Is a job that sends me equipment in advance and then asks me to forward it to another address a scam?
Yes. This is a reshipping mule scam, which typically involves handling stolen goods and can result in criminal liability.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Reshipping mule scams recruit workers, often through fake remote work listings, who receive packages and then forward them to another address, usually overseas. The goods in the packages are typically purchased with stolen credit cards or are proceeds of other fraud. The reshipping worker may believe they are part of a legitimate logistics operation, but they are knowingly or unknowingly handling stolen property — which can result in police contact, account freezes, and in some cases prosecution. The 'employer' stops communicating once the goods have been reshipped and no wages are paid. If a job offer involves receiving and forwarding parcels you did not purchase, it is a reshipping scam.
Common red flags
- Job involves receiving packages and forwarding them to a different address
- You never meet the employer in person or verify their business
- Packages arrive in your name but you were not given details about the contents
- Employer communicates only by email or messaging app
- High commission promised for a simple forwarding task
What to do now
- Refuse any job that involves receiving and forwarding packages
- If packages have already arrived, contact the police and do not forward them
- Report the job offer to the platform where you found it
- Report to your national fraud and consumer protection service
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to forward a package without knowing it contains stolen goods?
Law varies by country, but knowingly facilitating the movement of stolen property can carry criminal penalties. If you are suspicious, contact police before forwarding anything.