If you’re raising children today, you’re also raising them online.
From their first social media account to their first bank card, so much of growing up now comes with a password attached. And alongside the opportunities come risks that many of us never had to navigate at their age.
As both the minister responsible for tackling fraud and a parent myself, I hear the same worry again and again: how do we keep our family safe in a world where scams are becoming more sophisticated by the day?
It’s with this in mind that I’m launching a new Fraud Strategy today.
At its heart is a new fraud disruption centre, which will bring together the police, GCHQ, banks, tech firms and mobile networks, to shut down fake accounts and scam texts before they reach your family.
We all know that mums are often the first to spot when something feels off - a strange message, an odd bank notification, a shift in behaviour.
Now, you have the backing of specialist teams and the latest technology, working tirelessly behind the scenes to stop scammers, wherever they operate.
The Strategy will also deliver stronger support when something does go wrong.
A new Fraud Victims Charter will set clear national standards so every victim knows what help they are entitled to, wherever they live. Clear response times. Consistent advice on recovering money. Proper emotional and practical support.
We’re also stepping up prevention.
Using data from the new Report Fraud service, police will identify fraud hotspots and carry out targeted prevention work, including knocking on doors to give advice and installing call-blocking devices in the homes of those most at risk.
We know mums can’t do this alone which is why we’re strengthening financial education. From 2027, our network of fraud protect police officers will support university students directly with lessons on fraud so they are more aware of what to look out for.
We’re also working with The Children’s Society to create a clear referral pathway for young victims of financial exploitation linked to money laundering – so if a teenager is manipulated into criminal activity, they are supported, not punished.
And through the Online Safety Act we are making sure that your kids can safely enjoy online spaces without the fear of a criminal targeting them.
We're also backing the national Stop! Think Fraud campaign – a simple reminder to pause before clicking, sharing or transferring money.
If you ever need help, support is just a report away, and every victim will receive the guidance they need to recover and rebuild their confidence.
We’re committed to making Britain the safest place for mums to protect their families from fraud.
In a world where scams are an everyday threat, the best thing we can do as parents is to help one another to stay one step ahead.
I’m determined to bring these shameful scammers to justice and to give every parent the tools they need to fight back.
Together, we will protect our children and communities, ensuring everyone has the confidence and knowledge to keep fraudsters at bay.
Practical Advice for Parents
- By always taking a moment to Stop! Think Fraud you can help protect yourself and your children.
- Check a request from your bank is genuine by contacting them via their official website or app or calling them using the number on your bank card or 159.
- Banks will never ask you to reveal personal information including your PIN, or passwords for online accounts. If in doubt, hang up the phone and call your bank directly.
- If you see a suspicious text or receive a potentially fraudulent call, you can forward it to 7726. For emails, you can forward them to [email protected]. For more information: Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls | National Cyber Security Centre - NCSC.GOV.UK
- Check a request from HMRC is genuine by visiting HMRC phishing and scams: detailed information - GOV.UK.
- If you’re unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC forward it to 60599, or an email to [email protected]. Report a tax scam phone call at GOV.UK Report suspicious HMRC emails, texts, social media accounts and phone calls - GOV.UK.
- Contact your bank immediately if you’ve had money stolen, and report it to Report Fraud. In Scotland, contact the police on 101.
- Be wary of letting someone use your bank account to move money, you could be helping criminals. It’s called money muling, and it’s illegal.