Cifas and PSHE Association partner to help educate schoolchildren on dangers of fraud and scams

• Engaging lesson plans and resources for Key Stage 3, 4, 5 and SEND pupils
• Designed to build awareness and confidence so young people can spot risks early
• Tailored plans cover key threats such as money laundering and online scams

Cifas, the UK’s fraud prevention service is teaming up with the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education Association (PSHE) once again to help young people across the country fight back against fraud.

The new counter-fraud educational materials for schools will help teachers educate young people from 11-18 on the dangers posed by fraud and scams.

The launch comes amid growing evidence of the impact fraud and scams are having on young people. The State of Scams in the UK report revealed that 1 in 6 (16%) of UK parents with children aged 7–17 said at least one had been the victim of a scam in 2025.

Available for Key Stage 3, 4, 5 and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) pupils, lessons and materials will explore key risks affecting young people – from phishing scams and social engineering to money laundering and protecting personal information.

The latest educational offerings combine fraud-risk data and insight from Cifas and the wider counter-fraud community with curriculum expertise from the PSHE Association, to ensure they are practical and classroom-ready.

The materials include teacher guidance, lesson plans, interactive presentations, and real-world scenarios to help build critical thinking and strengthen pupils’ resilience to fraud and scams.

Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, said: “Fraudsters are targeting young people with increasing sophistication, whether through scams online, social engineering or attempts to recruit them into money laundering. Education is one of the most effective tools we have to counter these threats.

“Prevention works best when it starts early. By giving pupils the knowledge to recognise suspicious approaches, question what they see online, and understand the risks and consequences of fraud and scams, we can help reduce harm and make it harder for criminals to find new victims.”

Monica Perry, Subject Specialist from the PSHE Association, added: “Fraud accounts for 45% of all crime in England and Wales, while nearly all (96%) young people spend money online, and many have encountered potentially fraudulent activity.

“The updated materials, developed in partnership with Cifas, raise awareness of the risks associated with fraud and cybercrime. They support young people to develop the skills to protect themselves, seek support and understand the consequences of sharing personal information or engaging in fraudulent activity.”

The educational materials form part of Cifas’ wider commitment to tackling Child Financial Exploitation and building resilience to fraud and scams through education.

Access the updated counter-fraud materials here

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact Hayley Paterson, Cifas Press and PR Manager, on 07494 751992 or press@cifas.org.uk.

About Cifas

Cifas is the UK’s leading not-for-profit fraud prevention service, protecting businesses and individuals through the sharing of data and intelligence across the private, public and third sectors. With more than 800 members spanning key areas of the economy, including banking, retail, insurance, telecommunications and the public sector, Cifas plays a vital role in the fight against fraud and scams. Alongside its products and services, which helped organisations prevent more than £2.4 billion in fraud losses in 2025, Cifas also delivers specialist training and professional development through the Cifas Fraud and Cyber Academy and its Digital Learning programme. Visit: Website | LinkedIn | X

About the PSHE Association

The PSHE Association is the national body for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education — the school subject that supports pupils to be healthy, safe and prepared for modern life.  The PSHE curriculum covers a range of pressing issues facing children and young people today: everything from relationships, mental health and staying safe online to financial literacy and careers.  The Association is a charity and membership organisation, working to improve PSHE education standards by supporting over 50,000 teachers and schools with expert advice, and practical training and resources. Find out more at pshe-association.org.uk or get in touch at info@pshe-association.org.uk. 

Contact us at press@cifas.org.uk