TL;DR: A money mule scam recruits people (often unknowingly) to receive and forward stolen money, making them an unwitting link in the laundering chain — and potentially criminally liable. Never agree to receive and forward money through your own bank account for someone else, even for a job offer — this can make you criminally liable even if you didn't know the money was stolen.
A money mule scam recruits people (often unknowingly) to receive and forward stolen money, making them an unwitting link in the laundering chain — and potentially criminally liable.
How Money Mule Scams Works
Scammers recruit victims through fake job offers ("payment processing agent") or romance scams, asking them to receive money into their own bank account and forward it elsewhere, taking a cut. The money is usually stolen from other scam victims.
Warning Signs to Watch For
A "job" that involves receiving and forwarding money through your own account, a too-good-to-be-true payment for minimal work, and vague explanations about the company's actual business.
How to Protect Yourself
Never agree to receive and forward money through your own bank account for someone else, even for a job offer — this can make you criminally liable even if you didn't know the money was stolen.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading What Is Pig Butchering Scams? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see What Is Pretexting? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Money Mule Scams?
A money mule scam recruits people (often unknowingly) to receive and forward stolen money, making them an unwitting link in the laundering chain — and potentially criminally liable.
How does Money Mule Scams typically work?
Scammers recruit victims through fake job offers ("payment processing agent") or romance scams, asking them to receive money into their own bank account and forward it elsewhere, taking a cut. The money is usually stolen from other scam victims.
What are the warning signs of Money Mule Scams?
A "job" that involves receiving and forwarding money through your own account, a too-good-to-be-true payment for minimal work, and vague explanations about the company's actual business.
How can I protect myself from Money Mule Scams?
Never agree to receive and forward money through your own bank account for someone else, even for a job offer — this can make you criminally liable even if you didn't know the money was stolen.
What should I do if I think I’ve encountered Money Mule Scams?
Stop responding immediately, do not click any links or share information, and report it to the appropriate authority. If money or personal information was already shared, act quickly to secure your accounts and report the incident.