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Hi there! Welcome to the University of Cumbria Students' Union (UCSU) Sabbatical officer blog where we will tell you what we have been up to at the UCSU. This blog will be updated approximately every week. We are here to represent the views of the University of Cumbria student body, across a range of areas.

Friday 25 November 2011

Serious criminals making mules out of students


Since 2008 there has been an increase of 45% of criminals using students as money mules.

Students are being targeted by organised criminals to act as ‘money mules’ to receive illegal funds into their bank accounts, which they then withdraw or transfer overseas on behalf of the criminals.

Students are often recruited through newspaper and internet advertisements with the role offering an apparent easy way to make some extra cash. These jobs are often advertised as a ‘financial manager’, ‘UK representative’, ‘shipping manager’ or ‘sales manager’ position. No particular skills or experiences needed except access to a UK bank account and the ability to swiftly transfer funds abroad will be required. Criminals will go to great lengths to make the job look legitimate e.g. creating a company website/employment contract.

Even if you haven’t had anything to do with the actual theft of funds by enabling your bank account to be used you are acting illegally and may be subject to criminal investigation and if found guilty given a criminal record as well as damaging your credit rating, potentially being black listed by banks, having your bank frozen and liable to pay back all the money.

SOCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency) has put together 5 key tips to protect you:
  • Be particularly wary of job offers from companies or people who are based overseas, as it will be extremely difficult for you to verify who they are.
  • Beware of any job offers based purely on an application or limited telephone interview. Check the company’s details and make sure they are registered.
  • If in doubt ask someone you trust.
  • Check the adverts – many bogus jobs are written in poor English and contain mistakes.
  • And remember be cautious of job advertisements claiming to offer you money with little or no specialist skills or previous work experience required.

For more information or general help go to www.banksafeonline.org.uk or www.getsafeonline.org