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Fraud guide
Money mule scams
Top tips to stay safe
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.
What are the consequences of money mule involvement?
Even if you didn’t know you were involved in a crime, being a money mule can have serious consequences.
- Bank account closure: Your bank may close your account, making it difficult to open a new one.
- Credit problems: You may find it hard to get credit in the future. This can affect your ability to apply for loans, credit cards, mortgages or even a phone contract.
- Criminal record: You could end up with a criminal record.
- Imprisonment: Money mules can face up to 14 years in prison.
If you suspect you’ve been caught up in this type of scam
- If you think you’ve been caught up in a money mule scam or have been sent money into your bank account, don’t move the money on. Contact us using the number on the back of your bank card for help.
- If you wish to report a crime anonymously, you can contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
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