Youngsters are becoming "money mules" as fraudsters target their bank accounts online, police warn.

The scam known as "Deets and Squares" sees criminals ask victims to receive money into their account, and then transfer it to someone else - or withdraw it in cash and hand it over in person.

They're promised a cut of the money for their help.

While this can seem tempting for young people, especially students or those on low incomes, victims are actually breaking the law and could be laundering the proceeds of crime.

While there have no reported examples of this on Teesside, Cleveland Police have warned young people to be on their guard.

Thousands of people aged 21 or younger have been targeted.

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The force said: "For many young people the opportunity of getting cash by allowing someone to use their bank account for a bank transfer is tempting.

"However, knowingly becoming involved in such activity runs a risk of a prison sentence and a ruined credit history which can incur financial problems into later life.

"Nationally, banks are being alerted to this method of exploiting children and young people and materials have been produced which aim to educate children and young people and, support parents to protect their children from this kind of exploitation."


The police said the top tips include:

1) Parents should check their children's bank statements with them regularly, ensuring every transaction can be accounted for.

2) Make sure youngsters know not to give anyone their PIN, passcode, or password, even to someone claiming to be from their bank or the police.

3) If a child comes home with new clothes, trainers, electronic devices or other items that cannot be accounted for, ask them how they got the money to purchase them.

4) Explain that allowing someone else to use their bank details, regardless of how attractive or plausible the offer, is a potentially a serious criminal offence that could damage their financial future. That this means they may not be able to get a mobile phone contract, mortgage or car loan.

5) Teach them the simple rule that if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.