Stay Safe: Don’t Get Tricked into a Money Mule Scam

Criminals are getting creative—and unfortunately, they often try to take advantage of kind, trusting people. One common trick is called a “money mule” scam. That’s when someone tries to use you to move stolen money. You could end up losing money, having problems with your bank, or even facing legal trouble—even if you didn’t know you were doing anything wrong.

How They Trick You

Money mule scams often begin online. Scammers might contact you on social media, through email, or even a dating app. They may seem friendly, caring, or offer you something exciting—like a job or a big prize. But be careful! Here are some warning signs:

• Romance scams – Someone you met online says they love you, then asks you to send them money for a “medical emergency” or travel.
• Check scams – They ask you to cash a check and send them some of the money. Later, your bank finds out the check is fake and takes the money back—from you.
• Prize scams – Someone tells you that you won a prize but you have to send money for “taxes” or “fees” to get it.
• Fake job offers – They offer you a job processing payments from home. You open an account and send money for them. This is a common way scammers move stolen money.
• Overpayment scams – They send you extra money “by mistake” and ask you to send some back. But the original payment was fake.

How to Protect Yourself

• Only send or receive money for people you know and trust in real life.
• Don’t respond to messages offering easy money.
• Never open a bank or crypto account just because someone asked you to.
• Don’t pay to collect a prize.
• Avoid sending money or buying gift cards for people you’ve never met in person.

 If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

• Stop all contact with the person.
• Don’t move any more money or packages.
• Call your bank right away.
• Report the scam to your local police or sheriff’s department.

By learning to spot the signs of a scam, you can protect yourself and others in your community. If something feels off, it’s always okay to say no or ask someone you trust for help.

This story is from the latest issue of our member newsletter, Connections. To read the rest of this issue and past issues, click here.