Money Mules are typically the unwitting victims of fraudsters who are tricked into receiving and forwarding money as part of a money laundering scam or other fraud. Do not let yourself become a money mule. Here’s what you need to know:
- There are many ways to get tricked into being a money mule. Fraudsters often target older adults, students, those looking for work, or those on dating sites. Money mules can receive a commission for their service, or they might help because they believe they have a romantic relationship with the individual.
Remember: Being a money mule makes you a criminal, too!
- NEVER share personal financial details with anyone you don’t know. Doing so puts you and your finances at risk. Your personal information can be stolen and used by the criminals, and you may even be held personally responsible for repaying money lost by victims.
To Avoid Becoming a Money Mule:
DO NOT give out your financial information.
DO NOT accept offers that ask you to use your own bank account to transfer someone else’s money.
DO NOT open a new bank account at the request of a stranger.
Don’t let yourself or your loved ones become a victim!
If you suspect you are being targeted by a money mule scam, immediately stop communication with the suspected criminal and stop the transfer of money. Keep any receipts, contact information, and relevant communications such as emails or text messages. If you conducted a transaction, notify your bank as well as the service used to make the transfer. Report the suspected criminal activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov and notify your local FBI field office. Don’t let it happen to you!
Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833- FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
Source(s): https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/houston/news/press-releases/fbi-warns-of-money-mules
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-law-enforcement-targets-fraud-facilitators-doubling-last-year-s-enforcement
