You’ll get 14 yrs, student ‘money mules’ warned

SCOTS students are being offered thousands of pounds to sign up as so-called ‘money mules’ in a scam that could see them jailed for up to 14 years.

Criminal hacking gangs are targeting undergraduates on Facebook, offering to pay huge sums in exchange for their bank details.

The fraudsters use the students’ accounts to deposit funds stolen in online ‘phishing’ scams – before withdrawing the cash and splitting some of the proceeds with the students.

A Scottish Mail on Sunday investigation found there were dozens of Facebook profiles seeking accomplices north of the Border to launder money, known as ‘loading’.

Using nicknames such as ‘Miss Cashier’ and posting images of wads of money and designer watches, they promise ‘serious money quickly’ with little explanation.

But Police Scotland said the illegal schemes could lead straight to court and urged young people to ‘consider the consequences.

Police have included a ‘money mule’ warning in its new Student Safety Guide and revealed specialist teams are monitoring suspected ‘carding’ sites.

The scammers gain access to their victims’ money by hacking their online bank accounts and then transferring the funds to the money mules.

The mules must wait for further instructions on what to do with the funds, which could involve transferring them into a separate account, withdrawing them or forwarding the cash via money transfer services such as Paypal.

But they leave themselves open to prosecution for money-laundering – and could also find their credit ratings badly affected if caught. Last week, we found two individuals claiming to live in Glasgow advertising ‘jobs available this week’ and promising ‘top money in just 48 hours’.

‘Miss Cashier’ posted: ‘Accounts wanted for loading. No card needed, just online. Split is 50/50 and jobs completed in 48 hours. Top money to be made here.’

Another post asked for ‘middle men’ with TSB accounts to get in touch, writing: ‘25k waiting to be loaded into the correct and most active accounts. Message me if you are interested in making serious money. Cash out for the right accounts people.’

She added: ‘Do not contact me if you are one with a million questions and you don’t trust this and that.’

We have passed the information gathered to both Police Scotland and Facebook, who said they would investigate.

Chief Inspector Scott Tees said: ‘We are aware money mules are giving their bank details to be used for transactions and that they can be used for money laundering.

‘The offer of easy money could seem appealing to students – but if it seems too good to be true, it is.

‘You wouldn’t offer a stranger on the street your personal details, so don’t do it online.

‘By giving out your bank details you are handing over your identity for someone to use whenever they wish.

‘We would urge young people not to engage with these individuals and to report anything suspicious. If you knowingly commit the crime, there could be repercussions. It is just not worth it.’

Last night, Facebook thanked MoS for bringing the pages to its attention and confirmed they had been removed for violating community standards.

It said it was continuing its investigation into the matter.

‘Handing over your identity’