The Money Mule: What It Is – And How to Avoid Becoming One

A money mule is someone who receives and moves money that came from victims of fraud. Some money mules know they are assisting with criminal activity, but others are unaware that their actions are helping fraudsters. If someone you don’t know sends you money and asks you to forward or transfer the money, you could be fueling fraud by serving as a money mule. Money mules may be recruited through an online job ad or social media post that promises easy money for little effort. Or money mules may agree to help a love interest they’ve met online or over the phone receive and send money ─ also known as a romance scam.

Don't ignore the red flags

Follow these tips to avoid becoming a money mule:

• DON’T agree to receive or send money or packages for people you don’t know or haven’t met in person.
• DON’T take a job that promises easy money – especially if it involves sending or receiving money or packages.
• DON’T open a bank or cryptocurrency account at someone else’s request.
• DON’T send money to an online love interest, even if they send you money first.
• DON’T pay to collect a prize or send someone money out of your “winnings.”

Worried you may have been involved in fraud?

Contact a Rally Credit Union representative at 361-986-4500 or 1-800-622-3631, or visit a local branch. We can help assess your involvement and determine next steps.