Spotting and Preventing Online Financial Exploitation

• New lesson editor
• PSHE
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

Financial Exploitation Online

What do you already know about online scams or financial tricks?

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will be able to: • Describe factors leading to online exploitation • Spot and challenge financial exploitation • Know when and how to get support

What Is Financial Exploitation?

Financial exploitation is when someone tricks or pressures you into giving away money or details for their benefit. Examples: online scams, fake profiles, easy money offers.

What Is Organised Crime?

Organised crime means illegal activity planned by groups to make money. They often trick or use young people online.

Common Forms: Online Financial Exploitation

• Romance scam

• Catfishing

• Doxing & blackmail

• Fake investment or 'quick money' schemes
• Criminals using your bank account

Case Study: Misha

• Contacted by a stranger • Shown a glamorous lifestyle • Pressured to meet up • Given a phone • Offered 'easy money'

"What signs show she may be at risk?"

Discussion:

Warning Signs:

Case Study: Leon

Warning Signs:

• Contact from unknown gamer • Gifts and money spent on him • Pressure to make quick money • Bank account activity setup

"What seems 'too good to be true' in this scenario?"

Discussion:

Levels of Influence

Internal: self-worth, fear External: peer pressure, family, online strangers, social media Activity: Which influences increase or reduce risk?

What Happens Next?

Leon’s Strategies:

• Realises account misuse • Tells a trusted adult • Police identify him as a victim Remember: It is NEVER your fault.

• Trusts her instincts • Tells a friend and her mum • Recognises risks

Misha’s Strategies:

Recognising If Others Are At Risk

Look for: unexplained money, extra phones, fear or anxiety, spending time with older people, travelling at odd times.

How To Stay Safe Online

Be cautious with strangers. Notice grooming signs. Don’t share personal or bank details. Trust your instincts. Speak up early. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Where To Get Support

• Parent/carer or trusted adult • School staff • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 • Childline: 0800 1111 • CEOP, The Children’s Society, UK Finance Look for their logos online.

Reflection

What warning signs do you know now? What would you do if worried about a friend? How would you seek help?

Exit Ticket

Name one red flag for financial exploitation. Name one way to stay safe. Who could you ask for help?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.