Practical Tips to Keep You Safe
We live in a digital world, so keeping your personal information secure and understanding the tools fraudsters use to commit crimes is critical.
Recruiting Money Mules for Acts of Fraud
Looking out for you, be aware fraudsters are applying for advances/grants/loans under SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Fraudsters are recruiting money mules to receive the illicit disaster relief and unemployment payments.
Similar to the state unemployment fraud situation, fraudsters have been recruiting money mules through social media to receive the illicit funds. The money mules are frequently instructed to open an account or use their current account at a financial institution to receive funds. Upon receipt of the funds from SBA or state unemployment, the money mules are instructed to transfer the funds elsewhere keeping a small portion for themselves. Money mules themselves could have applied for an advance/grant and/or loan under the direction of the fraudsters.
If you or someone you know has been approached or spoken to a fraudster, contact your financial immediately. You can also call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866.720.5721.