A CYBERSECURITY and tech expert on Tuesday said children, especially those below 11 years old, and senior citizens are most vulnerable to scams, cybercrimes including online sexual abuse of youngsters, social media frauds and hacking.
Art Samaniego Jr. said at the Kamuning pandesal forum that online scammers have been emboldened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Everybody had to adapt to the situation, online shopping, online business,” he added.
Samaniego cited as examples computer games being played by children that involve rewards of virtual money.
A minor who is engaged in playing these games, he said, is open target for sexual predators who lure the child with free virtual money or gifts.
When the child is hooked, the predator will ask for nude photos or sexual video performances from the intended victim in exchange for the virtual money and gifts.
At times, the child will also be asked to give their parents’ credit card numbers and personal information.
“Many parents allow children to play games. But even through simple games, they [children] are being scammed….
