Reshipping & Money Mule Scams
'Jobs' that use you to reship goods bought with stolen cards or move criminal money.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Reshipping and money mule scams recruit you, often as a 'logistics agent' or 'payment processor', to receive and forward goods bought with stolen cards, or to move criminal funds through your bank account. You may face serious legal consequences.
How it works
You're hired to receive parcels and reship them abroad, or to receive payments and forward them minus a 'commission'. The goods are fraudulently purchased and the money is criminal proceeds — making you a mule who can be prosecuted.
Common red flags
- Receiving and reshipping parcels you didn't buy
- Receiving money to forward minus a cut
- Vague employer using your personal bank account
- Instructions to act fast and not ask questions
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
As our payment agent, receive funds in your account and forward 90% to our supplier — keep 10%.
Payment methods used
- Your bank account used to move funds
- Commission payments
Who is usually targeted
- Job seekers
- Students
- People needing income
What to do immediately
- Stop immediately — do not move money or parcels
- Do not let anyone use your bank account
- Contact your bank and report to police/fraud services
Evidence to preserve
- Job ad and instructions
- Shipping labels and parcels
- Bank records
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
- Local police — Acting as a mule can be a criminal offence — report it
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get in legal trouble for being a money mule?
Yes. Moving criminal funds or reshipping fraudulently bought goods can lead to frozen accounts and criminal charges, even if you didn't know. Never let anyone use your account, and report it if you've been recruited.