Older people hired as ‘money mules’ by gangs as cost of living crisis bites

Middle-aged people, targeted online and by social media, are thought to be less likely to arouse suspicion. Photograph: Alistair Berg/Getty Images

A growing number of people aged in their 50s and 60s are allowing their bank accounts to be used to move money illegally.

Fraud experts say that among the increasing number being recruited as “money mules” – those who allow their bank details to be used to transfer criminals’ cash – are older account holders, as well as business owners who use company bank accounts.