SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS Webinar: Money Mules – Risks & Consequences
Scam Victims Are Often Converted Into Money Mules Aiding The Criminals To Receive Stolen Money From Other Victims And To Engage In Money Laundering
Money mules typically scam victims that are manipulated into helping criminals launder money. They do this by receiving money from criminals or other victims – usually without knowing that they are involved in a crime – and then transferring it to other accounts, often in different countries. Money mules are often used by scammers to move money that they have stolen from their victims.
There are many ways that scam victims can become converted into money mules. Some of the most common methods include:
- Romance scams: Scammers will often pose as someone they are not, such as a soldier, a businessperson, an oil rig worker, or a doctor, in order to build a relationship with the victim. Once the victim is emotionally controlled, the scammer will ask them to help them with a financial problem, such as transferring money to a family member or for their business in another country.
- Online job scams: Scammers will often post fake job ads online that promise easy money. Once the victim applies for the job, the scammer will ask them to receive money from a third party and then transfer it to another account.
If you think you have been converted into a money mule, there are a few things you can do:
- Stop transferring money. This is the most important thing you can do. Once you stop transferring money, the criminals will not be able to use your accounts to launder money.
- Report the scam to the authorities. Start with your local police and then federal/national law enforcement. You can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI – but make sure you report to the local police first. This is essential in helping to establish your innocence in case there are questions later on.
- Contact your bank. Let your bank know that you have been a victim of a money mule scam. They will be able to help you close your account and prevent the criminals from accessing any more of your accounts.
SCARS Webinars & Videos
To learn more about why this happened we recommend that you start with the Psychology of Scams articles – click here
Articles About Money Mules
Money Mules Consequences
- Scam Basics: From Victim To Criminal
- FBI Warning About Scammers Recruiting Mules
- Money Mule Series: About Banking & Legal Responsibility
- Money Laundering Presents Grave Dangers For Scam Victims & Mules
- Scam Victims & Violating The Law
- Money Mules Can Be Sued By Victims
- Giving Out Your Banking Information – Scam Warning
Money Mules & Police
- Editorial: Attitudes Are Changing
- 2023 Money Mule Initiative
- New Global Interpol Campaign Against Money Mules [VIDEOS]
- European Money Mule Crackdown Continues in 2021!
- Europe Continues The Global Crackdown On Money Mules
- Criminal Crack Down On Money Mules Worldwide
- Landmark Case Changes Everything For Money Mules
- Interpol Arrests Over 1,000 Suspects Linked To Cyber Crime
- Australian Scammer’s Mule Grandmother Who Faced Death By Hanging In Malaysia Has Had Her Conviction Overturned
- Scam Victim Turned Into Money Mule Arrested In West Virginia
- Australian Romance Scam Victim Yoshe Taylor Freed From Cambodian Prison!
- Japanese Woman Age 66 Victimized In ‘International Romance Fraud’ Of ¥100 million (US$896,260)
- Missouri Money/Parcel Mule Convicted
General Types of Money Mules
Generally speaking, there are five types of money mules:
- ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS
- The Partner: This type of money mule is aware that they are involved in a criminal activity, and they are actively working with the criminals. They may be involved in recruiting other money mules, or they may be responsible for laundering the money. Partners are often motivated by a desire for financial gain, but they may also be motivated by a desire for power or prestige.
- The Accomplice: This type of money mule is aware that they are involved in a criminal activity. They are often recruited by criminals through social engineering or other means, and they may be paid a percentage of the money they launder. Accomplices are typically motivated by financial gain, and they may be willing to go to great lengths to avoid detection.
- PASSIVE PARTICIPANTS
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The Contractors: This type of money mule is aware that they are involved in a criminal activity, but they may not fully understand the extent of their involvement. They may be recruited through online job advertisements or through social media, and they may be promised a job that involves easy money. Contractors are often motivated by a desire for quick money, and they may be willing to overlook the risks involved in their activities.
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- UNKNOWING/UNWILLING PARTICIPANTS
- The Scam Victim: This type of money mule is unaware that they are involved in a criminal activity. They may be tricked into laundering money through phishing scams or other means. Scam Victims are often motivated by a desire to help others, or they may be simply naive.
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The ID Victim: This type of money mule is a victim of identity theft. Criminals have stolen their personal information, and they are using that information to open bank accounts and launder money. Identity Theft Victims are unaware that they are being used as money mules, and they may suffer financial losses as a result.
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
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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.
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