Criminals use fake jobs, text messages and social media messages to recruit people to move money through their bank accounts.
What seems like easy money could put your finances, identity and future at risk.
Know the signs. Protect yourself.
If someone is offering money in exchange for using your bank account, receiving payments, or transferring money for them, that’s a major warning sign.
Many people are approached through job advertisements, social media, messaging apps and online communities.
You were right to check before responding.
What Is a Money Trap or Money Mule?
A money mule is someone who receives or transfers money on behalf of another person.
Sometimes people knowingly agree to do this. Often, they don’t realise they are being recruited by criminals until it’s too late.
Money mule activity is commonly linked to fraud, scams and organised crime.
You may be told:
- It’s a simple job
- It’s an easy way to earn money
- You’re helping a business process payments
- You will be paid a commission for each transfer
These are common recruitment tactics.
A money mule is someone who receives or transfers money on behalf of another person.
Sometimes people knowingly agree to do this. Often, they don’t realise they are being recruited by criminals until it’s too late.
Money mule activity is commonly linked to fraud, scams and organised crime.
You may be told:
- It’s a simple job
- It’s an easy way to earn money
- You’re helping a business process payments
- You will be paid a commission for each transfer
These are common recruitment tactics.
Know the Warning Signs
- Quick or easy money
- High pay for very little work
- Flexible work with no experience required
- Payment simply for using your bank account
A job that sounds too good to be true.
- Receive money into your bank account
- Transfer money to another person
- Open a bank account for someone else
- Share your banking details
- Share your online banking access
- Provide identity documents
How Criminals Target People
- Social media
- Messaging apps
- Job websites
- Online marketplaces
- Community groups
- Student networks
- Friends or acquaintances
- Easy money
- Fast payments
- Flexible work
- Work-from-home opportunities
- No experience required
Their goal is to gain access to your bank account, identity or personal information.
Getting Involved Could Cost You Everything
Being involved in money mule activity can have serious consequences…
- Accounts may be frozen or restricted
- Transactions may be investigated
- Access to banking services may be affected
- Personal information may be misused
- Identity theft can occur
- Fraudulent accounts may be created in your name
- Employment opportunities may be affected
- Visa holders may face additional consequences
- You may become involved in criminal investigations
Even if you believed the offer was genuine, the consequences can be significant.
Protect Yourself
- Share your bank account details unnecessarily
- Share online banking access
- Let someone else use your account
- Transfer money for people you do not know
- Share identity documents without checking who is requesting them
- Research employers before accepting work
- Verify job opportunities independently
- Be cautious of easy money offers
- Ask questions if something doesn't feel right
- Seek advice if you're unsure
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is…
FAQ'S
Crime Stoppers is an independent not-for-profit organisation that partners with the community, media and police to encourage people to prevent crime and to confidentially share what they know about unsolved crime or suspicious activity.
Crime Stoppers believes everyone has the right to feel safe from crime. We share practical advice on how you can protect your community, and the people and things that are important to you.
When you make a report, you don’t have to leave your personal details with us, your call isn’t recorded and, if you make a report online, your IP address isn’t stored. You are in control of the reporting process – you choose how much information you share and whether you want to remain anonymous.
Since we started in Victoria in 1987, we have received over 1.69 million tips from the community, resulting in over 30,717 arrests and the recovery of more than $476 million worth of drugs, property and cash.
Learn more here.
A money mule is someone who receives or transfers money for another person, often as part of criminal activity.
It can be. If the money is connected to criminal activity, there may be serious consequences.
Do not provide access to your account. Stop communicating with the person and seek advice if you are unsure.
Contact your bank immediately, secure your accounts and access support services.
Yes. Information can be provided anonymously.
No. Information can still be valuable, even if you do not have proof. It could be the missing piece of the puzzle.