{"id":4939,"date":"2020-12-05T15:56:08","date_gmt":"2020-12-05T20:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4kcc.com\/blog\/?p=4939"},"modified":"2020-12-05T15:56:08","modified_gmt":"2020-12-05T20:56:08","slug":"dont-be-a-mule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.4kcc.com\/blog\/2020\/12\/05\/dont-be-a-mule\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t Be A Mule!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Mules<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

According to the website Spana (spana.org<\/a><\/strong>), “Mules are one of the most commonly used working animals in the world, highly prized for their hardiness and docile nature.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though mules are hardworking and nice, the FBI doesn’t want you to become one. Huh? It’s true, the FBI just issued another warning in an effort to keep you from being tricked into becoming a mule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wait a minute. Surely the FBI doesn’t think you’ll transform yourself into a four-legged offspring of a male donkey and female horse! Of course not. The term “mule” in a legal context means something a little bit different. In particular, the FBI is warning you about becoming a money mule – something that could cause you financial loses and even a jail sentence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a money mule? Here’s Wikipedia’s definition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A money<\/strong> mule<\/strong>, sometimes called a “smurfer,” is a person who transfers money<\/strong> acquired illegally (e.g., stolen) in person, through a courier service, or electronically, on behalf of others. Typically, the mule<\/strong> is paid for services with a small part of the money<\/strong> transferred.<\/em> 1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s look at how the Federal Trade Commission explains a money mule scam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Money mule scams happen several ways. The story often involves scams related to online dating, work-at-home jobs, or prizes. Scammers send money to you, sometimes by check, then ask you to send (some of) it to someone else. They often want you to use gift cards or wire transfers. Of course, they don\u2019t tell you the money is stolen and they\u2019re lying about the reason to send it. And there never was a relationship, job, or prize. Only a scam.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens next? If you deposit the scammer\u2019s check, it may clear but then later it turns out to be a fake check. The bank will want you to repay it. If you give the scammer your account information, they may misuse it. You could even get into legal trouble for helping a scammer move stolen money.<\/em> 2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the latest FBI warning, signs that you are a money mule are clearly laid out. Here they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs You May Be Acting as a Money Mule<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n