A money mule is a person who provides their personal information on purpose to receive fraudulent transfers. Often, money mules are aware that they’re engaging in criminal activity, but sometimes, they are unaware of the scale of the scheme and its consequences. Criminals can lure money mules into assisting them by promising quick cash.
It can go either way, the criminal can use the money mule’s information to open a bank account in their name, or the money mule can open one themselves and later give full access to the fraudster. No matter the method, money mules are considered to be accomplices who assist money launderers in staying undetected while laundering money.