It may seem like a harmless opportunity to earn some extra money, but it hides a serious risk. The so-called “money muling” is an expanding financial fraud scheme that is catching thousands of people off guard, many of them unaware that they are participating in a crime.
At issue is the use of an individual’s bank account to move money of illicit origin, normally at the request of third parties. Whoever accepts this role becomes known as a “money mule”, functioning as an intermediary in a money laundering circuit.
According to the Saldo Positivo website, from Caixa Geral de Depósitos, even though the term is still unfamiliar to many bank customers, the risk is real and growing, especially among young people, students and people in more fragile financial situations.
As explained by Saldo Positivo, recruitment for money muling schemes often takes place through social networks, employment platforms, email messages or even face-to-face contacts. The approaches are, as a rule, careful and adapted to the victim’s profile.
The proposals come in the form of remote work, quick income opportunities or supposed commercial partnerships. The message is almost always the same: receive money in the bank account, keep a commission and send the rest to another account.
The problem is that this money has, in most cases, criminal origins.
How the money circuit works
The scheme follows a relatively simple pattern. First, the victim is convinced that they are not doing anything illegal. In some cases, you are asked to provide your bank account details. In others, you are encouraged to open a new account exclusively for this purpose.
The money is then transferred to that account and quickly resent to third parties, often abroad, or through difficult-to-trace mechanisms such as cryptocurrencies or instant transfer services.
When authorities detect the scheme, the real perpetrators disappear. The person who is identified is the holder of the account used for transfers.
The consequences can be serious
Even when there is an allegation of ignorance of the illicit origin of the funds, involvement in money muling can constitute a crime of money laundering. According to , this type of crime is punishable by imprisonment, regardless of whether the person acted with direct intent or negligence.
It is also important to highlight that there are reports of minors and young people involved without being fully aware of what they are doing, particularly through online gaming platforms or popular applications, where money circulates quickly and with little perception of risk.
These schemes are often associated with criminal networks linked to online fraud, identity theft, human trafficking or cybercrime.
International alert campaigns
The severity of the phenomenon led to a concerted response at an international level. In 2022, Interpol, in collaboration with authorities from 34 countries, including Portugal, launched a global awareness campaign under the motto “Your account, your crime”.
According to the same entity, the message is clear: each bank account holder is responsible for the way it is used, regardless of who requests or encourages the transfers.
How to protect yourself
Banking entities advise you to be suspicious of any request to use your bank account on behalf of third parties, especially when it involves promises of easy money or quick commissions. No legitimate activity requires an individual to serve as a financial intermediary without a formal contract and clear legal framework.
Whenever a doubt arises, it is advisable to contact the bank or authorities before carrying out any operation. In the case of money muling, ignorance does not protect you from legal consequences.
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