A friend may ask to use your bank account for receiving money, or you might encounter someone at a gathering claiming to have easily made £200 by transferring money. Additionally, you might see advertisements for remote job opportunities. However, agreeing to any of these requests could lead to becoming a “money mule,” a term used by banks and law enforcement for individuals who unknowingly transfer illegally obtained funds on behalf of criminals, often involving victims of scams.
Criminals actively recruit money mules, focusing on young people who may be seeking easy cash or trying to assist others. According to Santander, 31% of individuals identified as money mules using its accounts are aged 18 to 24, suggesting that university students might be particularly vulnerable, especially as the academic year begins.
It is important to recognize that being asked to give access to your bank account or transfer money without knowledge of its origin should raise alarms. Laura Carter, head of fraud customer experience at Santander, emphasizes that there is typically no legitimate reason for someone to use your account. Engaging in such activities can lead to serious consequences, including account closure, being added to industry databases, and difficulties obtaining credit in the future.
Revolut highlights that regardless of whether someone is knowingly involved or unwittingly a victim, legal repercussions can still apply. In severe cases, individuals could face up to 14 years in prison.
Beware of unfamiliar friends or recruiters attempting to persuade you to use your account for money transfers or offers that seem too good to be true. If approached, it is advisable to refuse any requests for account access or transactions involving unexplainable funds. If unexpected money appears in your account, it is recommended to immediately contact your bank’s support and report the transaction. Any suspicious activity should be reported to both your bank and the police to ensure safety.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/sep/21/how-to-avoid-falling-victim-to-a-money-mule-scam