Are you aged 17-22?
Recognise money mule scams and know what to do if someone asks you to move money for them
Criminals may ask you to receive money into your bank account and transfer it into another account, keeping some of the cash for yourself. If you let this happen, you’re a money mule. You’re involved in money laundering, which is a crime.
What is a Money Mule?
A money mule is someone who receives stolen money into their bank account and transfers it into another account, keeping some of the cash for themselves.
- Criminals need money mules to launder the profits of their crimes.
- Being a money mule is illegal.
- Young people are increasingly targeted to becoming money mules. They are usually approached online, often through social media.
- Sometimes people they know persuade them to take part, often because they themselves are money mules.
- Money mules are usually unaware of where the money comes from – commonly fraud and scams – and that it can go on to fund crimes such as drug dealing, people trafficking and terrorist activity.
Don’t Be Fooled by offers of quick cash.
- Don’t give your bank account details to anyone unless you know and trust them.
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers of easy money.
- If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
- Research any company that makes you a job offer and make sure their contact details are genuine.
- Watch out for job offers from overseas. It will be harder for you to find out if they are legitimate.
- Be wary of job ads that are written in poor English with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
If you are worried someone has approached you offering quick and easy money, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
CONSEQUENCES IF YOU’RE CAUGHT
Your bank account will be closed
Banks use sophisticated computer systems to spot unusual behaviour in bank accounts. If an account starts receiving more money than usual, it might be a sign that it’s being used to move money in a way that’s not allowed.
You could be putting yourself and your family at risk
Getting involved with criminals could put you and your family at risk of intimidation and violence if you try to stop working with them.
You will find it difficult to get student loans and could be thrown out of university
A damaged credit history can impact your ability to get loans to attend university.
Your health and wellbeing could be impacted.
You risk a criminal record which could lead to stress and anxiety.
It is a crime
Being a money mule is illegal and could result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
