Phishing gangs hire mules to help them steal money from internet
users.
Sophos, a world leader in IT security and control, has reminded
computer users to be wary of online criminals recruiting people
under the guise of money-making opportunities, which in reality are
helping phishers move stolen money into overseas accounts.
The warning comes following news that authorities in Singapore
are investigating a group of suspected "money mules" who are said
to have laundered money for an international crime syndicate to
accounts in Russia and Latvia.
According to the Commercial Affairs Department those being
questioned applied last year to be transaction managers earning
commission for what was claimed to be an international aid
agency.
It is alleged that the syndicate's money was sent from Australia
to Singapore in batches of 5,000 Singapore dollars through firms
such as Western Union. The transaction managers based in Singapore
are then said to have forwarded funds to accounts in Russia and
Latvia, earning 1,000 Singapore dollars a week in commission.
"It may take time for the police in Singapore to get to the
bottom of this particular case, but what is clear is that criminal
gangs are interested in hiring people to help them move money
around the world," said Graham Cluley, senior
technology consultant for Sophos. "Innocent internet users should
be on their guard not to get mixed up with what they may think is
an innocent business proposition, but actually turns out to be
helping phishers steal money from online bank accounts."
If convicted money launderers can receive a maximum fine of
200,000 Singapore dollars (US $131,578) and seven years in
jail.
Sophos continues to recommend that computer users ensure their
anti-virus software is up-to-date, and that companies protect
themselves with a consolidated solution
which can defend them from the threats of viruses, hackers, spyware
and spam.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.