What it looks like
Telegram: "Earn Rs 15,000 a month from home. Just open a new bank account and give us the kit. No work needed."
How the money mule account scam works
- You see a 'part-time job', commission offer or quick-cash post, often on Telegram, WhatsApp or social media.
- You are asked to open a bank account, current account or company, or hand over your existing account, ATM card, SIM and net banking details.
- Some are asked to receive money and forward it, keeping a small cut.
- Criminals use the account to receive victims' money from scams like fake investment or betting sites.
- The money is moved on quickly, often abroad or into crypto.
- Victims' complaints lead police and banks to your account: it gets frozen and you may face arrest.
Red flags
- A job where your bank account is the 'work'.
- Payment for opening an account or sharing an ATM card, SIM or login.
- Asked to receive money and send it on, keeping a percentage.
- Asked to register a company or Udyam certificate for someone else.
- 'Employer' uses only Telegram, WhatsApp or free email.
- A romance partner asks you to receive and forward money.
What to do
- Stop at once. Do not move any more money.
- Take back control: change net banking passwords, block ATM cards and tell your bank in writing.
- Keep all messages and transaction records.
- Report to your bank and the police, explaining how you were approached.
- In India, call 1930 at once and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Fast reporting gives the best chance to freeze the money.
- US: report to the FBI at ic3.gov. UK: tell your bank and report to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) on 0300 123 2040.
Protect your family
Talk to teens and students: renting a bank account or SIM for 'easy money' is a crime, not a job. Tell them to come to you if anyone asks for their account, card or OTP.
Also known as: rent your bank account, mule account, account selling job
Questions people ask
Is it illegal to let someone use my bank account?
Yes, if it is used to move scam money. Authorities warn you can be arrested, have your account frozen and be made to repay losses, even if you did not know.
What is a mule account?
A bank account used by criminals to receive and move stolen money so it is harder to trace. Scam networks buy or rent these accounts.
My account was frozen because of a cyber complaint. What do I do?
Contact your bank branch to find out which complaint caused it, gather proof of your genuine transactions, and approach the police station or cyber cell named. Get legal help if needed.