JOHANNESBURG - The Financial Sector Conduct Authority is warning consumers against mule bank account scams that are gaining prominence across the country.
Financial customers have been asked to be vigilant when approached by unknown individuals or organisations requesting to use their bank accounts to deposit or transfer money, often with the promise of a reward or payment.
This process, commonly referred to as a “money mule” scam, occurs when fraudsters trick bank customers into allowing them to use their accounts to receive and transmit money from illegal activities such as drug and human trafficking, theft, fraud and corruption.
In some cases, criminals may also approach unsuspecting victims to use their valid identification documents to open bank accounts on their behalf.
The FSCA has warned that owners of bank accounts facilitating criminal activity may be charged and convicted of a crime, even if they participated unknowingly in such activity.