06/02/2026
What is a Money Mule?
Criminal organizations routinely use “money mules” to move proceeds of fraud, scams, and other illicit activity through the U.S. financial system. A money mule is any person who transfers or receives funds at the direction of another, knowing—or being unaware—that the money is tied to criminal activity. This includes individuals moving funds electronically as well as couriers sent to pick up cash, precious metals, or other assets directly from victims of fraud schemes, a tactic increasingly used in scams targeting the elderly. For more information, please see this alert from the FDIC Office of Inspector General:
Public Service Alert: Money Mules
https://www.fdicoig.gov/alerts/public-service-alert-money-mules
