Beware promises of easy money on the Internet: you could..

Beware promises of easy money on the Internet: you could become a ‘mule’, warns Panda Software

8/10/2006.
One way in which cyber-crooks launder money is by using ‘mules’. In Web slang, this term refers to users who, for a commission, deposit stolen money in their bank accounts and then transfer it to other accounts in a variety of ways.

The increase in cyber-crime has led criminals into an aggressive recruitment drive for mules on the Internet. Their preference is for normal users who are not related to any type of organized crime. This is because, in the event of an investigation, one of the prime targets of the authorities is the person laundering the money, and therefore the more distant the link between the mule and criminals, the more difficult it will be able to trace the latter.

According to PandaLabs, the search for potential money launderers using spam and websites has intensified in recent months. As a rule, potential mules are offered unfeasibly well-paid work related to the Internet, with no experience or qualifications required. All that is asked are a few personal details and the number of a bank account in which transfers can be received.

According to Luis Corrons, director of PandaLabs: “Laundering money for cyber-crooks can have very serious consequences for users. Bear in mind that the mule is, to all intents and purposes, a scapegoat. They are laundering the profits of Internet crime, and this is a jailable offence.”

Panda Software strongly advises users to ignore messages or websites offering extraordinarily easy and well-paid work. If in doubt, before making contact it is advisable to get reliable information about the company supposedly offering the work. Needless to say, users should not supply any personal details, such as passport or Social Security numbers or bank details as, even if users get wise to the scam, the data could still be used for other criminal purposes, including the opening of bank accounts in their name.

About PandaLabs

Since 1990, PandaLabs’ mission has been to analyze new threats as soon as possible to ensure that our clients are safe. Several teams specialized in each specific type of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam, etc.) work 24x7 to offer global coverage. To do this they are supported by TruPrevent™ Technologies, a truly global early warning system made up of sensors that are strategically distributed and neutralize new threats and send them to PandaLabs for in-depth analysis. According to AV-Test.org, PandaLabs is the fastest in the industry to offer complete updates (more information at www.pandasoftware.com/pandalabs.asp).

Source: Panda Software International
www.pandasoftware.com