Tackling financial exploitation: Youth voice insights
This report looks at what young people understand about financial exploitation and what they think are the best ways to support those at risk or already experiencing it. We also worked with young people to create a resource that helps raise awareness and shows where to get help, shaped by their ideas and experiences.
52 pages
Why this work matters
Why this work matters
Through our work over the past few years, and taking a look at existing research, one thing became evident, professionals often have limited insight into what financial exploitation really looks like from a young person's perspective. It soon became clear that, they themselves are rarely asked about it.
We’re working to change that. By speaking directly with young people, we’re filling this gap and making sure their voices shape not only our prevention work, but also how we collaborate with partners across the sector.
A young person living in poverty is more likely to be victim of financial exploitation
Feelings on social media
Young people told us they often see scam posts on social media offering "quick cash" or bank transfers, especially on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. These posts seem more believable if shared by influencers, verified accounts, or people they know. Flashy lifestyles shown in the posts — like fast cars or expensive jewellery — can make them more appealing. Younger teens are particularly at risk of engaging with these scams, and most young people wouldn’t report them, believing nothing would be done.
It’s pretty common to see pyramid schemes advertised on Tik Tok. You also often get sent discount codes from friends and followers.
Education about financial exploitation
Feelings on education about financial exploitation
School assemblies about online safety and financial exploitation are rare and often not engaging. Young people say these could be improved with interactive formats like plays or hands-on resources, and believe education on these topics should start in primary school.
Financial exploitation isn’t spoken about at school, they only talk about knife crime.
Exploitation
School education on exploitation, crime, and safety often misses the mark by underestimating young people’s knowledge, using scare tactics, or simply telling them what not to do. Young people say they’d learn more from real stories of financial exploitation and want better education around sharing bank details and financial literacy — areas current education often overlook.
#LookCloser
Across the country, young people are being manipulated, sexually abused, forced to launder money and deal drugs. Exploitation isn't obvious. But it happens everywhere. And you can stop it. Get to know the signs of child exploitation and how to report it through our award-winning #LookCloser campaign with the British Transport Police and National County Lines Coordination Centre.
Feelings about professionals
Young people exploited financially often fear being treated like criminals, which can stop them from seeking help. They may only go to the police if they're facing threats, but worry this could make things worse, especially if the police are slow to respond. Age, gender, and background affect how they're treated — younger teens and girls are seen as more vulnerable, while some feel young people from deprived areas get less support, though others think they’re more likely to be recognised as victims.
They can’t, wouldn’t do anything. Banks just want to cover their backs, they have a lot of premiums to pay, they do not help. At end of the day you are on your own.
Past negative experiences with police — including in other countries — can lead to distrust and stop young people from reporting financial exploitation. Some feel the police won’t help or fear being seen as a victim or a "snitch." Young people say they’d be more likely to open up if police acted more like youth workers, with a friendlier, less formal approach.
Often the police can’t do anything, there’s no going back. There is law but they never find the person who did this.
Exploited young people’s feelings
Exploited young people’s feelings
Young people caught in financial exploitation often feel scared, trapped, and unsure how to get out. They may fear being punished for money laundering, feel ashamed or guilty, and struggle to trust others. At first, small amounts of money might feel harmless or even exciting, but as the amounts grow and threats begin, the fear increases. Some feel they have no choice but to continue — even considering carrying a weapon to protect themselves or their families.
If a young person got scammed, they wouldn’t tell anyone as they would be embarrassed and feel stupid.
Feelings about support
Young people affected by financial exploitation need access to mental health support, help to leave harmful and exploitative relationships, and the chance to hear from others with similar experiences — so they feel supported, understood, and less alone.
You need someone to explain you’ve not done anything wrong. You are safe. You might not understand what happened to you. You might need someone to let you know you are a victim, and not to blame.
Young people experiencing financial exploitation need joined-up support — including help at school, understanding at home, and support from banks. Professionals need training on child financial exploitation and families and carers need guidance to understand it’s not the young person’s fault. Most importantly, young people should feel safe opening up to a trusted adult.
To find out more read the full report here.
Click here to access our financial exploitation leaflet in English
Click here to access our financial exploitation leaflet in Welsh
