Criminals may ask you to receive money into your bank account and transfer it into another account, keeping some of the cash for yourself. They may even offer you gifts. This is money muling. You’re involved in money laundering, which is a crime.
You may be approached online or in person. You might also see posts on social media for what appear to be genuine job ads. You may be asked for your bank details, asked to use your bank account or be asked if bank cards can be applied for in your name.
Once you become a money mule, it can be hard to stop. You could be threatened with violence if you don’t continue to let your account be used.
Don’t Be Fooled by offers of quick cash.
You should never open a bank account in your name for someone else, allow your bank account to be used to send and receive funds for other people or share your PINs, passwords or passcodes with anyone unless you know and trust them.
Criminals need money mules to launder the profits of their crimes which not only include fraud and scams but also serious crimes such as terrorism, people and drug trafficking. Mules will usually be unaware of where the money comes from or where it goes.
If you are worried that you or someone close to you might be caught up in money muling, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
