Slow down and double check: Michigan youth share how to spot scams
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EmailInsights from the 2026 Cash Composition Contest show how young people are protecting themselves – and others – from fraud and scams.
Online scams are no longer an occasional risk – they are a growing reality for young people navigating an increasingly digital world. A 2023 Deloitte study found that Gen Z (ages 12–29) are more than three times as likely as baby boomers to fall for an online scam, underscoring the urgency of equipping youth with practical financial safety skills.
While many factors contribute to the financial challenges facing young people, Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H recognize that financial education for youth can be one tool in helping them build a strong and secure financial future. In partnership with Extra Credit Union, Michigan 4-H hosted the 2026 Cash Composition Contest, inviting youth to explore the critical topic of frauds and scams through research, reflection and real-world application.
This year’s essay question asked youth: “Scams and fraud can happen to anyone, even if you’re careful. In your essay, explain how you protect yourself from fraud or scams and what steps others your age can take to stay safe. What are some warning signs to look out for? If you or someone you know has ever experienced a scam, what did you learn from it? Why do you think some people still fall for scams, even when they know the risks?”
Youth prepared for their essays by attending Michigan 4-H webinars on frauds and scams, taking a self-guided course online, reading MSU Extension articles on preventing scams or through other self-generated learning opportunities.
Participants represented 23 of Michigan’s counties with a total of 56 essay entries. The essay contest includes three age brackets: 9-11, 12-14, and 15-19.
The authors this year shared some great insight to help others of all ages avoid being a victim of fraud and scams.
Scammers rush people so they don’t think clearly: slowing down helps prevent mistakes
Scams can happen anywhere: through social media, gaming platforms, online shopping, texts and e-mails. Youth described concrete strategies such as pausing, researching and checking official sources.
Youth voices
- “The best way to stay safe is to slow down and double check. It’s better to be careful than sorry.”
- “I protect myself by slowing down whenever I receive a message asking me to act urgently or promising something too good to be true.”
- “Scammers use urgency to trip people up.”
- “If I feel confused, I stop and ask questions.”
- “Scammers try to make things feel urgent so you panic and don’t think clearly. The best thing you can do is slow down.”
- “Slow down, breathe and think about what is being asked.”
Scams happen because scammers exploit human emotions
Youth acknowledged that anyone can be affected by scams and frauds. They noted that scams work because scammers play on fear, excitement, kindness or trust – especially online.
Youth voices
- “Most people think scams only happen to older adults, but kids and teens get targeted too. We’re online all the time, and scammers know that.”
- “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
- “It’s easy to get excited about a present and overlook the red flags.”
Knowing warning signs can help you spot a scam
Beyond the “too good to be true” and “urgency” red flags of scams, youth shared that scams usually contain spelling or grammar mistakes, strange links, unusual payment requests or impersonate someone else.
Youth voices
- “No real company will ask for passwords or personal information through text or email.”
- “Someone asking for gift cards, bitcoin or cryptocurrency is almost always a scam.”
- “Messages with strange wording, bad grammar or unfamiliar numbers should not be trusted.”
- “If someone says they are a business or loved one, it’s important to verify who they really are.”
Use strategies to protect your personal and financial information
Once private information is shared, it can’t be taken back. Many youth described specific actions they take to safeguard passwords, personal details and financial information. Asking questions, getting a second opinion and continuing to learn were also important themes.
Youth voices
- “I know never to share passwords, addresses, or banking information with people I don’t trust.”
- “Do not overshare things on social media or share when you’re going out of town.”
- "I stop and think before clicking anything, and if I’m unsure, I talk to a parent or trusted adult. It’s better to be careful than sorry.”
Cash Composition Contest winners earned a $100 e-gift card for their winning essays, provided by generous prize sponsor Extra Credit Union. Essays were scored by two credit union staff members and four 4-H volunteers.
2026 4-H Cash Composition Contest winners
9-11 age category
- Maleigha E., Clare County
- Dorothy H., Oakland County
12-14 age category
- Liam L., Ingham County
- Arthur H., Oakland County
15-19 age category
- Mikayla G., Oakland County
- Reagan M., Van Buren County
Winning essays can be found on the 4-H Money Smart website.
The 2026 Cash Composition Contest highlighted not only the risks youth face, but also their ability to think critically, reflect on personal experiences, and share meaningful strategies to help others stay safe. Through their essays, participants demonstrated that when youth are given the knowledge, tools and space to learn, they can become informed and confident decision-makers.
MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. To find out how to get involved as a Michigan 4-H youth participant or an adult volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office.
