Missouri Warned of Scam to Make You Break the Law & Not Know It

This is one of the most sinister type of scams because it can cause you to break the law and not even realize it. The FBI is warning that Missourians are still becoming victims of this crime.

The FBI has issued a warning that has a specific Missouri impact. They say that many are being caused to become what they call "money mules" and not even understand their role in this crime where they also can be punished. They define this crime as "someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else" and it can come in many forms.

How are Missourians made to be "money mules"?

The alert from the FBI says that if you are contacted about a job offer or through an online romance proposal to create a new bank account using your real name, you are in danger. The perpetrators will ask you to transfer money sent to your account and the reason may seem legitimate. You might also be encouraged to keep a portion of the money as a means to "pay you for your services".  This is how villains launder money they have obtained through other crimes to separate themselves from law enforcement authorities.

If a job requires little effort and there is no real job description, yet you are being paid for services that include the transfer of funds, you're likely in danger of breaking the law yourself and you can be prosecuted even if you had no idea how you were involved.

The US Department of Justice says they have taken action this year on 3,000 "money mules" including many in Missouri in an effort to thwart these types of crimes. It's so common in Missouri that even the Missouri Department of Labor has a bulletin about money mule awareness.