Financial exploitation

Financial exploitation can take various forms. It’s important to understand what these are and how to avoid them.

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This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute financial advice. You should always do your own research when making any financial decisions.

If you need advice, contact the Student Advice Centre (student login required).

Money mules

What is a money mule?

A money mule is someone who is recruited by criminals and uses their bank account to move money. Usually, the money mule keeps a little of the money being transferred. 

The money is usually illegally obtained and is profit from crime, which may include:

  • terrorism
  • sexual exploitation
  • trafficking 
  • dark web activities.

How are students targeted?

Criminals will often move money through students’ accounts to hide the true origin of the funds. Doing this makes it appear that they have come from a legitimate source and are ‘clean’. 

Criminals often pretend to be employers, either online or in person, and sometimes use other students to help in recruitment. They use tactics which make the opportunity appealing to students, including advertising ‘easy money’ and working from home. 

They may post what appear to be genuine opportunities but will want to use your accounts or identity to move money. This may be via bank transfer, withdrawal of cash, sending via money transfer services, or converting money in the bank to digital assets.  

Criminals deliberately use platforms including social media, emails, and encrypted messaging services to specifically target students.

Money mules may be either knowingly or unknowingly involved, but money laundering is a crime and, if they get caught, they can face a criminal record.

Money mules are sometimes manipulated, threatened or blackmailed into performing or continuing the role. 

How can I avoid it?

To avoid becoming a ‘money mule’:

  • Be aware of unsolicited offers for easy money and of job offers where all of the interactions will be done online and you don’t meet the employer in person. 
  • Watch out for offers of work which are made through social networking sites or encrypted messaging services.
  • Research the wider company and make sure they are genuine. Legitimate business details can be found on Companies House or on official websites. 
  • If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Find out more information about what money muling looks like and what to look out for:

How can I report it?

You can report financial exploitation to the Police online or by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency). 

If you would prefer to stay anonymous, you can report financial exploitation online to Crimestoppers (an independent charity) or by phone on +44 800 555 111.

You can also report to the University and find out more information about support by using our Report and Support platform.

Sextortion

What is sextortion?

Sextortion is a form of blackmail which involves threatening to publish sexual information, photographs or videos to extort money or to get you to do something against your will.  

Someone may tell you that they will release these to your friends, family, or publish online if you do not pay them. Sometimes recordings are made without you realising or consenting. 

How can I avoid it?

Always be careful about the information and pictures you share online. Consider who you are sending intimate content to, if they are who they say they are, and if you can trust them. 

How do I report it?

If you think you may be being targeted: 

  • Don’t panic —non-judgemental help is available. 
  • Don't pay the money which is being requested. Many victims who pay continue to get demands for higher amounts of money. In some cases, even when demands are met, the criminals will still post the videos online. 
  • Save the evidence —take screenshots, save messages and images. Collect URL links and report it to social media companies. 
  • You can report financial exploitation to the Police online or by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency).
  • If you would prefer to stay anonymous, you can report financial exploitation online to Crimestoppers (an independent charity) or by phone on +44 800 555 111.
  • You can also report to the University and find out more information about support by using our Report and Support platform.

There are a range of specialist agencies that you can seek support and guidance from:

  • Revenge Porn Helpline - a UK service supporting adults who have experienced intimate image abuse and revenge porn.
  • Report Harmful Content - a platform to help individuals to report content online by providing up-to-date information on community standards and the reporting facilities across multiple specific platforms. 
  • Victim Support - an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.

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