FID | Public education
Money Mules: Know the Risk Before It Finds You
Offers of easy money for receiving and sending funds can place your bank account, and your name, at the centre of a criminal investigation. Learn how recruitment works, check the red flags, and know exactly what to do if you have already shared your account.
A public education initiative for tertiary students and young professionals.
Contact: 876-928-5141
What it is
A money mule allows their bank account, mobile wallet or card to be used to receive and pass on money that comes from crime.
Why it matters
You can face questions from your bank, a restricted account and an investigation, even if you did not commit the original crime.
What to do
Pause, ask questions, protect your details, and contact the FID if something does not feel right.
What Is a Money Mule?
A money mule is a person whose bank account, mobile wallet or card is used to receive and pass on money that comes from crime. The money may come from fraud, online schemes or other offences. The people behind the crime want that money to look ordinary, so they use other people’s accounts to move it. The account holder is the person whose name appears on the bank records. Some people know exactly what they are doing. Many do not. They believe they are helping a friend, doing a job or earning quick money. Students and young professionals are often approached, because offers of quick income sound attractive when money is tight and because young people are very active online.
How it usually works
- The offer You are offered money, a commission or a reward for “receiving” a payment. The offer may come through a social media message, a group chat, a job advertisement or a friend.
- The deposit Money arrives in your bank account or mobile wallet. You are told it belongs to a client, an employer or a friend.
- The transfer You are told to send the money on to another person or account, withdraw it as cash or convert it to digital currency, and keep a small share.
- The trail goes cold By the time the money reaches its final destination, it has passed through your account. That makes it harder to trace the people behind the crime, and it leaves your name in the records.
Why it matters to you
Allowing your account to receive and move money linked to crime can lead to serious consequences:
- Your bank may restrict or close your account.
- You may be questioned, and your account and the funds in it may be investigated.
- Under Jamaican law, including the Proceeds of Crime Act, involvement in moving criminal property can amount to a money laundering offence, even if you did not commit the original crime.
- A criminal charge or conviction can affect your education, employment, professional licensing and travel.
Saying “I did not know” may not protect you if there were reasonable grounds to suspect where the money came from. The FID will take lawful enforcement action where appropriate.
If someone offers you money to receive and send on funds, ask one question first: why can’t they use their own account?
5 Red Flags You’re Being Targeted
Read each statement. Tick any that match an offer or request you have received. Nothing you select is stored or sent to the FID.
No red flags selected.
That is a good sign, but stay alert. Recruiters often begin with friendly messages and attractive offers. If something changes, come back to this checklist.
What to Do If You’ve Shared Your Account: "A Safe Exit "
If you have allowed someone to use your account, or you think you may have, you are not alone and acting early matters. These steps are general guidance. Follow any specific instructions your bank gives you.
- StopDo not receive, send or move any more money for the person who contacted you. Do not confront them, and do not send funds back or onward unless your bank advises you to.
- Contact your bankTell your bank what has happened and follow its instructions. Ask what can be done to secure your account and whether any recent transactions should be reviewed.
- Secure your accessChange your online banking password and PIN. Turn on two-step verification where it is available. Never share a one-time password with anyone.
- Keep your recordsKeep messages, screenshots, account details and transaction records. Do not delete them, even if the conversation is uncomfortable. Write down dates, amounts and the names or numbers used, as you remember them.
- Report to the FIDContact the FID using the details below. Reporting promptly helps the authorities understand what is happening. It does not guarantee any particular outcome, but it is the responsible step to take.
Please do not
- Delete messages or transaction records.
- Post your account details publicly or send them in a social media message.
- Agree to “just one more transfer”.
- Ignore calls or messages from your bank.
If your account was used without your knowledge
If you see deposits or transfers you do not recognise, contact your bank immediately and then report it to the FID.
You may also wish to seek independent legal advice.
Report a Concern to the FID
If you suspect money mule activity, have been approached with an offer that worries you, or have shared your account, contact the FID.
- Contact
- 876-928-5141
- Website
- fid.gov.jm
- Social Media
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- Office
- 1 Shalimar Avenue, Kingston 3
- Office Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed on weekends.
If you can, have this ready
- A short description of what happened.
- Dates and amounts.
- Names, phone numbers or social media accounts used.
- Screenshots of messages.
Please do not post account details publicly or send them through social media messages.