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Stay safe from money mule scams

This devastating scam often tricks the victim into moving the scammer's money through their account.

By doing so, the victim accidentally engages in the illegal act of money-laundering. If you fall foul of it, you could face serious criminal charges.

Emergency fraud support

Reach our dedicated team 24/7

Call 159

If you're in the UK

Message in-app

Tap the Support icon in the top right corner > Report fraud

How money mule scams often work

  1. The scammer contacts the target, having identified them online, such as through a dating site

  2. The scammer gains the victim's trust, by posing as a new friend, business contact, or romantic partner

  3. The scammer sends money to the victim's account, asking the victim to then send it back to another of the scammer's accounts

  4. The victim has moved illegal money and therefore committed the criminal act of money-laundering

How to protect yourself from money mule scams

1. When someone targets you

Be wary of who you meet online

Scammers will pose as new friends, business contacts or romantic partners.

Don't trust a new relationship unless you've met them in person, and even then be cautious to engage in any financial activity with them.

Avoid fake job adverts and quick cash schemes

Scammers can create fake job adverts promising 'quick cash'.

Research any job offers by looking for independent online reviews, and try to find genuine contact details through a trustworthy website.

Don't be tempted by offers of money

Scammers can offer you a percentage of the money they move through your account.

If you agree to this, you could be prosecuted for money-laundering and face a criminal sentence.

2. When someone asks you to move their money

Only receive money from someone you trust 100%

Even if you never intended to commit money-laundering, ignorance is not a justifiable excuse in court.

Never receive money you'll then send to another account

Even if you believe you can trust this person, the risks of doing this are very high.

Never send money on behalf of someone else

If someone can't use their own account to move their money, do not trust them with yours.

A money mule scam in action

This quick video shows how a money mule scam might happen, so you can be prepared in case you're ever contacted by a scammer.

What to do if you've been (or suspect you've been) targeted

  1. Report it to Tide immediately by calling 159 from the UK, or tapping the Support icon in the top right corner > Report fraud in your Tide app. Both options are available 24/7

  2. Find victim support groups. There are many services set up to help people through the difficulties of being targeted by fraudsters

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