School pupils to be offered lessons on how to spot fraud

School children in England are to be offered lessons to help spot fraud and protect themselves from financial exploitation.

The lessons for pupils aged 10 to 18 have been rolled out nationally to help reduce the chances of young people being exploited by scammers.

It comes as figures show more than 22,000 "money muling" incidents - where bank accounts are used to transfer funds by criminals - were reported in 2025, with almost one in five involving someone under 21.

Teachers can use the non-mandatory resources in relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) lessons to teach young people about money laundering and financial exploitation.

Guidance will also be issued to parents about the different types of scams that criminals are using, how to spot warning signs and where to access support.

Fraud minister Lord Hanson said: "Financial exploitation is an abhorrent crime and can have devastating impacts on a young person's future.

"This can include having bank accounts blocked or restricted, making it harder for them to secure a student loan or even a mortgage in the future.

"Prevention is a key part of our fraud strategy, which is why we have rolled out these lessons to children and parents to help increase awareness and reduce the chances of them being exploited by scammers."

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The government-funded lessons have been designed by specialist police officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and accredited by the Personal, Social, Health and Economic Association (PSHE).

Monica Perry, subject specialist at the PSHE Association, said: "Children and young people are increasingly encountering scams, fraud, money laundering and other forms of financial exploitation.

"These lessons support schools to deliver key safeguarding education about these issues in a preventative, age-appropriate and empowering way.

"Developed to meet the new RSHE requirements, the activities ensure pupils understand what financial exploitation is, the laws surrounding it and how to seek support."

(c) Sky News 2026: School pupils to be offered lessons on how to spot fraud