Children across the UK, some as young as 10, are set to receive new lessons aimed at equipping them to identify scams and prevent them from being drawn into money laundering activities. These educational materials, developed by police in the South West, come amid growing concerns over the increasing number of young people being targeted by organised criminals online.
The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) spearheaded the creation of these lessons, which are currently undergoing accreditation by the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Association. The objective is to proactively educate children about financial exploitation before they become victims of fraud or unwittingly participate in criminal schemes. These lessons are anticipated to be available to schools nationwide starting this autumn, integrating crucial financial literacy into the curriculum.
A significant focus of the new curriculum is 'money muling', a practice where criminals use an individual's bank account to move illicit funds, making them appear legitimate. This often leaves the account holder to face severe repercussions, including criminal charges and damaged financial records. Jordan Coates from SWROCU, a key figure in developing the lessons, highlighted that children are increasingly exposed to online content that subtly promotes 'hidden criminality'.
Ms Coates explained that social media platforms frequently feature videos showcasing luxurious goods, designer clothing, and large sums of cash, advertised as 'quick money' opportunities that are 'risk-free' and even 'completely legal'. She cautioned that many scams initially appear harmless, often reaching young people through social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps. The lessons aim to teach children that even seemingly innocuous actions, like sending a text in response to such offers, can trap them in a difficult cycle to escape.
The implications for young victims can be profound and long-lasting. One individual, speaking to the BBC, recounted spending six years without a bank account after unknowingly being used as a money mule as a teenager. This experience left him unable to secure employment, travel, or manage basic financial transactions that many adults take for granted. The Financial Conduct Authority reported 207,889 cases of money muling in 2024, with over half of those reported to the National Fraud Database last year involving individuals under 30, and 18% under 21, underscoring the urgency of this educational intervention.