Children Targeted in Gaming Fraud Scheme: Scammers Exploit Kids to Drain Parents' Bank Accounts

How the Scam Works

Scammers exploited a popular gaming channel frequented by children. They posted advertisements promising free in-game currency (tokens) and directed users through links to a fraudulent site. Once there, two operators would chat with children and persuade them that in exchange for the free tokens, they needed to provide their parents' bank card details. Children, being trusting and drawn to free rewards, complied and shared card numbers and other sensitive information. The criminals then used these details to drain money from parental bank accounts without authorization.

Scale and Impact

The investigation revealed that two university students from Komsomolsk-on-Amur designed the scheme, while a famous YouTuber with over 20,000 subscribers—based in Kurgan—served as the public face. Police identified eight confirmed incidents affecting victims across multiple Russian regions, including Pskov, Novosibirsk, Stavropol, Leningrad Oblast, and Borovichi. Total losses exceeded 500,000 rubles. The suspects face charges of "fraud on a particularly large scale," which carries a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.

Warning Signs and Recognition

Be alert if children encounter:

• Requests to enter bank card information in exchange for free game rewards
• Links shared on social media or streaming platforms directing to unofficial sites
• Adults instructing children to keep transactions secret from parents
• Pressure to act quickly or urgently when providing personal information
• Offers that seem too good to be true or deviate from official game mechanics

Prevention and Response Strategies

What Parents Should Do:

• Establish clear rules that children must never share bank card information or personal data with anyone online
• Require permission before children download games or access links from unfamiliar sources
• Monitor children's online activities and the websites they visit
• Store physical bank cards securely, away from children's reach
• Review bank statements and transaction histories regularly to detect unauthorized activity early
• Enable parental controls and app restrictions on children's devices

Educating Children:

• Teach that adults online cannot always be trusted, even if they appear friendly or knowledgeable
• Explain that legitimate companies never ask for card details via casual chat
• Reinforce that requests to keep secrets from parents are a red flag
• Encourage children to ask parents about any suspicious requests immediately

Where to Report

If you suspect fraud:

• Contact your bank immediately to report unauthorized transactions and request card cancellation
• File a report with local police or cybercrime units
• Report to financial regulatory authorities in your country
• Document all evidence (screenshots, chat logs) and provide to law enforcement