A money mule is someone who, often without realising it, helps criminals hide money by moving it through their own bank account. Money mules are often paid but it’s a serious crime.
Follow our five top tips to stay safe.
- Avoid 'get rich quick' or 'easy money' job offers: criminals love to use social media and online ads to trick people into helping them move money.
- Say no if anyone asks for access to your bank account or to open a new one: criminals may offer money in exchange for taking control of your bank account.
- Be wary if someone you haven't met face-to-face asks you to move money for them: criminals make fake online profiles to trick people into helping them.
- Research all investment opportunities: criminals might offer some money upfront to get you to move it around, with the promise of high returns.
- Watch out for fake loan schemes: criminals may offer you a cheap loan, regardless of your lending history. They might claim to overpay you and ask you to repay it back to a different account.
