Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a recent consumer alert about money mules--people who, at someone else’s direction, receive and move money obtained from victims of fraud. Some know they have been recruited to assist criminal activity. Knowingly moving money for illegal activities can lead to serious consequences—including criminal charges. Others move money at someone else’s direction, not knowing their activity benefits fraudsters.
Fake check scams are an example of how criminals use a money mule to commit fraud. Another example is criminals asking a money mule to open a bank account to receive illegally obtained unemployment benefits and then transfer the money elsewhere or withdraw it.
Warning signs include:
• Unsolicited emails or contacts on social media promising “easy” money.
• Communications from a prospective “employer” through a web-based internet service, such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or “throw away” email services.
• Requests to open a personal bank account to receive and transfer money.
• Offers to keep a portion of the funds transferred.
• Work-at-home job offers that are limited to moving money.
• An online contact asks you to receive and forward funds to unknown individuals.
Never agree to:
• A work-at-home offer that asks you to transfer money.
• Open a bank account or move money at someone else’s request.
• Give someone access to your bank account or debit card.
• Allow money from people you don’t know to be deposited into your account.
• A job offer that promises easy money and involves sending or receiving money or packages.
• Receive or forward packages, or purchase gift cards or virtual currency at someone’s direction.
• Provide a username and password for unemployment or other benefits accounts.
Learn more at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch/money-mule-initiative. Complaints can be filed at www.michigan.gov/ag or call 877-765-8388.
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