Romance Mule Recruitment
The use of a romantic relationship to persuade a victim to receive and forward money on behalf of the scammer, making the victim an unwitting money mule.
Also known as: romance money mule, unwitting mule romance, third party payment romance
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
In romance mule recruitment, the scammer does not ask for money directly. Instead, they ask the victim to receive payments into their own bank account and forward them, framed as a favour for a partner who has temporary banking difficulties, or as part of a business arrangement. The victim believes they are helping someone they love; in reality, they are laundering proceeds of other crimes.
This exposes victims to serious legal consequences. Their bank account may be frozen, they may be interviewed by law enforcement, and they may face prosecution. The scammer has deliberately chosen them to absorb this legal risk while the criminal network remains insulated.
No legitimate business arrangement requires a romantic partner met online to use their personal bank account as a conduit for third-party funds. Any such request, however it is framed emotionally, should be refused and reported.
Examples
- An online partner explains they have a business deal but their bank is flagging international transfers; they ask the victim to receive funds and wire them on, keeping a small percentage.
- A victim is asked to receive a payment from a third party and forward it, not realising the funds are proceeds of another fraud.