The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois took part in the fourth annual money mule initiative that helped reclaim $3.7 million dollars in fraud proceeds nationwide.
Money mules are people that are used in fraud schemes to receive and move funds or goods at someone else’s direction from victims to criminals, sometimes without knowing they’re assisting with illegal activities.
They’re typically recruited over the internet on dating and job websites.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois covers the lower 38 counties in the state.
Public Information Officer Joe Kollins says a lot of schemers target elderly people.
“They get a phone call its a typical, Hey, I need help my son or your grandson's friends in jail. Can you wireless wire us some money? And then that money is used in whatever criminal acts they’re going to take part in.”
Kollins says even the unknowingly money mules can face prison time for their role in these activities.
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