FOS warns of youngsters being used as 'money mules'

'Knowingly or otherwise'

Carmen Reichman
clock • 2 min read

Young people are particularly vulnerable to financial fraud, with many under-30s being targeted by criminals as "money mules", the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has warned.

A money mule is generally someone who allows fraudsters to launder money through their bank account in return for cash. However the FOS has come across cases where youngsters have participated in the fraud unknowingly as well as knowingly. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has in the past highlighted increased fraud activity directed at older people, which was mostly pension-related. But the FOS said there was evidence younger people were also particularly at risk of getting caught up in financial fraud. People have typically complained to the FOS about their bank closing th...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

FCA released two reports to mark the third birthday of Consumer Duty

Alison Gay
clock 31 July 2026 • 4 min read
Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

'We shouldn't solve one problem by creating another'

Andy Wealthall
clock 30 July 2026 • 4 min read
Why the smartest advisory firms are getting ahead of the FCA on non-financial misconduct

Why the smartest advisory firms are getting ahead of the FCA on non-financial misconduct

'September is a starting point, not the finish line'

Gemma McCall
clock 29 July 2026 • 5 min read