Is someone asking me to be a money mule illegal?
Yes. Allowing your bank account to be used to move criminal money is a serious crime, even if you did not commit the original fraud.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
A money mule is someone who transfers or allows the transfer of stolen money through their personal bank account, often in exchange for a commission. Mule recruiters operate through job ads promising easy remote work, social media offers, or romance relationships. They frame the activity as processing payments, currency conversion, or international transfers for a business.
Allowing your account to be used this way is money laundering — a criminal offence in most countries, carrying significant penalties including imprisonment. Being deceived or unaware of the full picture does not automatically remove liability, though it is relevant to any investigation. Banks that identify money-mule behaviour typically freeze accounts and may report you to law enforcement.
Common red flags
- Asked to receive money into your account and forward it on, keeping a cut
- A job that involves moving funds between accounts with no clear business purpose
- New contact online asks to use your bank account for 'business transfers'
- Instructions to use cryptocurrency ATMs to convert and send funds
- Requests to open a new bank account for the purpose
- The person is vague about who the money belongs to or why it can't go directly
What to do now
- Refuse the request immediately
- Do not move any money already received — contact your bank
- Report the recruitment attempt to your national fraud service
- If your account has already been used, speak to your bank honestly about what happened
- Keep records of any communications for your own protection
Frequently asked questions
I already forwarded money. What should I do?
Contact your bank immediately and be honest about what happened. Voluntary disclosure and cooperation are important. Seek independent legal advice if you are concerned about your position.
What if I was told it was a legitimate business?
The 'legitimate business' framing is the standard cover story used to recruit mules. If you acted in good faith, that is relevant context, but the legal exposure is still real. Act now to limit further involvement.