Our team will be participating in an all-bank training on Monday, October 13. Our offices will be closed that day, and we’ll reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, October 14. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to learn and serve you better.
How to Avoid a Money Mule Scam
In a typical money mule scam, criminals use another person’s bank account to transfer and launder illegally acquired money. The person whose bank account is used may be a victim, unaware of the crime entirely, or they may be complicit in the fraud. Criminals often recruit through online job ads, social media, enticing — though fake — investment opportunities, prize offers or dating websites.
To avoid becoming a victim of a money mule scam, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and American Bankers Association Foundation(ABA) recommend the following:
- Do not use your own bank account, or open one in your name, to receive or transfer money for an employer or anyone else.
- Do not accept or endorse a check that is not in your name, even if a friend or employer asks you to do it.
- Do not incorporate a fictitious business to deposit a check corresponding to a similarly named business.
- Never pay to collect a prize or transfer money from your prize “winnings.”
- Never send money to online love interests, even if they appear to send you money first.
- Do not listen to anyone offering you a great cryptocurrency investment or asking you to deposit money into a Bitcoin ATM.
- Never purchase cryptocurrency or gift cards on behalf of, or for, someone you met online or over the phone.
- Never share your bank passcodes, including one-time verification codes, or provide anyone with access to your bank account, online credentials, debit card number or PIN.
- Always monitor your accounts and report suspicious activity to your bank.
Anytime you see a transaction you aren't familiar with on your account, contact us at 1-800-272-0159.
Article taken from American Bankers Association.