St Chris 7-Minute Safeguarding Briefing
1. Definitions
7. Useful Links:
Action Fraud – Report scams and get advice
Get Safe Online – Tips for safe internet use
Childline – Young person-friendly scam advice
Internet Matters – Support for parents
6. Final Thoughts
Scams targeting young people are increasing and evolving fast. While technology connects and empowers youth, it also exposes them to risk. By staying informed and creating supportive environments, we can help protect young people from harm. Prevention through education is key if they know what to look for, they’re much less likely to fall victim.
5. What can staff and parents do?
Educate Early and Often:
• Talk about online safety and what scams look like.
• Discuss real-life stories of scams to make it relatable.
• Explain how scammers build trust, not just how they steal.
Encourage Openness:
• Create a “no blame” environment – let them know they can tell you anything.
• Listen without judgement if they’ve made a mistake or been tricked.
Practical Measures:
• Help them adjust privacy settings on social media.
• Encourage use of strong, unique passwords and twofactor authentication.
• Remind them not to share personal or banking info with people online.
• Avoid letting under-18s open unsupervised bank accounts.
Reporting and Support:
• Teach them how to report scams to: o Action Fraud
o CEOP (for grooming/abuse concerns)
o Social media platforms directly
At St Chris we:
• Include scams in PSHE and digital literacy sessions.
• Bring in guest speakers from cyber safety organisations.
• Work with local police and school liaison officers.
A scam is a dishonest scheme designed to trick individuals into giving away money, personal information, or access to accounts. For young people, scams can happen online, via social media, emails, gaming platforms, text messages, or even face-to-face.
Common types include:
Phishing – fake emails or messages asking for login info
Investment scams – "get rich quick" schemes, often via crypto
Romance scams – building trust in online relationships to exploit
Money mule recruitment – being asked to move stolen money through their bank accounts
Fake job offers – often targeting teens looking for part-time work In-app and gaming scams – fake offers for upgrades, skins, or free coins
4. Warning signs to be aware of:
• Sudden access to unexplained money or goods
• Receiving lots of messages from unknown contacts
• Being secretive about online activity
• Changes in mood – anxious, withdrawn, or agitated
• Talking about "investments", jobs, or "flipping money" online
• Bank account activity that doesn’t make sense for their age
• Reluctance to share who they’re talking to online
2. Scope in the UK
In 2023, over £1.2 billion was lost to scams in the UK (UK Finance).
• Under-25s are the fastest-growing group being targeted.
• Action Fraud reported a 36% rise in scam cases involving under-18s from 2021 to 2023.
• Social media is a key driver – platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord are often used.
• The Online Safety Act 2023 gives Ofcom powers to ensure platforms tackle fraudulent content.
3. How Students Are Targeted and Affected
• Financial loss: Many lose money through fake job offers or investment schemes.
• Identity theft: Personal data can be harvested and misused.
• Legal risk: Money mule activity can result in a police record.
• Emotional harm: Scams can lead to shame, anxiety, and trust issues.
• Exploitation: Scammers may groom or blackmail victims using personal content.
Young people may not report scams due to embarrassment or fear of getting in trouble.