Some of our members have fallen prey to Money Mule Scams this year. Learn what they are and how to protect yourself!
WHAT IS A MONEY MULE SCAM?
Someone asks you to send money (wired funds, cash, checks, or gift cards) and instructs you to send the money (or some part of it) to someone else. They may ask you to open a new bank account to receive deposits.
SEE THE RED FLAG!
Being a money mule involves you in money laundering. You are accepting and forwarding stolen money, which exposes you to civil and/or legal consequences.
WHAT TO KNOW
■ If a bank deems a check to be fraudulent or have insufficient funds available, you may be responsible for repayment.
■ You risk having your personally identifiable information stolen and used by the scammers.
BE SMART!
■ DO NOT accept or transfer money to anyone unknown to you!
■ DO NOT accept a job that asks you to transfer money.
■ DO NOT send money to collect a prize.
WHERE TO GET HELP
■ Tell a friend or family member.
■ File a report at uspis.gov or call 1-877-876-2455. Our investigation starts with your report. If you have been targeted or fallen victim to a scam, take action to help yourself and safeguard others.
There are many other ways that scammers attack people through the Postal Service. Click on any of the below links to learn about the various scams.
Publishers Clearing House Scams
“You’ve Won!” Scams
Secure Bank Scams
Reshipping Scams
Avoid Wire Transfer Scams
Avoid Unwanted Calls
Online Dating Scams
IRS Imposter Scams