High riskJob Scams

Money Mule Job Scam

This scam hires you as a 'payment processor', 'financial agent', or 'transfer assistant' to receive money into your account and forward it on, making you a money mule who launders the proceeds of fraud.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Money laundering recruitment
Main red flag
A 'job' asks you to receive money in your own account and send most of it onward.
What to do first
Refuse. Moving money for an employer can be money laundering, a serious crime.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam hires you as a 'payment processor', 'financial agent', or 'transfer assistant' to receive money into your account and forward it on, making you a money mule who launders the proceeds of fraud.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Easy remote role: receive client payments into your bank account, keep 10%, and forward the rest to our partners. Fast pay, no experience needed.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A role centred on receiving and forwarding money
  • Permission to keep a percentage of what you transfer
  • Use of your personal bank account for 'company' funds
  • Vague employer details and chat-app contact
  • Pressure to move money quickly

What to do

  • Refuse any job that asks you to move money through your account
  • Verify employers independently and be wary of remote 'finance' roles with no checks
  • Never share your bank login or let others route money through you
  • Report the recruiter to your bank and local fraud authority

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop all transfers immediately and do not move any further funds
  • Contact your bank, as your account may be used for fraud and could be frozen
  • Keep all messages and payment records as evidence
  • Report it to your local authorities; cooperating early matters

What not to do

  • Do not receive or forward money for an 'employer'
  • Do not share your bank account or login
  • Do not assume you are safe because you kept only a small cut

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Frequently asked questions

Why is this illegal if I didn't steal anything?
Moving the proceeds of fraud, even unknowingly, is money laundering. Being a money mule can lead to a frozen account and criminal charges.
How do I spot a money mule role?
Watch for any job that uses your personal bank account to receive and forward funds, offers a cut of transfers, and avoids normal hiring checks.
I already moved some money. What now?
Stop immediately, contact your bank, keep your evidence, and report it to authorities. Acting early and honestly is important.
Could a legitimate employer ever ask this?
No. Real employers pay you through payroll and do not route company money through your personal account.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.