What looks like innocent fun or viral entertainment could actually be tricking your child out of money, data, or even their personal safety. Many of the social media challenges kids are doing aren’t just silly dares anymore—they’re cleverly disguised scams. These trends often come with promises of prizes, fame, or approval, but the risks are real and far-reaching. As parents, it’s crucial to understand how these schemes are working and how to talk with kids about spotting red flags online. Let’s break down seven social media challenges kids are doing that are actually scams in disguise.
1. “Share This and Win” Giveaways
These challenges usually involve a post claiming you’ll win a free iPhone, cash prize, or gaming console just for liking, sharing, or tagging friends. The catch? There’s never a real prize. Instead, scammers use these to harvest usernames, collect data, or gain visibility for fake accounts. Kids may think it’s harmless participation, but they’re unknowingly promoting fraudulent pages. These fake giveaways are among the most widespread social media challenges kids are doing that lead straight into phishing or identity theft traps.
2. The “Send Money to Get More Back” Trend
This one preys on older kids and teens with access to payment apps like Cash App or Venmo. They’re told if they send a small amount of money, they’ll receive double or triple in return as part of a “blessing circle” or “flip challenge.” It’s a scam every time. Once the money is sent, the scammer disappears. This is one of the riskiest social media challenges kids are facing because it directly involves real financial loss and potential fraud.
3. “Reveal a Secret for a Prize” Dares
In these challenges, kids are encouraged to post a personal secret, embarrassing photo, or private message in exchange for a prize or social clout. What they don’t realize is that their content can be screenshotted, shared without consent, or used for blackmail. Predators and trolls look for this type of content to exploit. It’s one of the most dangerous social media challenges kids are facing because it creates lasting consequences from one impulsive post.
4. QR Code Challenges
This one might seem techy and harmless, but QR code scams are on the rise. Kids are asked to scan mystery QR codes as part of a “challenge” to see where it leads, often promoted as a fun surprise or joke. But those codes can lead to malicious websites that install spyware, viruses, or steal login info. It’s one of the newer, more discreet social media challenges kids are doing that puts their digital safety at risk. Always remind your child to only scan codes from trusted sources.
5. “Clickbait” Video Challenges
Challenges that require clicking a suspicious link to “see what happens next” are rarely safe. These often redirect to fake sites that mimic popular platforms and request login credentials. Once entered, hackers gain access to social media accounts, emails, or more. Kids may not realize how easily their info can be stolen this way. These kinds of clickbait setups are another example of the scammy social media challenges kids are doing, sometimes without even knowing it.
6. Fake Charity Donation Chains
Many well-meaning kids join donation-based “challenges” where they’re told to raise money for causes by forwarding links, donating small amounts, or sharing Venmo/Cash App handles. While some are legit, many are not. Scammers pose as organizations and use emotional bait to get kids to spread their scheme. Teach your child to verify all donation links and to ask for adult help before contributing. These scams rely heavily on peer pressure and goodwill, making them especially tricky.
7. App Download and Review Challenges
This challenge involves being promised in-game rewards, cash, or access to special content in exchange for downloading and reviewing a certain app. Often, the app is disguised as adware or collects more data than it should. Once downloaded, it can flood devices with pop-ups or worse—spy on usage habits. These are among the stealthier social media challenges that kids are engaging in that monetize their actions without their consent. Encourage your kids to always ask before installing new apps.
Keep the Conversation Open and Real
You don’t have to ban your child from social media to keep them safe. What really makes the difference is an ongoing, judgment-free conversation about how these scams work. When kids feel safe asking questions, they’re more likely to tell you when something seems off. Many of the social media challenges kids are facing start with curiosity or peer pressure, but they can quickly spiral into risk. Equip your child with the knowledge to spot what’s real and what’s a setup, and they’ll be far better prepared to navigate online spaces confidently.
Have you come across any unusual or suspicious online trends that tempted your kids? Share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.
Read More:
Privacy Violation: 7 Things Never to Post About Your Kids Online
12 Steps to Secure Your Child’s Digital Footprint for Life
Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.
