SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Are You A Money Mule?
This SCARS Guide Will Help You Better Understand What A Money Mule Is And The Potential Consequences To Someone That Becomes One.
Always remember that if you were involved as a money mule unknowingly, you must contact your local police or you might be considered an active participant.
A SCARS Steps Guide
5 Steps Guide For A Money Mule
Have You Received Or Collected Money From Or For A Scammer Or A Stranger? – You Might Be A Money Mule!
If you are a Money Mule, this is a very confusing time for you
You may or may not have been the victim of a scam – some money mules are involved in a romance scam, employment scams, etc., and some participate thinking they are going to make quick money! You may be in confusion, fear, and anger. You will be unsure about what to do now.
We have helped millions of scam victims and many many money mules and we know that it comes down to FIVE (5) BASIC STEPS.
First Thing A Money Mule Must Know
You need to understand that this may not be your fault, but there can be serious consequences for a Money Mule unless you act responsibly now!
Do not feel ashamed of what happened. The scammers are professionals – yes scammers, there was more than one – they work in teams. They are expert manipulators, and you were not prepared. That assumes that you did not act as a mule willingly.
Time is important after you discover the activity – there is a limited window for the police to act to help you in sorting this out. But if you do not report this to them, and they come after you, you may be facing criminal prosecution.
This is going to be hard, and most mules will not want to face this.
When the time comes to talk with your family & friends, and we recommend that you get the advice of a criminal defense attorney immediately.
THE 5 STEPS
STEP 1: Stop All Communications!
You must block all contact with your scammers or whoever you were receiving or collecting money for. And make absolutely sure that you preserve all evidence of your communications with the criminals.
You may be unsure if they are criminals, but let the police make that decision for you – just assume they are.
STEP 2: Accept That You Were Involved & Became A Money Mule
This means that you have to accept that you are the victim of a crime and if you received money for or from the criminals you became a Money Mule.
It is all about the deception, it was all lies. Nothing that you were told is the truth, so none of the stories or promises matter anymore because they were all lies. This is hard to accept, but it is what you have to do to be able to move forward.
As part of this STEP, you must report it to the police – this is your confirmation to yourself that you accept that you were involved in this even if you did not know that you were. You start with your local police – this is not easy, you will feel embarrassed and shame, but you do not need to. The police are not always going to be sensitive to scam victims, but reporting matters regardless. This is your lifesaver because you will need to report and cooperate if they are going to take your side – if they have to come and find you it can become very serious and possibly involve jail time.
Once this is done, put it all away, and don’t look at it again if possible. But do not destroy it or throw it away. You may need it in the future,
STEP 3: Focus Only On Yourself – Not The Scammers
You will be doing this Step before, during, and after Steps 4 & 5
Do not try to track down or contact anyone, and do not try to be a vigilante, just let the police do their job. Any further contact with the people you were involved with could alert them about police involvement – you do not want that. It could also complicate how the police view you!
Now you need to focus on your own emotional health and stability. Scams can be very traumatizing and they can lead to serious mental illness unless you take care of yourself. The scam happened, but now it is time to turn your back on that and focus on yourself and how you are going to move forward and recover.
We recommend that every Money Mule take two immediate actions to help themselves:
- Join one of our support groups or forums: On Facebook go here (SCARS Education & Support Group) or go to www.ScamVictimSupport.org and join our support forums for scam victims (assuming that you are one.)
- If you feel you need someone locally to talk to we recommend that you seek a local trauma counselor. If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/trauma-and-ptsd
You do not need to tell your family or friends at this point unless you need to – that can wait until you are feeling stronger.
The process of recovery will take some time – it depends on how long you were in the scam, and the involvement as a mule, and the depth of the trauma you are experiencing. Do not try to rush it and do not assume you will get over it instantly. Most scam victims will need months and sometimes longer to return to emotional stability. How seriously you take your recovery will determine how successful you will be – there are no shortcuts. It is hard and it takes work.
The self-imposed trauma from being a mule can also add to your guilt and sense of shame. Mules enable scams and can do real harm to many people.
A Word About Fear
Many scam victims, especially those that engage in being a money or parcel mule are in fear after they discover the real situation. You might be afraid of the scammer’s threats or something else. you might be afraid of legal consequences. You do not need to be afraid – the police will help you sort this out, but do contact an attorney first. But if you really feel fearful tell your local police about this too.
If You Need To Talk To Someone Right Now
If you feel that you must talk to someone right now call this number (in the U.S. & Canada): 1-800-273-8255 – it is available 24 hours in English and Spanish. To find other crisis hotlines for your country search on Google for “Crisis Hotline.” Remember, there is no shame in asking for help.
Lock Yourself Down
After the scam and any involvement as a mule, you will need to make sure that you lock down your social media profiles to ensure that the scammers cannot see your life anymore! Go through your privacy setting and change anything public to private.
Also, if you shared any financial or banking information with your scammers you will need to protect those accounts. Contact your bank and notify them you have been scammed and change your account numbers and access information – do this for anything that you think might be at risk.
STEP 4: Talk with an Attorney
We recommend that anyone that thinks they were involved as a Money Mule or other type talk with a criminal defense attorney immediately. Being involved in a criminal enterprise is not something to be ignored. You will need guidance and possibly legal support when you talk to the local police, and help to make sure the police do not hold you criminally responsible.
Remember, the criminals made you an accessory to their crimes. You need to get this under control.
Additionally, even if the police do not charge you for any crime, other victims can hold you responsible for their financial losses. So you may be facing civil litigation in the future and you will need legal support.
STEP 5: Talk with the Police
This is going to be scary, but this is the right thing to do because if you don’t they will find you eventually. If they have to track you down, you could be facing charges, do your best to avoid that by going to them first and cooperating in every way possible (as your attorney advises.)
Expect to be there for the whole day. Police interviews can be very lengthy and they will need to make sure they know everything. Hold nothing back, tell them everything. Always tell them the whole truth. If they think you are being deceptive it will only make it worse.
To Learn More About Money Mules
At this point, you have to focus on learning to better understand what happened to you. You are a victim and became a money mule – that does not mean you are an expert in scams. Learning is an essential part of controlling your fear, anger, and confusion. It is part of your recovery process.
SCARS publishes a number of guides and information to help a Money Mule understand their situation.
The consequences are serious and we can not overstate how important it is to take control of the situation by learning, speaking with an attorney, and reporting to the police.
By cooperating with the police you may well be saving other victims from losing their life savings. Your silence will only enable the scammers or criminals to make more victims!
Do the right thing. Do your duty and report these crimes!
SCARS Money Mule Articles:
- What Is A Money Mule? – An Overview
- Money Laundering Presents Grave Dangers For Scam Victims & Mules
- Money Mule Series: About Banking & Legal Responsibility
- All About Money Mules
- Scam Victims & Violating The Law
- Giving Out Your Banking Information – SCARS™ Scam Warning
- What Are Scammer Money Mules?
- Understanding and Protecting Yourself Against Money Mule Schemes
- The Difference Between A Scammer’s MULE and a MOLE
- Landmark Case Changes Everything For Money Mules
- Criminal Crack Down On Money Mules Worldwide
- Europe Continues The Global Crackdown On Money Mules
- Missouri Money/Parcel Mule Convicted
- Another Senior Faces Jail As A Scammer Drug Mule
- Scam Basics: From Victim To Criminal
- FBI Warning About Scammers Recruiting Mules
- Rubberband Bank Wire Transfer Scams [Infographic]
- Why Reporting Matters?
- Editorial: Attitudes Are Changing
Do You Need Support?
Get It Now!
SCARS provides the leading Support & Recovery program for relationship scam victims – completely FREE!
Our managed peer support groups allow victims to talk to other survivors and recover in the most experienced environment possible, for as long as they need. Recovery takes as long as it takes – we put no limits on our support!
SCARS is the most trusted support & education provider in the world. Our team is certified in trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and so much more!
To apply to join our groups visit support.AgainstScams.org
We also offer separate support groups for family & friends too.
Become a
SCARS STAR™ Member
SCARS offers memberships in our STAR program, which includes many benefits for a very low annual membership fee!
SCARS STAR Membership benefits include:
- FREE Counseling or Therapy Benefit from our partner BetterHelp.com
- Exclusive members-only content & publications
- Discounts on SCARS Self-Help Books Save
- And more!
To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org
To become a SCARS STAR Member right now visit join.AgainstScams.org
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
Thank you for this article and the reference articles for further information. The criminals in my fraud were no longer receiving money from me. I had faced the shock that I had used my credit cards to send money to the criminals. I was aware that I was in a scam and now and very deep in debt. The criminals were still communicating in a very loving manner but frustration was showing in the frequent arguments occurring every day several times a day. A communication would start in the morning with much affection and then it would move to opening an account for them, or registering a limited liability corporation so I could open a business banking account. Or it was purchasing crypto and sharing a wallet. Sad to say I liked the loving part, I hated the persuasion to open an account and the arguments. I refused, and refused, and refused. And they wanted to know what was wrong with me? They weren’t asking me to do anything illegal. I read the companion article What is a Money Mule and am relieved that I did not give in to them. Because what they asked of me IS illegal.
The information in this article was very well researched very informed. I learned a lot about what was happening to me and what I have been involved in. Thank you so much for bringing the light I truly have been a victim.
We are the leaders in supporting scam victims worldwide. Thank you for your comment.
This is a great article and clearly details how the process works .