SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Before There Were Scammer’s Money Mules
In the early days – just 10 years ago, scammers did not need money mules as much.
They got their money directly, usually via Western Union. Scammers controlled the money transfer business, and even had their own Moles inside these agencies – in some cases, they may even have owned the agencies. This was part of the poor controls that caused Western Union to be fined over $450 million dollars in 2016.
Those days came to an end when the money transfer business and governments began to crack down and illegal transfers direct to scammers was made more difficult. Enter the Money Mules
However, today, scammers and criminals of every type have figured out that people are easily manipulated into becoming money mules.
We Understand How It All Came To Pass
We know that victims can be easily lured into becoming money mules as part of their relationship scam. Some fall for becoming a mule through fake job scams, and almost every imaginable type of scam can result in becoming a mule.
In the case where the money mules were unaware that this was part of a crime, they are innocent and blameless.
However, there is an ever-growing number of people who willingly participate.
But we also know it has to stop.
To Stop It
To bring this to an end, there is going to be a lot of pain; a lot of good people will go to jail, and a lot of easy-money people will also go to jail.
This is going to get very ugly because it is the one thing that law enforcement can take control of!
This is going to expand government control of all banking, finances, and money movement.
One recent proposal for a law will require police and tax authority approval to send more than 1,000 dollars anywhere. This is going to lead to incredible scrutiny over every transaction.
Do we really want to go there? Do we really want government in our lives more than they are now?
But what choice do we have?
Banks Are Also Fighting Back
Banks are also looking at their complicity and their liability in all of this.
In truth, the banks did what their customers asked them to do, but everyone blames the banks. This is already resulting in banks filing bank fraud charges for any false statement made by victims, and this is likely to expand.
We expect banks to create “trap statements” to catch victims is lies in order to protect themselves in exactly the same way the money transfer services do now.
Tens of Thousands Of Money Mules
Right now, some estimates are that there are more than 25,000 money mules working for Nigerian & Indian scammers. We think the number is much larger.
Law enforcement only has one option, and that is locking down access to money services. But that has also led to conversion to mules handling cash.
It is an arms race, and it will impact all of us!
The more the problem grows, the worse it is going to get for everyone that tries to use financial services. Some states are considering forcing pack & ship stores to sign affidavits that they know what is in the packages they send.
This is going to get more controlled and that is not always better, but what choice is there?
If You Are A Money Mule
If you are a mule, go now to your local police and help them stop the scammers. If you go in yourself, they will welcome your help, but if you wait and they find you, it could mean jail time!
If you want to learn more about mules – the consequences and the path to safety, please read our 5 Steps Guide for Money Mules – click here.
Follow The Money. Cut It Off In Transit!
This is the way! Going after the mules is the easy and effective answer. But it will bring government intrusion into everything.
What Do You Think?
Please share your opinion in the comments below!
The attitude has changed – the new CIFAS campaign film looks at why criminals need money mules: people who allow their bank accounts to be used to launder money – a rising trend with devastating consequences.
Learn more:
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What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
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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
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.
Is Robert Carleton one of the stolen soldier’s identity?
How could anyone tell you that? There are over a billion fake profiles & identities on Facebook alone. A name alone means nothing because no one has even a fraction of them cataloged. But the fact that you asked this means you already know the answer. The hard part is accepting it when you think you have this beautiful future ahead of you.
Scammers are spotted not by names or photos – but by what they do. This was a stranger that contacted you to begin with. Started expressing strong emotions within a couple of weeks. Has some reason why he can’t come visit you. Needs money. Yes it is a scam.