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ABA: The American Bankers Association
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Money Mule Scams

  • Published February 27, 2020

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Money Mule Infographic

Note: Not-for-profit reproduction and distribution to consumers is permitted.

If someone sends you money and asks you to send it to someone else, STOP. You could be what some people call a money mule — someone scammers use to transfer and launder stolen money.

Scammers often ask you to buy gift cards or wire money. They might recruit you through online job ads, prize offers or dating websites.

Scammers: 

  • Send you a check
  • Tell you to send some of the money to someone else

When you later find out the check was bad, you’ll be stuck covering the entire amount of the check, including what you sent. And that might overdraw your account.

How to Avoid a Money Mule Scam

  • Never use your own bank account, or open one in your name, to transfer money for an employer.
  • Never pay to collect a prize or move any money out of your "winnings."
  • Never send money to an online love interest, even if he or she sends you a check first. 

What to Do if You Spot a Scam

  • Break off contact with the scammers and stop moving money for them
  • Tell your bank and the wire transfer or gift card company right away. 
  • Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/compliant.

Criminals are good at conning consumers into helping them move money. Don't do it. You could lose money and get in trouble with the law.

ftc.gov/ScamAlerts

aba.com/Consumers

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