Be on the alert for ’money mule’ scams

Typing on smartphone Students are increasingly being targeted by criminal groups to act as 'money mules' to cover up illegal activity. Find out more and what to do if you've been approached with a suspicious job offer, or if a stranger asks for access to your bank account. What is a money mule? . Organised crime groups are always looking for ways to hide their illegal funds by 'money laundering' - concealing the proceeds from criminal activity behind layers of legitimate bank accounts. One way of doing this is to use 'money mules' - people who receive cash into their bank account and then pass it on to others, usually keeping some of the money for themselves. Students and other young people are particularly at risk of being recruited as money mules, as they are often away from home for the first time or in a new country. They may also have financial worries which makes them vulnerable, as criminals usually recruit money mules by offering a cut of the illicit funds. As a result, students may unwittingly become involved in money laundering which is a serious criminal offence with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. Even if you are unaware that the money you are transferring was illegally obtained, you can still be prosecuted for money laundering. What should I look out for? . Be suspicious of job adverts that offer the chance to earn quick and easy money. Stick to reputable job sites and remember that if something looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Don't sign up for any opportunity without undertaking some proper research. Look up any prospective employers - do they have an online presence?