giveaway Messages
Texts that read 'Congratulations, you've won an iPhone 17' are most likely a scam. Especially when you or your child never entered a competition to win an iPhone to begin with.
To claim the 'prize', you normally need to pay a small fee or provide personal details.
Gaming Account Warning
Children spend a lot of time on gaming accounts, and they're quick to respond to any account issues. Scammers take advantage by sending messages that warn them of account suspensions if they don't complete specific actions.
School or Government Impersonation Texts
Scammers impersonate schools and government officials to steal information from unsuspecting victims. They use official-sounding language and titles to make the texts appear trustworthy.
How to Talk to Your Children About Text Scams
Teaching your children about text scams should form part of your wider conversations about online safety.
Teach Them Based on Their Age
You should adapt how you talk about scams to your child based on their age.
For younger children, you can make it a rule to consult parents. Tell them:
'Always show an adult whenever a text asks you to pay for something or asks for something about you'.
Older children are better at spotting the warning signs.
The main warning signs include:
- Pressure to act immediately
- Requests for passwords and bank details
- Strange web addresses
- Poor spelling and unusual wording
- Offers that sound too good to be true
Make It a Regular Family Conversation
Online safety works best as an ongoing conversation. New scams appear regularly, so it's important to keep your children in the loop.
Regularly check in on your child to ask if they've encountered anything suspicious. Or, tell them about scam attempts you yourself have encountered as they occur.
Keeping up the conversation will keep them alert and on the lookout.
What to Do When You're Unsure
Adults regularly fall for scam texts. As scam texts grow more convincing, you're less likely to spot the warning signs.
That's why many adults use a scam text checker, which can identify scam messages on your behalf. Specifically, it analyses the text, links, phone numbers, and email addresses. It will alert you if any of these appear suspicious.
You should also:
- Avoid clicking on links
- Avoid replying to suspicious messages
- Contact the company using a number you trust
- Communicate through the company's official app or website
Your Online Safety Should Extend to Your Children
Scam texts aren't going away, and your children will likely encounter them at some point in their online life. The best way to protect them is to have regular and open conversations about the dangers of scams. You should point out what suspicious messages look like and encourage them to ask for help whenever they're unsure. Good habits and tools such as scam text checkers can help protect your whole family.
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