Hi everyone - This is just something that needs to be shared and myself and another are trying to build traction to bring this issue to rest. Cases of money mules are ever increasing, especially with teenagers and young adults. A money mule is a person who transfers illegal money on behalf of someone else. This, the large majority of the time, is done unknowingly by teenagers and young adults. Even if they are tricked into thinking that what they’re doing is legal - as is the case the large majority of the time, they will still be punished. CIFAS, a fraud prevention agency, will apply a ‘marker’ to anyone who’s account in used in this way. This marker prevents the account holder from obtaining a bank account, credit card, phone contract, mortgage and anything that requires a credit check for the next 6 years. I just want to reiterate that even if the person is tricked into partaking, (whether it be a fake job advert or common cryptocurrency opportunity) this will still apply. I implore you to share this post so this doesn’t happen to other innocent young people, potentially your son or daughter. It is not illegal to allow someone access to your account. The process in which the majority of people get involved doesn’t feel illegal. This is the main reason so many youngsters are falling victim - there is simply not enough awareness and those who distribute these markers simply do not care. They understand that this happens unwittingly every day, yet they continue to punish, and issue these markers.
Something needs to be done. Please share where you can.