Money mules
When you let someone put money into your account, which you then transfer on. You may be told you can keep some of the money for yourself.
How it could happen to you
- You’re approached by someone to earn some quick cash by allowing them to put money into your account, which you’re then told to transfer to a different account. The person may tempt you by saying you get to keep some of the money for yourself, or they could threaten you
Stop. Challenge. Protect.
- Think twice before allowing someone else to use your bank account and never let someone you don’t know pay money into your account
- Research any company offering job opportunities and try to stick to reputable job websites
- Allowing your account to be used for criminal activity could lead to you getting a criminal record. Your bank account could be closed and you could face difficulties when trying to obtain credit, such as a student loan, phone contracts or a mortgage
Impersonation scams
When someone pretends to be the police, a bank, a friend or business, to convince you to send them money.
Investment scams
When you’re invited to invest in things that are worthless, or don’t exist.
Purchase scams
When fake or non-existent items are advertised for sale.
Advance fee scams
When fake companies ask for an upfront fee and then don’t provide the service you’ve paid for.
Invoice scams
When account details on an invoice are changed, or emails are intercepted, so the money is wrongly paid into the scammer’s account.
Romance scams
When someone pretends to be interested in a romantic relationship with you. They gain your trust and then ask for money.
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