Child Money Mules
WHAT IS A CHILD MONEY MULE?
Money mules is the process whereby criminals will use the bank accounts of an individual below the age of 18 years to launder money. A child money mule will accept money into their bank account and then transfer it to another account.
Very often the child can keep a little of the money afterwards.
This is also known as squaring.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR MONEY MULES
WHERE DOES THIS MONEY SOME FROM?
The money is often stolen or the money is the proceeds of crime
HOW WILL THE MONEY EVENTUALLY BE USED?
The money will eventually be used for criminal activities, drug dealing, terrorism, trafficking and prostitution.
HOW CAN A CRIMINAL FIND A CHILD MONEY MULE?
Child money mules are often found via social media. They are targeted by criminal gangs and individuals who want to launder money.
Children can be recruited via adverts ‘make easy cash’.
Many children do not know or understand how they have been used and that they have broken the law.
CAN A BANK DETECT A MONEY MULE?
Yes they can. Banks have computer systems in place to pick up money mules. They will immediately notify the police.
WHAT COULD BE THE PUNISHMENT FOR A MONEY MULE?
- Criminal record
- Problems in getting future loans and contracts
- Jail time for up to 14 years
- Bank accounts will be closed
HOW CAN A PARENT PREVENT THEIR CHILD BEING EXPLOITED AS A MONEY MULE?
Communicate with them from a young age regularly – Have an open and honest discussion with your child from a young age about money mules. Explain the harm it can do to their life.
Discourage your child to become a money mule then support them – Be vigilant about how you can support them.
- Explain they must not talk to strangers on social media.
- They must not give their private details including bank details to anyone without your permission.
- If they are scared, inform the school, the police or your local authority child services.
- Spend loving time with them.
- Go over scenarios where your child knows what to do if they get themselves into trouble or they come across someone who wants to use them.
- Encourage them to say no.
- Make them understand that ‘quick get rich schemes are usually cons’
Try to be observant and know what your child is up to – There are many things we as parents can do to ensure our child is protected.
- Be aware of what your child views on social media
- Be aware who they are talking to on social media
- Be aware if they come into money and are spending beyond their means
Try and build a positive trusting relationship with your child – Your child should be able to come to you and talk to you, share their fears or when they feel scared or threatened. They will do this if you are approachable, you do not react and do not take what they say personally. When your child comes and talks to you it is about them, how they feel and what is happening to them. It is not about your parenting. It isn’t an opportunity to blame yourself. Your child will approach you if you:
- Listen intently without interruption.
- Do not judge them
- Do not take what they say personally
- Understand their reasons
- Do not react in a negative manner
- Try and find a positive outcome for your child.
- Support them through the whole episode.
WHO CAN YOU REPORT CHILD MONEY MULE EXPLOITATION TO?
You can call the police – You can dial 999 if you or your child is at risk or a crime has been committed. Alternatively if there is no emergency you can dial 101 or file a report online.
LINK TO POLICE WEBSITE TO REPORT A CRIME ONLINE
You can contact Crimestoppers – You can report a crime anonymously to crimestoppers. Their telephone number is 0800 555 111.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR CRIMESTOPPERS.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child is being exploited as a money mule you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child is being exploited as a money mule.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact VICTIM SUPPORT – Victim support is a charity that can help individuals who have been the victim of a crime. They have a free confidential support telephone line and live chat. They are independent of the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR VICTIM SUPPORT – CONTACT US
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE TO CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
You can read our help guide for where you can reach out to get help if your child is a victim –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR WHERE CAN YOU REACH OUT TO GET HELP IF YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child is being exploited as a money mule and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.