Fraudsters target ‘money mules’ to launder cash

More than 120 people have taken cash to open bank accounts used by fraudsters to launder money.

The so-called “money mules” in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, handed over their details on the promise of funds.

Some were given £50 to £200 but others received nothing.

Dyfed-Powys Police has issued notices telling them to stop or face prosecution.

In February its officers visited people linked to a suspected fraudster as part of a month-long nationwide clampdown on fraud called Operation Henhouse.

They learned individuals opened online accounts then gave their login details to criminals for cash.

The accounts were then used to launder crime money.

Many were not aware of the implications of what they had done and just thought it was an easy way to make money.

Many involved were connected to one another – some were family members or in the same friendship groups and ranged from young adults to elderly people.

Dyfed-Powys Police economic crime team manager Paul Callard said: “People should be very careful about who they provide their personal information to.”

• Never assume or believe a caller, email or text is genuine
• Police will never call asking you to withdraw cash for them or requesting to collect your bank card
• Do not click on links in emails and texts from unknown sources
• Use a strong and separate password for your email address – this can be done by using three random words

Source: Dyfed-Powys Police