Commerce: Exposure to financial harm and abuse online

In terms of online harm, ‘commerce’ refers to online financial harm, abuse and exploitation.

This is not an area of safeguarding that churches, charities and community groups regularly encounter. However, organisations have a responsibility to ensure that children and adults at risk aren’t exposed to financial harm, abuse and exploitation through their online interaction with you and to know how to recognise, respond and report safeguarding concerns related to online financial harm.  

Online financial harm, abuse and exploitation could include:  

• Phishing - where perpetrators try to trick people into giving away sensitive information (such as passwords or personal details) by pretending to be a trustworthy person or organisation. 
• Fraudulent or scam emails and messages.  
• Romance fraud - where perpetrators build a fake romantic relationship with another person with the goal of gaining their trust and then exploiting them, often by asking for money or gifts. 
• Sextortion / Sexually coerced extortion - a form of blackmail where the perpetrator threatens to share sexual images or videos of a person if they don’t meet certain demands e.g. money, sending further images. 
• Online criminal exploitation - Getting children or adults at risk to take part in illegal activities through grooming and deception. For example, involving someone in money laundering through an online 'friend' asking them to receive money into an online account and then move it to another.  
• Other forms of online blackmail and bribery. 
• Online gambling – this becomes a safeguarding concern when vulnerable groups are targeted or when it prevents people being able to meet their own needs or those of others they care for.  
• Risks through online purchases.  
• Online banking scams.  
• Cyber attacks.

What can organisations do?

• • Have clear policies and procedures for passing on and responding to concerns and safe storage of data.   
  • Have strong IT systems, including regular security updates, filters and safe storage of passwords.   
  • Use Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for organisation systems and devices as appropriate.   
  • Provide training, support and accountability for budget holders in terms of basic cyber security, online financial harms and safe storage of personal data.   
  • Share tips and guidance about staying safe online with community members, as appropriate.

How to report online financial harm, abuse and exploitation:

• Always tell your Safeguarding Lead
• Report crimes to the police.
• If you are a Safeguarding Lead and you are concerned that a child or an adult at risk is being harmed, abused or exploited online, refer to statutory agencies.
• Report fraud and cybercrime in England, Northern Ireland and Wales to Action Fraud. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland.  
• An online scam advert or inappropriate online advert can be reported to the Advertising Standards Authority.