Money mules
Criminals often need help with moving money.
Discover how they recruit money mules and how to avoid this crime.
What is a money mule?
A money mule is a person who lets someone else use their bank account to move money.
Criminals recruit money mules to help turn the ‘dirty’ money they make from crime into ’clean’ cash. By doing this, the cash appears to have come from a legal source.
Never use your bank account to deposit or receive money from someone you don’t know or trust.
How criminals recruit money mules
Further advice and help
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If you have screenshots of messages about money muling on social media, send them to ivebeentargeted@lloydsbanking.com. Your information helps us prevent fraud.
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If you get an offer, online or in person, to move money for someone else, it could be a scam.
Here’s what to do:
- Report it directly to the social media platform where you found it.
- If someone contacts you in person, say no and cut off contact right away.
- Don't share any personal or banking information.
To report money mules, you can:
- call the police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)
- contact Crimestoppers anonymously or call them on 0800 555 111.
If your personal or banking details are at risk:
- tell your bank right away
- report the incident to Action Fraud or call them on 0300 123 2040.
Talk to someone you trust:
- Speak with your family, university, college or an adult you trust.
- Sharing your experience can help protect others from becoming victims.
Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself
Social media scams
Did you know fraudsters set up fake profiles just to steal money?
Investment scams
Fraudsters pretend to be genuine companies and advisers.
Scam emails and texts
Fraudsters use scam emails and texts to steal your details.
Protect your identity
Fraudsters want to steal your personal and banking details.
Scam calls
Find out how fraudsters can use your details to win your trust.
Buying online scams
Fraudsters sell fake items online or ones that don’t exist.
