GOLDEN RULES:
- Slow it down - Scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency. Take time to ask questions and think it through.
- Spot check - Do your research to double check the details you are getting. Does what they’re telling you make sense?
- Stop! Don’t send - No reputable person or agency will ever demand payment or your personal information on the spot.
Think that online job offer looks too good to be true? It probably is.
Imagine this: A work-from-home job that pays you thousands of dollars each week just to open bank accounts and receive wire transfers from clients. Sounds amazing, right?
Think again. This could be a classic money mule recruitment scheme.
What is a money mule?
A money mule is someone who helps criminals move and launder illegally acquired money. Scammers, often in other countries, need locals to open bank accounts, handle stolen victim funds, or assist with money laundering. Scammers use various creative methods to recruit money mules over the Internet.
You might be a money mule and not even know it.
Even if you're unaware of your role as a money mule, you can face serious consequences like criminal charges and loss of credit.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
- "Payment processing assistant" work-from-home jobs.
- Work-from-home jobs where you receive and ship packages from strangers.
- Strangers offering to pay you simply to transfer money or open bank accounts.
- Social media posts promising quick, easy cash.
- Online friends or romantic interests who eventually ask you to handle money for them, even though you’ve never met in person.
- Requests to buy cryptocurrencies, gift cards, or valuable goods (e.g. electronics, jewelry) on someone’s behalf.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.
You can read more about money mules at fbi.gov.