Social Media Safety / Glossary

Money mule

A money mule is someone who lets criminals move money through their bank account, often after being offered easy cash for "just receiving and sending a payment".

Teens and young adults are often recruited online with offers like quick money, a simple job or a share of the payment. The money usually comes from fraud or other crime.

Moving that money is money laundering, which is a crime, even if you didn't know where it came from. It can get your bank account closed and make it hard to get one later.

Never let anyone use your bank account or card details. If you have been asked or already said yes, stop, don't move any more money and tell a trusted adult and your bank.