In Yakutsk, a 10-year-old boy unwittingly gave his father’s savings to online scammers in the hope of landing a jackpot in a popular game. This case was reported by the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs press service, signaling a serious gap in digital safety within families. The incident began when the father, a 48-year-old Yakutsk resident, noticed a large withdrawal from his bank account that far exceeded normal activity. Investigators later learned that the boy had discovered a link to an online channel promising a free bonus for the Roblox game and opened a path that led to thousands of dollars flowing away from the family purse.
The boy started a conversation with unknown individuals who requested the family’s phone numbers and gradually persuaded him to disclose SMS verification codes. In a moment of trust and curiosity, fueled by the lure of a jackpot and the simple promise of a quick win, the child followed each instruction. The actions were carried out in a child’s innocent belief that he was following safe online guidance while trying to secure a reward.
By evening, the father realized that approximately 557,000 rubles had vanished from his bank account. Authorities say the matter is under criminal review as investigators determine the appropriate legal steps. The case highlights how easily a youngster can be drawn into schemes that rely on social engineering, a reminder that digital safety must start at home with clear boundaries and open conversations about online risk.
In a separate, earlier instance, a nine-year-old girl allegedly transferred funds after scammers urged her to assist a supposed online persona. The ruse focused on turning a minor into a conduit for money, leveraging the child’s desire to help and the family’s wish to protect a loved one’s online reputation. The episode underscores the vulnerability of children to manipulative tactics that exploit trust in digital environments and social media ecosystems.