Student Fraud Awareness

Its back to college time so here’s a few things to be aware of as a student or parent of a student….

Money Mule Awareness

The majority of money muling incidents involving current accounts belonging to those aged between 18 and 24. Criminals are deliberately targeting teens and young adults when recruiting money mules so it is critical that this age group as well as their parents fully understand how these crimes operate and how they can avoid getting caught up in it.

Money mules are typically recruited though social media in what appears to be a friendly approach by the criminal offering ‘easy’ money in return for something which appears as simple as opening a new current account on behalf of the criminal or using their own current account to lodge or transfer money.

While money muling might initially appear to be an easy fix for those who are struggling financially or want to make some extra money, young people need to be aware that money muling is effectively money laundering and therefore a criminal offence.

The consequences of becoming involved in muling are serious. Teens who are recruited as money mules can be threatened with violence or physically attacked if they do not continue to allow their account to be used by the criminals to transfer money. As well as having a criminal record, money mules who are caught face having their current account closed and will have difficulty opening another account and accessing loans or other credit facilities in the future.

Money Mule Red Flags for Young People

• Beware if you receive an unsolicited e-mail or social media message that promises easy money for little or no effort.
• Never agree to open a new current account in your own name in order receive a transfer/inbound payments on behalf of the criminal.
• Do not accept any job offers that ask you to use your own current account to transfer money – a real company will not ask you to do this.
• Never give your financial details to someone you don’t know and trust, in particular if you have met them online.
• Acting as money mule can damage your credit and financial standing.

Do you think your child is a victim? Red Flags for Parents/Guardians

• Be on the lookout for signs of your child suddenly having extra money or becoming secretive, withdrawn or stressed.
• Additional red flags include the appearance of increased spending on new clothes or technology with very little explanation as to how they got the money
• Teens are particularly at risk because they are often unaware of the true nature of the activity that they are undertaking. They are attracted by the lure money in return for the use of their current account to move money on behalf of criminals.
• If you think your child may have become a victim of money muling, contact your local Garda station and inform their Financial Institution immediately.
• Being a Money Mule is a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 and it can carry up to 14 years imprisonment.

A host of material including on Money Mules including information leaflets for young people and parents can be found at www.fraudsmart.ie.

Student Rental Scams

As you start to look for accommodation for the college year or for upcoming trips don’t be tricked into paying a deposit for a property that does not exist, has already been rented or is actually a fraudster using a short term let to get you to pay your deposit and not show up on move in day!

Follow these top tips:

Be Informed:

• Do your homework – familiarise yourself with the average rent prices in your search area. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is!
• Use online maps to double check that the property exists at the address being advertised.
• Check short term rental sites to ensure the property is not being used by a fraudster for “viewings” who will take your deposit.

Be Secure:

• Keep copies of all correspondence between yourself and the advertiser, including bank details and the advertisement itself.
• Use legitimate well-known rental agencies where possible.
• Don’t hand over any money until you have seen the property and are happy with its condition. Once satisfied use a cheque or bank draft to pay the deposit.

Be Alert:

• Don’t make any payments until you have been given the keys and signed the rental contract. Always check that the keys fit the lock.
• Remember, don’t transfer any money unless you have carried out all the relevant checks and you are absolutely sure that the list is genuine.
• Don’t be embarrassed if you have been scammed. Report it to your local Garda Station and contact your Credit Union.

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