University students are being pulled into grave illegal dealings in a new scam that appears to be victimless.
Australian Federal Police believe criminals are recruiting students as “money mules” – a person who receives money into their bank account from a third party to transfer it to another for a commission.
Job ads offering quick and easy money are just one of the ways the ruse is being spread.
Students are believed to be targeted as they may be strapped for cash and searching for flexible employment that requires no experience.
“International students have added vulnerabilities due to language barriers and their limited knowledge of Australian criminal law,” federal police said.
Detective Superintendent Tim Stainton said it was a “major red flag” if the only requirements of a job ad were access to a mobile phone or computer and an Australian bank account to receive and transfer funds.
“If a job opportunity seems too good to be true, then it probably isn’t legitimate,” he said.
“If you are being offered significant sums of money to just move money through your bank account, then it is likely you are committing a criminal offence.”
Criminals will sometimes also approach students face-to-face or through social media.
Last year, a federal police investigation led to the arrests of six Chinese nationals for allegedly helping launder money for an organised crime group.
Two 18-year-old Chinese nationals studying in Australia were part of those arrested.
Stainton said being a money mule was not a “victimless crime”.
“Moving money for criminals gives these syndicates access to their dirty money and helps fund future criminal ventures, like drug trafficking, child exploitation, cybercrime and cyber-enabled fraud,” he said.
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Students are urged to research the business to see if it has an online presence, has legitimate contact details and is based in Australia.
They are also warned not to share banking details with unknown people, not to allow someone to “borrow” their account and not to engage with online posts offering large sums of money.
Authorities are rolling out a nationwide campaign translated to seven different languages to 39 universities nationwide to educate students on how they may fall victim.
