A message for students, parents, and carers this winter
Keeping our college community safe is everyone’s responsibility. This winter, we are raising awareness of Child Financial Exploitation (CFE) — a growing form of crime that targets young people and students of all ages, including those in Further Education.
What is Child Financial Exploitation (CFE)?
Child Financial Exploitation is when criminals use a young person’s bank account to move illegal money. This is often linked to money laundering and organised crime. Criminals may ask a student to receive money into their account and then transfer it elsewhere or withdraw it for them, sometimes offering a small reward.
Many victims do not realise they are being exploited. What may look like ‘easy money’ is actually a serious criminal offence. Students aged 16+ are particularly targeted through social media, messaging apps, online gaming platforms, fake job adverts, and in-person approaches.
A Warning to Students: How Criminals Target You
- Criminals are skilled at manipulation and often present opportunities that sound exciting or harmless. Common tactics include:
- Offering “quick cash” or “easy money”
- Asking to ‘borrow’ your bank account
- Promising commission for moving money
- Sending money and asking you to pass it on
- Pretending to be friends or trusted contacts online
Remember: If someone asks for your bank details, PIN, or to move money for them, this is a major red flag.
Signs You Might Be Being Exploited (or Targeted)
- You may be at risk if:
- Someone you met online offers money for using your bank account
- You are asked to keep financial activity secret
- A new ‘friend’ pressures you to act quickly
- You receive unexpected payments into your account
- You are told ‘everyone does it’ or ‘it’s not illegal’
- You feel uncomfortable, pressured, or threatened
Even agreeing once can lead to frozen bank accounts, loss of financial services, police investigation, and a criminal record that could impact jobs, apprenticeships, or university.
Guidance for Parents & Carers: Signs to Look Out For
Child Financial Exploitation can be difficult to spot, but changes in behaviour and finances may be warning signs.
Possible indicators include:
- Unexplained money, new possessions, or cash
- Secretive behaviour around phones or banking apps
- Messages about ‘easy money’ or online job offers
- Being evasive about online contacts
- Sudden financial activity or new bank accounts
- Receiving transfers from unknown sources
- Pressure from peers or older individuals
Criminals often build trust first, then introduce financial requests gradually.
Key Online Warning Signs (For Students & Families)
- Job adverts with phrases like ‘no experience needed’ or ‘easy money’
- Messages offering quick cash through social media
- Requests to share bank details or login information
- Adverts that seem too good to be true or contain spelling errors
If it sounds too good to be true — it probably is.
How to Stay Safe
For Students:
- Never share your bank details or PIN
- Do not let anyone use your bank account
- Question ‘easy money’ offers
- Block and report suspicious accounts
- Speak to a trusted adult or the college safeguarding team if unsure
For Parents & Carers:
- Have open conversations about online safety and money
- Monitor unusual financial behaviour sensitively
- Encourage young people to ask before accepting online opportunities
- Reassure them that exploitation is never their fault
Where to Get Help and Report Concerns
If you are worried about yourself or another student:
- Speak to the College Safeguarding Team
- Report anonymously via Fearless (Crimestoppers youth service)
- Contact CEOP for online safety concerns
- Report fraud to Action Fraud
Being exploited is not your fault. Support is available, and speaking up can protect you and others.
Final Safeguarding Message
Criminals rely on silence, secrecy, and pressure. As a college community of students aged 16–60, awareness is our strongest protection. If something doesn’t feel right — trust your instincts, say no, and speak to someone you trust.