Don't fall for the money muling scam
AdminLiam | 22 Mar 25
The money muling scam Is real - Don't fall for it!
The rising cost of living has everyone thinking about how to earn a little extra cash to make ends meet, but if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The third video in UCC's financial literacy series covers this growing concern.
Video #3 Money Muling
Most of us have heard of the term 'money mule,' but if you're lucky enough not to have heard of it yet, here's the definition according to the Garda website:
"A money mule is a person who transfers illegally obtained money between different payment accounts, very often in different countries, on behalf of others."
Free Money - With Free Accommodation (jail cell)
The young man in the video is thrilled when he gets a text asking him if he wants to let some money pass through his account in exchange for a financial cut of the amount.
Nothing else is required.
He's soon a regular 'mule' and starts spending his new wealth and showing off his swag online.
But pretty soon his bank gets suspicious, and his account is frozen. Worse again, the Gardaí contact him, and he's looking at a court appearance and a possible criminal record.
The Consequences of Muling
The consequences stack up fast:
Criminal record
Drawn out legal proceedings
Incarceration
Ruined credit history
Ruined job prospects
International travel restrictions
Loss of access to financial services
And that's not even taking into account that you got involved in criminal activity that affects other people's lives in a bad way.
Muling is not a victimless crime.
Stop the Mule in its Tracks
The reality is that if it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is. When someone offers you an easy way to earn money online you need to stop right there and think: 'Is this legit?'
Make sure to research it first, speak to knowledgeable friends or family, or contact the Gardaí if you're unsure. It's far better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your financial future and, worse, possible jail time.
Contact these sources for advice or to learn more:
Check out the next article on budgeting for beginners.