Teens targeted for their bank accounts
CHILDREN are being tricked into allowing criminals to use their bank accounts.
Parents across Teesside are being urged to warn their children about the dangers of becoming a so-called money mule after new figures show a shocking rise in the crime.
A money mule is someone who transfers stolen money through their own bank account on behalf of someone else and is paid for doing so.
Figures from Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System (Cifas) reveal that the number of 14 to 18-year-olds misusing their bank accounts has risen by 73% in the past three years.
As part of the Don’t Be Fooled awareness campaign, Cleveland Police will be contacting schools in them off. They have been taken sometime on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday morning.”
Jessica tragically died in September 2016 following an accident and her mum said she visits her resting place most days.
The youngster suffered fatal head injuries when a heavy marble fireplace, which was safely propped Teesside to warn parents and guardians of the risk.
Last year, there were 5,819 cases of young people aged 14 to 18 being used for their bank accounts in the UK.
Young people are often unaware that acting as a money mule is illegal. They are approached to take part online or in person, including through social media, at school or college or at sports clubs. Parents and guardians are being urged to follow the advice of the Don’t Be Fooled campaign:
Make sure your child doesn’t give their bank account details to anyone unless they know and trust them.
Tell them to be cautious of unsolicited offers of easy money, because if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Det Insp Jim
Forster up against a fence in the garden, fell and struck her head.
After her death, Natasha and Jessica’s father Ben Azadi described Jessica as “one of the most precious gifts anyone could be given ” and said they were “eternally grateful for having Jessica in our lives”.
An inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death.
WARNING GOES OUT OVER CROOKS’ TACTIC
Look out for your child suddenly having extra cash, buying expensive new clothes or electronics with very little explanation as to how they got the money.
Be aware that a young person involved in money-muling may become more secretive or withdrawn, or appear stressed.
Det Insp Jim Forster from Cleveland Police’s cyber-crime unit, said: “People prey on the vulnerable, and children have unfortunately become targets for criminals who want to try to go under the radar without coming to the attention of the authorities.
“Many children wouldn’t understand that they are being used in this way, and could unknowingly be helping serious criminals with their ill-gotten gains.
“We would encourage any awareness-raising among parents and children and our school liaison officers will be raising this issue within local schools.”
Parents and guardians are advised not to attempt to contact any individual they suspect of organising money-muling; they should instead contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Many children won’t understand they are being used to help criminals with their
ill-gotten gains.