How mule betting scams recruit ordinary people

Mule betting or third-party betting account scams are a form of money mule scam where criminals recruit or coerce people into opening gambling accounts in their own name. The criminals then use those accounts to place bets to help launder money and obscure the source or ownership of funds. The UK Gambling Commission describes “mule” betting accounts as online betting accounts created using another person’s personal details, with or without that person’s knowledge. It says criminals can control large numbers of these accounts to disguise who is betting and where the money came from. The Commission also warns that criminals may move illicit funds through third-party bank accounts to break the audit trail, often targeting vulnerable people and university students. A common pattern is that the scammer offers easy money, “helps” the victim open an account, or claims they can’t use their own identity. That matches broader money mule recruitment tactics, where criminals approach people online, promise quick cash, and use the victim’s account to move or launder funds. Barclays defines a money mule as: “A money mule is someone who lets criminals use their bank account to move money. Often the mule doesn’t know what’s really happening, and has been manipulated into believing a cover story, or lured by an offer of payment.” A UK study published in 2025 found that 21% of adults had been asked to receive money into their bank account, apply for a loan on someone else’s behalf, or open a new account—all in exchange for cash. Mule betting is a specialized form of money mule scam. As well as helping to hide the source and destination of criminal funds, these accounts can also end up being involved in betting-related crime, including match fixing. It is important to realize that by acting as a money mule, you’re getting involved with organized crime . In the US, money mule s can face criminal prosecution, and authorities warn that claiming “you didn’t know” is not always a defense. The FBI says common targets include students, job seekers, and people using dating sites. The “mule herder” usually promises easy money, then quickly asks the victim to open a bank or betting account or receive and transfer money on their behalf. Money gets deposited into that account from a fraud victim, a stolen source, or another mule who is a link in the chain. The criminal then uses the account to place bets, move funds, or cash out in ways that make the money appear to be gambling winnings rather than the proceeds of fraud. The key gain for the criminals is layering: each extra account, bet, transfer, or cash-out step makes the money harder to trace. On paper, the account holder appears to be the person carrying out the transactions, even though someone else is controlling the account. From the victim’s perspective, it can look like a legit side hustle at first: easy money, simple tasks, and a promise they can keep a percentage. After that, the requests usually escalate into more frequent transfers, identity verification, sending card details, or handing over full control of the account. How to stay safe Like many scams, money mule schemes often start with small, seemingly harmless requests before escalating. The safest approach is simple: if someone asks you to move money in exchange for an easy reward, assume it’s a scam unless you can independently prove otherwise. Never use your own bank account to move money for someone else. Legitimate employers or businesses do not ask you to receive and forward funds through your personal account. This is a common follow-up tactic in romance, friendship, and job scams. Be skeptical of easy-money offers, especially “work-from-home” jobs that promise quick pay for simple transfers. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Research any company or person making the offer before you respond. Check that the business is real, registered, and traceable, and be extra cautious with overseas or hard-to-verify contacts. Never share banking details, passwords, PINs, or one-time passcodes with anyone you do not fully trust. Protecting access to your accounts helps block both coercion and takeover attempts. Monitor your accounts regularly and act fast on unexpected deposits or suspicious requests. If money appears out of nowhere, do not touch it; contact your bank immediately. Pro tip: If someone contacts you out of the blue, Malwarebytes Scam Guard can help you determine whether it’s a scam. Something feel off? Check it before you click. Malwarebytes Scam Guard helps you analyze suspicious links, texts, and screenshots instantly. Available with Malwarebytes Premium Security for all your devices, and in the Malwarebytes app for iOS and Android . Try it free → About the author Was a Microsoft MVP in consumer security for 12 years running. Can speak four languages. Smells of rich mahogany and leather-bound books.