Emily had just started university. With rent due, food costs rising and social plans adding up, money was already tight. Then one evening, a social media message appeared offering her an easy way to earn £300, no experience needed.
“All you need to do is let money pass through your bank account and keep a percentage for yourself.”
Around the same time, her friend Jake spotted what looked like a fantastic online marketplace deal for a laptop. After transferring the money, the seller disappeared.
Jake had been tricked into sending money for something that did not exist. This is known as Authorised Push Payment, or APP fraud. Emily had allowed criminals to use her bank account to move stolen money. This is known as being a money mule.
While these situations may sound extreme, they are becoming increasingly common among students and young adults.
What is APP fraud?
APP, or (Authorised Push Payment fraud) happens when a scammer tricks you into sending money from your own bank account. Because you press ‘send’, the payment looks authorised, – even though you have been deceived.
APP fraud usually starts outside of your bank, for example:
- Buying concert tickets through social media.
- Student accommodation deposits.
- Online marketplace purchases.
- Investment or cryptocurrency opportunities.
Messages claiming to be from a bank, university or government body. UK Finance reported 248,070 APP fraud cases in 2025, with losses reaching £576.4 million. These figures show how common and organised these scams have become. Many begin on the same platforms students use every day to shop, socialise and manage their money.
Scammers often persuade people to send money for goods, services or opportunities that never happen or never existed.
Scammers often persuade people to send money for goods, services or opportunities that never happen or never existed.
Why Are Students Targeted?
Students are not targeted because they are careless. They are targeted because criminals know students often rely on online platforms, mobile banking and tight budgets.
- Financial pressure: Many students are managing budgets, rent and living costs, making “easy money” offers more tempting.
- Digital lifestyles: Students often use social media, online marketplaces, mobile banking and digital payment services. Fraudsters know this and use these channels to contact people.
- Trust in online communities: Fraudsters can appear trustworthy by using fake reviews, hacked social media accounts, student groups and peer-to-peer selling platforms.
The Money Mule Connection
What is a Money Mule?
A money mule is someone who receives or transfers money on behalf of criminals. Sometimes they know what they’re doing. Sometimes they don’t.
Criminals typically recruit through:
- Social media
- Messaging apps
- Fake job adverts
- Online friendships
- Romantic relationships
Have you ever received a message like this?
- “Need help transferring money.”
- “Earn £500 from home.”
- “Keep 10% as payment.”
- “Can I use your account because mine isn’t working.”
Banks, other financial organisations and law enforcement agencies often see these recruitment tactics.
Fraudsters need places to send and move the money they steal through scams such as APP fraud. Money mule accounts help them hide where the money came from, move it through the banking system and make it harder for banks and law enforcement to follow.
The consequences can be serious, even if someone did not fully understand what they were getting involved in. UK Finance and Cifas warn that criminals often target young people through social media scams and fake job adverts, especially when money is
tight. Around 65% of identified money mule accounts belong to people under 30, and people involved may face up to 14 years in prison. The National Crime Agency estimates that more than £10 billion is laundered through UK money mule networks each year.
Spot the Warning Signs
Before you send money or agree to use your account, stop and ask yourself: Was I expecting this request? Can I check it using a trusted source? Am I being pressured to act now? If anything does not feel right, stop and get advice before continuing.
You may be facing APP fraud if:
- Someone pressures you to act quickly.
- You’re told to move money to a “safe account”.
- The offer seems too good to be true.
- You receive unexpected payment requests.
- You’re asked to keep the transaction secret.
- You are contacted unexpectedly on social media or messaging apps.
You may be being recruited as a money mule if:
- You’re offered easy money for little effort.
- Someone asks to use your bank account.
- You’re asked to receive money and transfer it elsewhere.
- You’re told you’ll keep a percentage.
- The opportunity comes through social media or a new online contact.
- You’re encouraged not to tell your bank or family.
How to Protect Yourself
Stop and think: Fraudsters rely on urgency. Always pause before sending money.
Check using a trusted source: If someone claims to be your bank, university or a company, contact them using a trusted number or official website.
Be careful with social media deals: If prices seem much cheaper than elsewhere, it could be a scam.
Never let someone use your bank account: No legitimate employer or organisation will ask you to move money through your account.
Protect your banking details:
Never share:
- PINs
- Passwords
- One-time passcodes
- Online banking details
Trust your instincts and give yourself permission to stop. If something feels wrong, you do not need to continue the conversation, send the payment or explain your decision. Pause, check the request using a trusted source and speak to someone you trust.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been a Victim?
If you think you have been targeted, do not feel embarrassed and do not wait. Fraudsters use clever tactics to build trust, create pressure and cause confusion. Acting quickly can help limit losses, protect your account and keep proof of what happened.
If you’ve sent money to a scammer
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Report the incident as soon as possible.
- Save screenshots, messages and payment details.
- Change passwords if accounts may have been compromised.
If you’ve been used as a money mule
- Stop moving funds immediately.
- Contact your bank and explain what happened.
- Report the recruitment attempt.
- Work with your bank or the authorities if they investigate.
The sooner action is taken, the greater the chance of limiting financial losses and protecting your accounts.
Pause Before You Pay
Student life brings new opportunities, new friendships and new financial responsibilities. Unfortunately, it can also attract fraudsters looking to exploit trust, urgency and financial pressure.
Whether it’s an online purchase, a too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity or an offer of “easy money”, taking a moment to stop and think could make all the difference.
Remember: your bank account is yours, and no legitimate employer, organisation or new online contact needs to use it to move money. If someone asks you to send money, transfer funds or share banking details, stop, check and speak to someone you trust. One pause now could protect your money, your account and your future.
