Gen Z is the biggest victim of online scams, followed by millennials, according to a National Cybersecurity Alliance study.

Katarina Schmieder with the Better Business Bureau said social media is a big player. 

“One that really applies to that Gen. Z crowd, or 18 to 24 age group, would be TikTok,” she said.

In fact, 49% of TikTok users reported to BBB they bought stuff on the app, according to Schmeider. Some of those reported buying phony products.

“I know it’s really easy as you’re scrolling to just go through and purchase something. Sometimes within one click, but you really want to make sure what company you’re dealing with,” said Schmieder. “There are a lot of things that make this age group vulnerable. These are people who are possibly entering the workforce for the first time, or they’re applying for scholarships, looking to go to school, or going to start paying their student loans, look for housing. There are online scams associated with them. Just by nature, it makes them a target.”

Gen Z is online more than other generations. The National Cybersecurity Alliance study showed 64% of Gen Zs tend to be “always connected to the internet.”

“It’s proximity and accessibility. You have young people who are engaged online across multiple applications,” T.J. Sayers said, with the Center for Internet Security.

It’s no secret scammers use the internet to target victims and that it’s always evolving, Sayers said. However, this leads to another issue: identity theft. 

“In fact, identity theft is outpacing adult identity theft for young people,” Sayers said.

It’s not only outpacing adult identity theft, said Sayers, it’s worse for kids. You might not be aware it’s happening until it’s too late to fix it. 

“More often than not, you’re not aware that the identity theft took place until the child is turning 18, when they’re trying to get their first credit card, or they’re going to be moving out to get an apartment, or accepting student loans or things like that. It could be taking place for well over a decade before it’s even identified,””” Sayers said. 

Watch Tessa Bentulan’s story to find out how to protect yourself and your children from identity theft. As well as online scams.