Share this @internewscast.com
Criminals are offering Australians as little as $200 to rent out their bank accounts, turning people into “money mules”.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) warned this week that renting, selling or sharing your bank account details is illegal and can expose you to serious risk, even if you don’t realise a crime is being committed.
The AFP said in many cases, people are offered between $200 and $500, or promised a cut of the transferred funds, simply for receiving and passing on money through their personal bank accounts.
That money is often funnelled through cryptocurrency platforms or withdrawn in cash to make it harder to trace.

AFP detective superintendent Marie Andersson said criminals rely on everyday Australians to help move their money.

“It is illegal to rent, buy or sell bank accounts, and doing so supports the criminal ecosystem,” Andersson said.
“Your account may be housing money derived from scams, extortion, drug trafficking and terrorism.”
The AFP said a 26-year-old woman was jailed in April this year as part of a money laundering syndicate which used money mules in Sydney and Melbourne to pick up and deposit cash — which was alleged to be the proceeds of criminal activity — into bank accounts.

These accounts were used to launder $3.8 million in proceeds of crime, which were ultimately transferred overseas.

Mule accounts a ‘key tactic in a criminal’s playbook’

According to the Commonwealth Bank, many people who act as money mules are not aware they are doing anything wrong.

Many individuals are drawn in through fraudulent job offers or enticing posts on social media promising easy money, while others are contacted by friends or people they know. These scams often focus on young individuals, students, and newcomers to Australia.

A screenshot of a scam text message.

An example of a money mule scam text message. Source: Supplied / Commonwealth Bank

Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh said mule accounts were a key part of a scammer’s business model and banks were focused on identifying, investigating and shutting them down.

“Using mule accounts to hide and move stolen money around is a key tactic in a criminal’s playbook,” Bligh said.
“I urge Australians to steer clear if you’ve seen an advertisement or are approached to rent or sell your bank account. There’s a good chance you’re being recruited to hide the profits of criminal activity.”

To stay safe, the AFP and banks recommend:

  • Never sharing your bank account or login details with anyone
  • Avoiding job offers that involve receiving and forwarding money.
  • Reporting anything suspicious to your bank, Scamwatch or ReportCyber.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“Controversy Ignites Over the Lost Dogs Home’s Decision to Euthanize Puppies”

Victoria’s Lost Dogs Home has stood by its decision to euthanise a…
Federal government working to determine Australian flotilla activists detained by Israel

Australian Activists Detained by Israel: Federal Government Investigates

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade announced today that its representatives…

Unexpected Twist: Lunch Prep Takes a Surprising Turn as I Start Feeling Ill

Insight speaks with tech enthusiasts and abstainers, and those experiencing tech addictions…
Suspect shot after four injured by vehicle and stabbing at UK synagogue

Suspect shot following vehicle and stabbing attack injuring four at British synagogue

Authorities are dealing with a “major incident” near a synagogue in northern…
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: during game two of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 21, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

How Brisbane Might Become Australia’s Next Sports Hub

For decades, Melbourne has been the centre of sport in Australia. Melbourne…
Johnny Gray

Beloved Washington Car Fanatic Tragically Dies in Terrible Accident

A WA grandfather is being remembered after the popular personality and car…

Australian Government Prepared to Help After Six Australians Detained in Gaza Flotilla

Six Australians in the Gaza aid flotilla have been detained by the…
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna

Police Seek Court Order to Stop Protest at Opera House

NSW Police have launched legal action to oppose about 10,000 pro-Palestine protesters…

“Lost in the Outback: Search Efforts Dwindle for Missing Boy”

The likelihood of finding a little boy lost in the outback is…
Brisbane temperature

Record-breaking October heat expected for Australian capital

Queensland’s capital is set to swelter under its hottest October day in…
US President Donald Trump keeps posting what appears to be an AI-generated video of a man in a sombrero and moustache — but why?

Why is Trump frequently sharing this misleading video of a man in a sombrero and mustache?

US President Donald Trump keeps posting what appears to be an AI-generated…
Fashion magazine Elle UK has been slammed for supposedly 'snubbing' Blackpink star Rosé

Top Fashion Magazine Criticized for Overlooking Blackpink Member Amid Paris Fashion Week Drama Involving Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, and Charli XCX

Fashion magazine Elle UK has been slammed for apparently ‘snubbing’ Blackpink star Rosé.…