Department of Justice Launches Money Mule Initiative #DontBeAMule

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon announced today her office’s participation in a nationwide Money Mule Initiative, a coordinated operation to disrupt the networks through which transnational fraudsters move the proceeds of their crimes. Money mules are people who assist fraudsters by collecting money from victims of fraud and forwarding it to the fraud organizers, many of whom are located overseas. Some money mules know they are helping fraudsters, but others are unaware that their actions enable fraudsters’ efforts to swindle money from consumers, businesses, and government unemployment funds.

Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon stated: “It is critical for everyone to understand how criminals use “money mules” so that they can protect themselves and their loved ones from getting caught up in illegal activity. Sadly, the criminals often target our most vulnerable and lonely, particularly the elderly. We all need to work together to keep our community safe.  Please be aware and think twice if you, your loved one, or neighbor is approached.”

In addition to criminal investigations, the agencies participating in the Money Mule Initiative and community partners are undertaking an outreach campaign to increase awareness of how fraudsters use and recruit money mules. Through our Elder Justice Coordinators, Shira Hoffman and Christopher Moran, our office will be reaching out to our communities to educate the public about money mules.

To find public education materials, as well as information about how fraudsters use and recruit money mules, please visit https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch/money-mule-initiative

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

Additional information is available in the attached “Money Mule” document.  Please distribute in every way possible.