What is a money mule?

A money mule is someone whose account is used to receive and move criminal money. Recruiters may disguise the request as a job or favour and offer a share of the funds. Moving money you know or suspect is criminal can be an offence, so do not treat an easy-payment offer as harmless. 123

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. A recruiter or contact offers money for using your account. 123
  2. Funds arrive and you are asked to move or withdraw them. 123
  3. Your account becomes part of the movement of criminal proceeds. 123

Real UK example

BBC reporting in 2018 described students sentenced after fraud proceeds passed through their accounts. Sussex Police said the case showed how students could be targeted as money mules.

The court case concerned possession of criminal property. It was not simply punishment for receiving an unexpected transfer. 3

Warning signs

  • A job asks you to use your personal account to process payments. 12345
  • Someone offers a fee for transferring money onwards. 12345
  • You are asked to hand over control of your bank account. 12345
  • The explanation does not make sense for a genuine employer or customer. 123

What to do now

  1. Do not move suspicious funds onwards or spend them. 123
  2. Contact your bank and explain the approach or unexpected payment. 12345
  3. Keep recruitment messages and report the suspected fraud. If threatened, contact the police. 123

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 456
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 57
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 7

How to protect yourself

  • Keep control of your account and banking credentials. 12345
  • Check an employer independently before sharing financial information. 123
  • Reject offers that depend on moving money for strangers. 12345

Frequently asked questions

Can a money-mule offer look like a real job?

Yes. Report Fraud describes recruitment through job offers and social media. The request to use your account is a warning sign. 1

What if money has already arrived in my account?

Do not forward or spend suspicious funds. Contact your bank and explain what happened before taking further instructions from the sender. 12

Is every unexpected payment money muling?

No. The concern is the use of an account to move criminal proceeds. Ask your bank to investigate rather than deciding yourself. 12

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for the money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Money muling - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. GOV.UK, Money Mules - National Crime Agency. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. BBC News, Student 'money mules' sentenced for money laundering - BBC News. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  7. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).