People get scammed everyday so it’s important to be aware to protect yourselves from common scams! Here are some common things to watch for.
Money Mule PSA
Money mules are people who receive and transfer money obtained from victims of fraud. Some money mules know they’ve been recruited to assist criminal activity, but others become money mules without realizing their activity is benefiting fraudsters. Transferring money/valuables on behalf of others only benefits criminals and may lead to serious consequences for the “mule.”
Money mules are people who receive and transfer money obtained from victims of fraud and are recruited through several methods:
1. Work-from-Home Scams: A job posting offers easy money for reshipping packages, buying gift cards or Postal Money Orders, or transferring money, which can be done at home.
2. Confidence Scams: A person or business you don’t know offers you a cut/commission if you transfer money for them.
3. Lottery Scams: A person informs you that you need to transfer or accept money in order to collect a prize/winnings.
4. Romance Scams: A person you’ve met online or on an app who says they’re romantically interested in you asks you to transfer money and/or packages.
Transferring money/valuables on behalf of others only benefits criminals, and may lead to serious consequences for you. Learn more here.
Protect Yourself!
• Don’t engage in financial transactions with strangers.
• Don’t take a job that promises easy money and involves sending or receiving money or packages.
• Check any work-from-home opportunity or money transferring offer with a trusted family member or friend. You can also contact your Better Business Bureau chapter or access your state’s corporation directory to help verify if the business is legitimate.
• Report money mule activity/scams as soon as possible.
During the pandemic, it seems that more scams are happening. Learn more here.
