If someone asks you to move their money through your bank account in exchange for payment, they are asking you to be a money mule.
This is money laundering and is a serious criminal offence.
About money muling
Money muling scammers will offer you an easy job and promise good pay. This is a scam. They will trick, force or blackmail you to use your bank account to move their money around.
International students are often targeted for money muling, both online and in person. The scammers will send you a fake job offer via:
- social media
- instant messaging apps
- email.
Money muling is not a victimless crime. The profits are often used to fund human trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, and other serious crimes.
If you take part in money muling, you are risking prison, getting your bank account blocked and your visa cancelled.
Advice to protect yourself from money muling
To protect yourself from being involved in money muling:
- stop and think if the job offer is too good to be true
- check whether the employer is legitimate and based in Australia
- don't engage in any contact with those offering you large sums of money in exchange for using your bank account.
If you think you’ve been involved in money muling
If you have been tricked into using your bank account to move money for the scammers:
- stop all communications with the scammers
- do not make any further money transfers to the scammers
- call your bank and stop all further transactions
- report the scam to ReportCyber.
For latest information and advice on different scams visit Scamwatch.
Report money muling
If you have been affected by a money muling scam, you should report it to police at ReportCyber.
In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000)(opens in a new window).
To help disrupt and follow scam trends, warn others about new scams, and receive advice and support, report your experience to Scamwatch.
To find out more about reporting cybercrime visit Report online abuse, cybercrimes, fraud and scams.
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