Alarming rise of criminals using young people as ‘money mules’

UK's fraud prevention service, Cifas, has said that the number of young people caught acting as "money mules" has doubled in the past four years.

A “money mule” is someone who allows their bank account to be used by others to transfer money in and out of it, and in return, keep some of the money for themselves.

The money to be laundered is likely to have come from criminal activity such as drug smuggling, people trafficking and terrorism, experts say.

If caught, money mules have their bank accounts closed and could face jail. Money laundering is illegal and can lead to 14 years imprisonment.

This year, between January and September, there were 8,652 cases involving 18-24-year-olds, Cifas said.

It added that young people, including students, are often targeted because they are vulnerable and short of money.

Adverts can appear online through a social media post, offering cash rewards for little work.

The job advertised might be a "financial manager" or "UK representative", and a UK bank account will be a requirement.

The rise in cases has prompted a new campaign, ‘Don't Be Fooled’, which features a film, which warns would-be mules of the key role they could be playing in criminal activity.

Simon Dukes, chief executive of Cifas, said he hoped educating young people about how serious this type of fraud is, will make them think twice before getting involved.

If you think you may have acted as a money mule, visit the Cifas website on what to do next and report any incidents of fraud to Action Fraud.

BBC One show needs you

Get reunited with distant family and win up to £30,000

Families in the UK, with relatives living abroad, are being offered the opportunity of a lifetime by a BBC One Saturday night game show, combining a five-star reunion with up to £30,000 in cash prizes.

‘Five Star Family Reunion’, hosted by Nick Knowles, is the BBC’s lottery game show that gives families even more reasons to stay in touch with relatives around the world.

Following a standard competition format, the family overseas must answer questions to win as much time as they possibly can for the family in the UK studio.

That’s because the family in the studio will individually face questions against the show’s high-tension timer in a bid to put money in the bank and bring everyone together.

The BBC is currently looking for families to take part in the competition next year and this is where you come in.

If your family live both in the UK and India, America, Canada, Jamaica, Australia or New Zealand, and you want to be in with a chance of winning an amazing holiday and cash jackpot, then simply follow the application rules below.

Parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and close family friends can make up the overseas team, and help you win the five star reunion you have always dreamed about.

If you would like an application form please email: family@12yard.com, or write to: 5 Star Family Reunion, 12 Yard Productions, G7 The Hub, 70 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1DZ.

Closing date for returning application forms is 19th February 2016 and all applicants must be aged 18 years and over.

5 Star Family Reunion is a co-production between 12 Yard Productions and Boom Cymru.