By Tate Papworth
Police are warning Brimbank residents of a significant increase in the use of ‘mule bank accounts’ and are asking individuals to be vigilant when interacting with persons online.
Police say the scammers – usually based overseas – will make initial contact via dating apps or online chat rooms.
According to police, they gain your trust over a short period of time through ongoing communication and then ask you to assist with recovering money owed to them in Australia.
The scammer will request the use of your bank account to facilitate money transfers and will offer you a small fee for your assistance
They then proceed to transfer funds offshore through your bank account. These funds are likely to be ‘proceeds of crime’ from another scam or victim.
Police say that by allowing the use of your bank account you become implicated in the scam and in certain circumstances will be committing a criminal offence.
They requested that people refrain from providing any personal details to unknown persons through online interactions.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, report the matter to your local police or visit Scamwatch for more information: www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
