Fake job / reshipping mule: how it works, warning signs and what to do

Job scams · médio

The job arrives by unsolicited message or ad: easy, well-paid work from home. In the reshipping version, the person receives packages bought with stolen cards and forwards them abroad using labels from the "employer". In the money-mule version, they receive transfers into their account and pass them on by Pix, wire or crypto, keeping a "commission".

In the "task scam", the victim is paid to like videos or rate products on a platform; soon they must "deposit" to unlock bigger tasks, until they lose everything. Another variant is the equipment check: the employer sends a check to buy supplies from a designated vendor, and the check is fake.

Anyone who lends their account to receive and forward third-party money is taking part, even unknowingly, in a core step of money laundering.

Sinais / Signs

An offer by message without you having applied
Chat-only interview and immediate hiring
Being asked to pay a sign-up, training or equipment fee
A role to "receive and reship packages" or "process payments" through your account
High pay for simple tasks like liking videos
Requests for ID and bank details before any contract

Prevenção / Prevention

Research the company and confirm the job on its official site or LinkedIn
Legitimate employers do not charge you to work
Never use your account to receive and forward others' money
Refuse to reship packages to unknown addresses
Be wary of recruiters who only use WhatsApp or Telegram

O que fazer / What to do

Stop receiving packages or transfers immediately
Tell your bank about funds received and do not forward them
Report to the FTC and IC3 (US) or file a police report (Brazil)
If you handed over documents, use IdentityTheft.gov (US) and monitor your CPF/SSN

FAQ

I didn't know it was a scam. Could I get in trouble?

Accounts may be frozen and investigated. Stopping quickly, cooperating with your bank and reporting helps show good faith.

How do I know a recruiter is real?

Confirm their name on the company's official site or channels and reply through a corporate email.

FTC - ReportFraud · FBI IC3 - Internet Crime Complaint Center · FTC - IdentityTheft.gov · FATF - Outcomes June 2026 plenary · Consumidor.gov.br