Martin Lewis tells everyone born between these dates they can 'get money'

Money expert issues warning over adverts on social media

Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to people about money they may not know they have locked away in special bank accounts. The message relates to anyone born between September 2002 and January 2011.

These young people will have had Child Trust Funds set up for them when they were born, with cash put in by the Government at the time and potentially more from their parents. These people could have up to £2,000 sitting unclaimed in the accounts.

The funds were stopped in 2011 but everyone born before then, going back to 2002, will have had one set up. Parents can find out how much is in them or a young person as long as they are least 16.

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Martin Lewis highlighted the existence of the accounts many may not be aware of. He also warned people to ignore offers from companies charging to access their money.

Martin insisted people can do this themselves for free, as he issued an "important warning" on his social media channels. The finance guru said: "This is an important warning for anybody aged 22 and under. You may have £2,000 in a Child Trust Fund that you don't know about, and you can get the money out for free.

"I've started to see adverts and videos on social media from firms trying to charge you to access your own money, or trying to get a cut of your savings to give you your money. Don't touch them, don't sniff them, don't go anywhere near them. This is easy to do yourself."

The pots of cash, which are long-term tax-free savings pots, were created for every child born between September 1, 2002 and January 2, 2011. At the time, the then-Labour government deposited £250 for every eligible child, with the money only able to be withdrawn once the child turned 18.