Money basics
Spotting scams and staying safe
5 min read
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A scam is a trick designed to get your money or your account details. Being scammed isn't a sign you're silly — scammers are very practised, and they target everyone, including teenagers, on the apps you already use. Knowing the common tricks is your strongest protection.
The classic warning signs
Most scams share a few tells: they rush you ('act in the next hour!'), they promise something too good to be true (easy money, free prizes, doubling your cash), or they ask for details you'd normally keep private. If a message pushes you to hurry or feels off, that pause is worth listening to.
Never share these
A real bank will never ask you to share your PIN, your full password, or a one-time code from a text. If anyone — even someone who claims to be your bank — asks for those, it's a scam. Keep them to yourself the way you would a house key.
'Money mule' traps
One trick aimed at young people offers 'easy money' for letting someone use your bank account to move cash through. This is called being a money mule, and it's actually illegal — it helps criminals hide stolen money, and it can wreck your ability to get a bank account or a loan for years. If an offer involves your account and someone else's money, walk away.
If something feels wrong
If you think you've been scammed, or nearly were, tell someone you trust and contact your bank straight away — banks handle this every day and won't judge you. Acting fast gives the best chance of sorting it. There's no shame in it; spotting and reporting a scam is exactly the right move.
Keep the learning going
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This is general money education for under-18s, not personal financial advice. If you're figuring out a money decision, a trusted grown-up is a good person to talk it through with.