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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Rachel Hall

‘Money mule’ cases surge as criminals target young people on social media

teenager girl sits in dark room using laptop
In 2024, the Financial Conduct Authority reported that more than 207,889 personal accounts were used for money muling in 2024 – a 22% rise on 2023. Photograph: James Chapelard

Criminals are increasingly recruiting young people on social media to become “money mules”, with official figures showing that cases are rising sharply.

“Money muling” is a type of money laundering in which criminals move stolen or fraudulent money via an intermediary, who receives it in their bank account before transferring it to another, obtaining a commission along the way.

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