The Financial Investigations Division (FID) is warning Jamaicans, especially young professionals, the unemployed and small business operators to avoid becoming money mules.

According to the FID, persons should not allow their bank accounts, identities or businesses to be used to move funds on behalf of others, as this could lead to criminal charges under the Proceeds Of Crime Act (POCA) and other anti-money laundering laws.

The warning follows the arrest and charge of three individuals in connection with a JMD $96 million fraud scheme involving unauthorized point of sale (POS) transactions between November and December 2022. 

The case has been under investigation by the FID in collaboration with the constabulary financial unit.

FID’s Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations, Keith Darien warned the public against becoming money mules.

The FID says the public should be aware of the signs that could make someone a money mule.

These are: being asked to receive, or transfer money through your bank account on behalf of someone else or opening a bank account under your name for another person to use.

Another sign is receiving large, unexplained deposits with instructions to withdraw or forward the money.