Former garda sergeant warns students not to get 'sucked into' money muling

Louise Walsh

A former garda sergeant has urged students "not to get sucked in" to becoming money mules as the new college year starts.

Dean Kerins issued the stark appeal as college students in particular could get swayed by the promise of easy cash as they struggle to make ends meet with the rising costs of living.

The former Meath Crime Prevention Officer warned that giving others their bank account details could have far-reaching implications for them, their family and their futures as they start their education pathways to life careers.

He also extended the warning to younger pupils at post-primary who are also vulnerable targets for criminals.

Although retired from the force, Kerins is still invited regularly to schools and clubs to give talks on crime issues such as money muling.

"These young people are just susceptible. They are good, genuine kids who may see someone else their age with a lot of extra money due to each family's individual circumstances," he said.

"A lot of it starts through fake job opportunities, instant messaging apps like WhatsApp/Viber, on social media, on platforms like Instagram/Snapchat, where young people have hundreds of friends on various groups, and many of these could be unknown to them or have fake profiles. Online pop-up ads or direct contact through email are other ways where criminals make contact with young persons.

"Contact is made through message and follow-up calls, and it's made sound very easy. You don't have to do anything. Just give us your bank details and password, and there's a couple of hundred quid in it for you."

Men are more likely than women to be targeted to become a mule, as are those aged 18-34 years compared to people aged 55 and over.

Unfortunately, it's not that simple, Kerins said.

"First off, it's fraud and money laundering. Proceeds of crime or money being used for drugs, and as the bank account holder, they are responsible, so could get into a lot of trouble.

"Also, if the bank account holder wants to pull out or tells their parents, the criminals could get nasty and make threats to them or their family and all of a sudden, property gets burned or damaged.

"If caught, the money mule could face a prison sentence, fine or community service. Your bank account is closed down, and you may not be able to open one up in the future," he explained.

"You may not be able to get a student loan or even a mortgage in the future, so there is so much at stake. Criminals are not going to give up access to a bank account easily."

He added that banks, credit unions and other financial institutions will get suspicious easily if they see accounts that have "a few quid" suddenly holding tens of thousands.

"Money is tight for everyone, especially now, and students are always associated with being cash-strapped. Don't get sucked in. It can have very serious implications for family and friends as well as the bank account holders.

"Life is tough as it is; this could affect your future. It's a big temptation that can lead to a slippy path, and it has no happy ending. My advice is if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be very cautious of unsolicited emails or approaches over social media promising opportunities to make easy money."

"Verify any company that makes you a job offer and check their contact details (address, landline phone number, email address and website) are correct and whether they are registered in your country. Be especially wary of job offers from people or companies overseas as it will be harder for you to find out if they really are legitimate.

"Never give your bank account or any other personal details to anyone unless you know and trust them. Look for the common warning signs as above explained, and do some research before agreeing to participate."