SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
What Is The Difference Between A MULE and a MOLE
Scammers Are Well Known For Convincing Victims Into Working For Them, Knowingly Or Unknowingly Becoming Mules
But Scammers also place Moles in places where they need extra control!
Moles vs. Mules
Sadly, many victims believe in the lies that scammers tell so completely that they become accomplices in the cybercriminals schemes. Some face arrest and jail time as well.
Most of these are converted into what are called “MULES“.
They serve two roles:
- Money Mules serve to help transfer and launder money for scammers, and also as a drop point for fraudsters to receive money from other victims. Thus they become a part of the chain in scamming other victims themselves. This is a serious crime worldwide, and recently 1,500 Money Mules » were arrested through the actions of Europol.
- Parcel Mules are people that help criminals forward packages they receive. Usually, these are merchandise the scammer buys using stolen credit cards. This is also a serious crime in that it involves receiving and trafficking in stolen property.
However, there is another kind of scammer helper that spies on other people for various purposes. These are called MOLES!
A Mole
Is A Person That Helps The Scammer By Acting As A Spy Or Information Gatherer
These serve several purposes depending on the story the fraudster is spinning:
- Romance Scam Information Mole: this is a person who is usually told that people are defaming the scammer and saying he/she is a romance scammer. They ask the Mole to join a group, watch a website, or chat with someone to learn more about what is being said about them.
- Business Information Mole: this is a person who is asked by the scammer to keep an eye on a competitor, a partner, or other business that they are concerned about. The stories can be wide-ranging, but they get the person to do the spying and communicate the information back to the scammer.
- Recruiting Mole: in this case, the scammer has a story about how they need additional people to help them do something that seems legal and legitimate. So they ask the Mole to help them recruit others. These could be scam victims or virtually anyone. A good example of this is in the case of “Work From Home” scams.
There are many more variations, but the essential truth of it is that they have convinced a normal person to engage in felony fraud with them. They may not know it, but that is what they are doing, and face the criminal charges that can follow.
Amazingly, there are at least a few thousand such Moles being manipulated at any given time. We are extremely watchful for these in our own support groups and other educational activities, when we find them we will immediately ban them and refer them for police investigation – not because we want them to go to jail, but so that the police can intervene with their authority to stop their actions and hopefully lead to useful information about the scammer or scammers.
This sounds like scammers are brilliant to have worked all this out, but in reality, they are copying the tactics of other criminal enterprises such as Drug Runners and Human Traffickers. It is a sad truth that in today’s world anyone can be a Mole for a criminal cartel – even Children.
Ironically, Many Moles Are In Fact Also Mules!
By engaging in both behaviors, not only does the Mule face criminal charges for money laundering but their Mole activities now face Criminal Conspiracy.
Prosecutors we have spoken with hate to prosecute the elderly who fall for this, but given the extreme number of victims, many times the Mule or the Mole is all they can go after. In most cases, the penalty is severe and can result in prison sentences of 5, 10, or more years – which for these participants can be a life sentence.
What To Do If You Are A Mule Or A Mole?
It is strongly recommended that if a person was duped into working for a scammer that they contact an attorney immediately who can act on their behalf to go to the local police before the police come knocking on their door.
To learn more about this visit our 5 Steps Guide for Money Mules – click here
As our organization works to resolve the larger governmental and legal issues worldwide, you can help by being ever watchful for the behaviors that give a Mole (or Mule) away.
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HELP OTHERS STAY SAFE ONLINE – YOUR KNOWLEDGE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
THE NEXT VICTIM MIGHT BE YOUR OWN FAMILY MEMBER OR BEST FRIEND!
By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A Worldwide Crime Victims Assistance & Crime Prevention Nonprofit Organization Headquartered In Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with Partners In More Than 60 Countries
To Learn More, Volunteer, or Donate Visit: www.AgainstScams.org
Contact Us: Contact@AgainstScams.org
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Table of Contents
- Scammers Are Well Known For Convincing Victims Into Working For Them, Knowingly Or Unknowingly Becoming Mules
- Most of these are converted into what are called “MULES“.
- Is A Person That Helps The Scammer By Acting As A Spy Or Information Gatherer
- Did You Receive Money From A Scammer, Or Give A Scammer Access To Your Accounts?
- PLEASE SHARE OUR ARTICLES WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY
- By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. - The Issue Of Race In Scam Reporting
Click Here To Learn More!
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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ARTICLE META
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
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
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.
Hoe weet je als persoon of de foto van een scammer de foto van de scammer
of van de persoon zelf in kwestie is als je aangesproken word op sociaal media?
First, don’t talk to strangers online. Almost everyone that will contact you, that you do not know, is going to be a scammer. It is that simple.
Second, learning to recognize fakes is a skill that has to be learned. If you have to ask, then you do not know. You can learn those skills on this website, but you have to make the effort.
If you are talking to a stranger now, it is a scammer. Read our 3 Steps for New Scam Victims on our home page.
Praat ten eerste niet online met vreemden. Bijna iedereen die contact met u opneemt, die u niet kent, wordt een oplichter. Zo simpel is het.
Ten tweede is het leren herkennen van vervalsingen een vaardigheid die moet worden geleerd. Als je het moet vragen, dan weet je het niet. Je kunt die vaardigheden op deze website leren, maar je moet er wel moeite voor doen.
Als je nu met een vreemde praat, is het een oplichter. Lees onze 3 stappen voor nieuwe slachtoffers van zwendel op onze homepage.