- 26/6/2025

What is a money mule?

Money mules: understand the risks and protect yourself

Criminals are increasingly using money mules to launder illegally obtained funds without leaving a trace. 

They often target young people, students or those in financial difficulty, luring them in with promises of easy money. In exchange, the criminals temporarily use their cards or bank accounts and even make money transfers to other countries.

Although this may seem harmless, acting as a money mule is illegal. Yet 10% of 16 to 24 year-olds are willing to do it for payment. So be sure to inform your children and be extra-vigilant to avoid falling into the trap and risking prosecution.

How do the scammers operate?

The process is well-established. Scammers target individuals through social media, platforms like Instagram, Snapchat or WhatsApp, in a bar or club, at train stations and outside schools.

They may ask you to:

• Transfer money through your bank account in exchange for a commission
• Lend them your bank card and PIN 
• Tell them your bank account number
• Convince others to do the same thing

What are the consequences?

Accepting once often means having to accept several times. In fact, those who refuse to continue often receive threats.

As a money mule, you’ll be considered as an accomplice to fraud or money laundering, even if you didn’t act knowingly.

These illegal practices can have severe consequences:

• you could get a criminal record.
• Your bank account will be blocked.
• Your bank may terminate your business relationship.
• Banks may refuse to accept you as a customer - opening a new bank account or obtaining credit will become very difficult
• You’ll have to reimburse the stolen money deposited into your account

If the money mule is a minor, their parents may be held responsible.

How to protect yourself

• Refuse invitations from strangers and don’t respond to people who offer you the chance to make money quickly
  
• Never share your PIN, Easy Banking App or Easy Banking Web connection code, or hand over your debit card
• Don’t click on banners or emails that promise to help you get rich quickly.
• Talk to a trusted person and warn your loved ones
• Use your common sense: don’t believe everything you’re told. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Report suspicious social media accounts that promise quick and easy ways to make money to the Belgian government’s Report platform, a dedicated service for reporting  scams and fraud.
• If you’re a parent, educate your child about the potential signs.

What should you do if you’ve fallen into the trap?

If you have accepted a fraudulent request:

• Contact the Easy Banking Centre (open from Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm) on 02 762 90 00
• Outside Easy Banking Centre's opening hours, call 02 433 43 80 in case of suspected fraud.
• Immediately block all your bank cards via Card Stop on 078 170 170 or block your debit card via Easy Banking App.
• File a report with the police

Find out more in Febelfin’s article.

Money mules are often seduced by the promise of quick gains, but the legal and financial consequences can be devastating. It’s crucial to remain vigilant, recognise the signs of a scam and know how to act if you become involved involuntarily. The danger is also present online and prevention is better than cure. To browse the web safely, visit our tips and tricks page below.

Protect yourself against fraud and phishing