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Money mule accounts
"Earn commission just by letting us use your bank account." Your account is then used to move scam money, and police come to you.
How it works
Scam money needs somewhere to land. Fraudsters can’t use their own accounts, so they rent or buy other people’s: a student who is offered “₹5,000 a month for an unused account”, a job seeker hired to “process payments”, a shopkeeper asked to receive money on their UPI ID for a cut. Money stolen from victims passes through these “mule” accounts and is moved on quickly, often into crypto. When the victim reports it, the trail leads to the mule.
The official warning
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has told people not to sell or rent their bank accounts, company registration certificates or Udyam Aadhaar registration certificates to anyone. It warns that illegal money passing through such accounts can lead to legal consequences, including arrest.
Real cases
In January 2026, Chandigarh Police arrested nine people aged 20 to 26 under “Operation Mule Hunt”. Police said they had rented their bank accounts to cyber fraudsters for a commission, and that the accounts were used to move money from frauds across the country.
If your account is already involved
Banks may freeze an account that has received fraud money. Speak to your bank and the police yourself rather than waiting to be found, and keep every message from the people who recruited you.
If it has already happened
- Stop moving any money and don't withdraw what's in the account.
- Tell your bank, change your net banking and UPI passwords, and get back any card, chequebook or SIM you gave away.
- Report it at cybercrime.gov.in or to your local cyber police. Coming forward early helps show you were tricked.
Protect yourself
- Never sell, rent or lend your bank account, UPI ID, ATM card, SIM card or business registration to anyone.
- No real job pays you to receive and pass on money.
- Talk to students and young adults in your family about this. Many people caught are 18 to 26 years old.
Say it simply
Never give your bank card, SIM or passwords to anyone, even a friend, for money.
Lending your bank account for money is not a job. It can lead to a police case and a frozen account.
Where to report
- National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalFile a complaint about any cyber fraud, harassment, sextortion or morphed images.cybercrime.gov.in
- Local police or cyber cellFor threats, blackmail or large losses, file an FIR. Take your screenshots and transaction details.Emergency: 112
- Your bank, directlyBlock your card or UPI, and report the transaction. Use the number on your card or the bank's official app, never one from a message.Number on your card
- Cybercrime helpline 1930Money has been taken or a payment was tricked out of you. Call at once: the sooner, the better the chance of freezing it.Call 1930