Don't be a Money Mule

Has someone asked you to ‘mind’ their money in your personal bank or credit union account?

Don't Be A Mule

This could be money muling, a serious crime that can result in a prison sentence.

Fraudsters recruit money mules by:
1. Targeting students and offering money in return for lodging cash/cheques into a bank account, often using the excuse that they cannot
open an account themselves.
2. Posing as employers with job vacancies such as work-from home and quick cash jobs often advertised through social media.
Be Informed
• Research any work-from-home opportunities to ensure the business is legitimate.
• Verify a company by checking its contact details and calling its landline.
• Never accept payment for use of your bank accounts.
Be Alert
• Be wary of any approaches or opportunities to make easy money.
• Be particularly cautious of offers from people or companies overseas as it is difficult to verify their legitimacy.
• Be wary of any work-from-home jobs that overpay you and ask you to return the overpayment. If it was paid to you by cheque make sure the cheque has cleared fully before transferring any money, check with your bank to make sure.
Be Secure
• Never give your bank account details to anyone unless you know & trust them.
• Never allow your bank account to be used by someone else.

If you have been approached to act as a money mule or have been a victim of this type of crime, report it to your local Garda Station and contact your bank/Credit Union.

Warning: Being a ‘Money Mule’ is a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 and it can carry up to 14 years imprisonment.

Be Informed, Be Alert, Be Secure – Be FraudSMART #DontBeAMule