Money Mules- Don't be Fooled

What is a money mule?

A money mule is someone who transfers stolen money through their own bank account on behalf of someone else and is paid for doing so. Criminals need money mules to launder the profits of their crimes. They will contact someone and ask to use their bank account to receive a sum of money into it, and then send it on to another bank account. In exchange, they will be given a small share of the money. 

Students and young people are being targeted to become money mules. They are approached online or in person, including through social media, at school, college or sport clubs.Sometimes people they know persuade them to take part , often because they are also acting as money mules.

Mules will usually be unaware of the money comes from - commonly fraud and scams - and that it can go on to fund crimes such as drug dealing and people trafficking.

Being a money mule is illegal.

When someone is caught being a money mule, their bank account will be closed, and they will have problems getting student loans, mobile phone contracts and credit in the future. They could even face arrest for money laundering which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

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If you are worried that someone close to you miughty be caught up in money muling, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or ring PSNI on 101.