A recent report from Barclays indicates that Gen Z is increasingly being targeted by scams, particularly through SMS and messaging apps. According to the latest Barclays Scams Bulletin, 71 percent of students believe scams are becoming more common, with fake job offers and “money mule” recruitment schemes identified as major threats.
Barclays’ data reveals that reports of SMS scams among Gen Z have risen by 63 percent since 2023, now making up 15 percent of all scam claims this year. Social media remains the leading source of scams for this age group, accounting for 59 percent of reports. The bulletin highlights that nearly half (48 percent) of Gen Z adults have either been targeted by a job scam or know someone who has. These scams often involve promises of high pay for minimal work, followed by requests for upfront payments or personal information, or attempts to involve victims in money laundering.
Of those targeted by job scams, 60 percent reported being contacted via text or messaging apps. The experience has led 63 percent of these individuals to become more cautious about job hunting, and 48 percent are now hesitant to apply for remote jobs. Despite this, only 31 percent reported the scam to their bank, and just 23 percent informed a family member.
Kirsty Adams, Fraud & Scams Expert at Barclays, said: “Students are facing real financial pressure, and criminals exploit that anxiety with offers that look professional and promise quick cash. If you’re asked to pay upfront, share personal details, or the job sounds too good to be true, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. Always take time to check before you respond.”
Barclays’ research also found that 35 percent of Gen Z would consider moving money for someone they do not know if offered a fee, with 14 percent saying they would be “very likely” to do so. However, 71 percent are unaware that acting as a money mule could result in a criminal record, and 72 percent do not know their bank account could be closed as a result. Among those at risk, 23 percent said they would not tell anyone if they became involved, citing embarrassment.
Kirsty Adams added: “Acting as a money mule isn’t a harmless favour – it’s a serious crime that can lead to a criminal record, frozen bank accounts and long-term financial damage. My advice to any young person who receives an approach of this nature is to think carefully before agreeing to move money for someone else. It’s simply not worth the consequence.”
To help job seekers avoid scams, Adams shared the SAFE guidelines: Stop and research, Ask someone you trust, Flag unrealistic offers, and Ensure secure processes.
Barclays is urging students and young people to remain vigilant and consult resources such as barclays.co.uk/scams for more information on protecting themselves from fraud.
The findings are based on Barclays’ business and current account customer data from January 2023 to August 2025, and consumer research conducted by Opinium in September 2025, involving representative samples of UK adults and Gen Z respondents.
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