Can I get the money back if I have already sent it?

Sometimes, yes. UK banks have schemes that can refund victims of authorised push payment fraud (where you were tricked into sending money). It depends on the bank and the situation, but the sooner you report, the better your chances.

What if I let someone use my bank account and now my bank has frozen it?

This is the 'money mule' situation. Be honest with your bank and tell a trusted adult. Coming forward is far better than hiding it. Police treat young people who were coerced or tricked very differently from organised criminals.

Are giveaways from brand-looking accounts ever real?

Real brand giveaways do not ask for your password, a payment, gift cards, or personal banking details. Anything that asks for those things is a scam, no matter how legitimate the account looks.

Scams and online fraud aimed at young people

How scams aimed at young people actually work, your rights when you have been caught by one, and how to report it in the UK.

Scammers deliberately target young people because they know you may be new to money, easier to embarrass, and less likely to tell an adult. Common scams include fake game currency, fake giveaways, fake job or modelling offers, money mule recruiting (someone asks to move money through your bank account in exchange for a cut), and romance or sextortion scams. Being caught by one of these does not make you stupid, it makes you a target someone chose.

In the UK, you have a right to report fraud to Action Fraud, your bank, and the platform you were scammed on. Banks have specific protections for people who have been tricked into sending money, and police take scams aimed at young people seriously, especially when an adult is involved. The faster you tell someone, the more can be done.

What this looks like in real life

Real examples

Someone offers free game currency or skins in exchange for your account login.
A stranger offers you 'easy money' to receive funds into your bank account and forward them on.
A fake brand DM says you have won something and asks for personal details or a small payment to claim it.
A 'modelling agency' on social media asks for photos or money to set up an account.
Someone you have only spoken to online is suddenly in a crisis and asking you to send money or gift cards.

What you can do

Step 1

Stop sending anything more, including money, codes, or images, the second you suspect a scam.

Step 2

Screenshot the conversation, the profile, and any links before you block.

Step 3

Tell a parent, carer, or trusted adult, even if you feel embarrassed. Banks and platforms move faster when an adult helps you.

Step 4

Contact your bank immediately if money has left your account. They have fraud teams who know what to do.

Step 5

Report to Action Fraud (UK national fraud reporting service). For Scotland, report to Police Scotland.

Step 6

Block the account and report it on the platform so others are protected too.

What not to do

Do not let your account be used to move money for someone else. This is called being a money mule and is treated as a crime, even if you did not realise.
Do not pay 'just one more time' to fix it. Scams escalate when they see you will pay.
Do not stay quiet because you are embarrassed. Every hour you wait is an hour the scammer has.

Who you can talk to

People who can help

A parent, carer, or older relative who can call your bank with you.
A teacher or pastoral lead, especially if friends are also being targeted.
Your bank's fraud team (number on the back of your card).
Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website.
Childline on 0800 1111 if the scam involved blackmail, threats, or images.

If something goes wrong

If you have already paid or sent details, you are not the one in trouble. Call your bank now, tell a trusted adult, and report to Action Fraud. If the scam involved threats or sexual images, also report to CEOP and use Report Remove. Telling someone quickly gives you the best chance of getting money back and stopping the scammer targeting others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trusted UK sources

Action Fraud (UK reporting) (City of London Police)
Money mules: do not get caught (Cifas / UK Finance)
Online scams advice for young people (Childline)

Last reviewed: 2026-05-20Next review: 2026-08-20Reviewed against: UK statutory guidance

This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.