In short
A person is recruited to receive and forward money through their bank account, often for a commission The objective is typically to involve the account holder in laundering proceeds of fraud and expose them to financial/legal consequences.
What it is
The recruiter frames the transfers as easy work, payment processing, a job or a legitimate business arrangement. The victim is then pushed to receive funds and transfer them onward while keeping a commission.
How it starts
A person is recruited to receive and forward money through their bank account, often for a commission.
What they tell you
The recruiter frames the transfers as easy work, payment processing, a job or a legitimate business arrangement
What they want you to do
Receive funds and transfer them onward while keeping a commission
How you lose money
involve the account holder in laundering proceeds of fraud and expose them to financial/legal consequences
What happens next
After the first successful step, the fraudster may demand more money/information, deepen account or device access, or disappear.
Warning signs
opportunity | greed | trust | money mule network | social engineering
Where this is documented
India — officially documented by an Indian authority/regulator
How to avoid it
Use only the bank/payment app or official contact details; never share OTP, PIN, password or screen access; verify the payee and transaction purpose before approving.
If it already happened
Contact the bank/payment provider immediately if money moved; report financial cyber fraud promptly via 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in; preserve messages, transaction IDs, phone numbers and URLs.