What are money mules?
Money mules are individuals who transfer, knowingly or unwittingly, money on behalf of others.
Why do they move money?
The funds moved by these money mules are the proceeds of criminal activity. By transferring these monies through a network of mule accounts, the money mules launder the funds so they can be re-integrated into the legitimate economy.
How do people become money mules?
There are different types of money mules, offering a variety of ways to become a money mule. For example, those responsible for these networks look to recruit people under the ruse of quick, easy money, with social media being commonly used to recruit complicit money mules. Other methods include manipulation, fraud and a variety of different scams to capture unwitting mules. For example, romance scam victims often inadvertently become money mules.
Who can be targeted to become a money mule?
Anyone. Typically, those suffering financial hardship are more likely to be recruited to be mules, but students are also considered a high-risk category.