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Money mules — the “job” that turns a victim into a defendant

A money mule lets someone else use their bank account to receive and forward money — usually the proceeds of other scams — for a cut or a “job”. In Greece this is a criminal offence: the mule gets prosecuted and their account frozen, even if they “only forwarded” the money. Never let anyone use your account, and never take a “job” whose real task is moving money through it.

What it is

a criminal asks to use your account to receive money and pass it on, in exchange for keeping a percentage, or “to help process payments” for a supposed employer. By doing this you become the visible link in a money-laundering chain — the name the authorities and the bank see.

Why it’s the worst trap for a newcomer

  • It is a crime (money laundering / fraud facilitation under Greek law) — you face prosecution, not just a loss.
  • Your account gets frozen and you are reported, even if you genuinely thought it was a job.
  • It is marketed as easy work — “payment agent”, “financial assistant”, “receive payments from home” — which overlaps directly with migrant job-seeking.

How to recognise it

any “job” or favour whose core is receiving money and sending it on, “renting” your account or card, or receiving parcels/payments you then forward. Promises of easy money for little work, paid through your personal account, are the signature.

The defence is absolute

never receive money on behalf of a stranger; never let anyone use your account or card; never accept a role built around moving money through your own account. If someone offers this, refuse and report it. There is no version of this that is safe “just once”.

If you fear you’re already involved

stop immediately, do not move any more money, gather every message and detail, contact your bank, and report to the Cyber Crime Division. Coming forward early is far better than being discovered as the laundering chain’s visible link.

Related

fraud aimed at newcomers · account freezes and AML · where to report fraud · two rules against scams

This is general information, not legal advice. If you are involved or approached, contact your bank and the police. WTP Finance is informational only.

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