Don't be a money mule

It’s someone who’s been tricked into helping move criminal money.

Criminals need money mules to launder the profits of their illegal activities. This includes fraud and scams, but also more serious crimes such as terrorism, people trafficking, drug smuggling and tax crimes.

Scammers ask you to accept a payment or deposit money into your bank account. They then ask you to move this money by:

• transferring it into someone else’s account
• or withdrawing cash and giving it to them.

They may even ask to keep your debit card so they can access the money themselves.

Money mules are usually unaware of where the money’s come from or where it’s going. It can seem like an easy way to make money but it’s illegal and has very serious consequences.

Scammers often prey on those who are struggling financially or in need of some extra cash.

You might be:

• approached online or via social media
• offered a ‘job opportunity’ offering ‘quick cash’ with ‘no experience needed’
• receive spam emails offering ‘easy money’
• fooled into thinking it’s genuine, with no loss or consequences.

Scammers invest time and energy building trust with their target, before asking them to move money. They often use social media to learn more about them and they may also offer rewards, such as gifts or keeping some of the money.

Stop and think: would you be as willing to handle physical cash for a criminal?

It might seem like a harmless way to earn some money, but being a money mule can get you into serious trouble. If you’re caught you risk:

• up to 14 years in prison
• being left with debt to repay
• having your bank accounts closed
• difficulty being accepted for other bank or credit accounts
• being dismissed from university or employment
• problems applying for a loan, mortgage or mobile phone contract.

We tend to think of scams as something that happens to other people. In reality, anyone can be a target, so it's important to stay alert.

There are lots of things we do to protect you, but learning about common scams and the tactics criminals use can help you spot when something's not right. 

If someone wants to ‘borrow’ your bank account and offers you ‘easy money’:

Do:

• stop and think: does this make sense?
• research the ‘job opportunity’
• talk to someone you trust.

Don’t:

• open an account in your name for someone else
• allow your account to be used to send and receive funds for others
• share your PINs, passwords or one-time passcodes.

If you're worried that you or someone you know might be a money mule, it's important to call us straightaway. Call 03 456 100 100 (lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year).

You can also report it anonymously to Crimestoppers Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].