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Money Mule

Last updated National

Don’t be a mule! Money mules are people who receive and transfer money obtained from victims of fraud. Some money mules know they’ve been recruited to assist criminal activity, but others become money mules without realizing their activity is benefiting fraudsters.

NCPW Money Mule Flyer
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Criminal Elements Usually Use Several Methods of Recruiting Victims:
• Work-from-home Scams: A job posting offers easy money for reshipping packages, buying gift cards or Postal Money Orders, or transferring money, which can be done at home.
• Confidence Scams: A person or business you don’t know offers you a cut/commission if you transfer money for them. Many of these scammers are active on social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram.
• Lottery Scams: A person informs you that you need to transfer or accept money in order to collect a prize/winnings.
• Romance Scams: A person you’ve met online or on an app who says they’re romantically interested in you asks you to transfer money and/or packages.

Money Mule PSA

Money mules are people who receive and transfer money obtained from victims of fraud. Some money mules know they’ve been recruited to assist criminal activity, but others become money mules without realizing their activity is benefiting fraudsters. Transferring money/valuables on behalf of others only benefits criminals and may lead to serious consequences for the “mule.”

Money Mule PSA Transcript
Mula de Dinero

Mulas de dinero son personas que reciben y transfieren el dinero obtenidas por las victimas de fraude. Algunas mulas de dinero saben que han sido reclutadas para asistir a la actividad criminal, pero otras se vuelven en mulas de dinero sin saber que sus actividades benefician a los estafadores. Transfiriendo dinero y/u objetos valiosos de parte de otros sólo beneficia a los criminales y puede tener consecuencias serias para la “mula.”

Mula de Dinero Transcript

Protect Yourself

  • Don’t engage in financial transactions with strangers

    This includes transferring money into and out of accounts you own or purchasing Postal Money Orders, gift cards, or virtual currency at the direction of others. Never give your personal information, such as your Social Security or bank account number to someone else.
  • Don’t take a job that promises easy money and involves sending or receiving money or packages

    While the allure of working from home can be tempting, remember the old adage: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And, never accept or send packages on behalf of others.
  • Check it out

    Check any work-from-home opportunity or money transferring offer with a trusted family member or friend. You can also contact your Better Business Bureau chapter or access your state’s corporation directory to help verify if the business is legitimate.
  • Report it

    It’s important to report money mule activity/scams as soon as possible. Contact the Postal Inspection Service (www.uspis.gov/report; 877.876.2455). Also report any suspected Money Mule email or social media scams to the platform provider.
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