Money Mule Public Education Campaign

Press Release From The Financial Investigations Division - October 29, 2026

Dennis Chung

October 29, 2026, Kingston, Jamaica: The Financial Investigations Division (FID) will launch its Money Mule Public Education Campaign on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a 12-week effort to help tertiary students and young professionals recognise money mule recruitment early, understand the consequences, and know where to turn for help. The campaign will run until Thursday, January 21, 2027, and is anchored by a new information page at fid.gov.jm/moneymules.

A money mule is a person whose bank account, mobile wallet or card is used to receive and pass on money that comes from crime. Some people know exactly what they are doing. Many do not: they believe they are helping a friend, doing a job or earning quick money. Students and young professionals are often approached through social media messages, group chats, job advertisements and online relationships, because offers of quick income sound attractive when money is tight and because young people are very active online. Allowing an account to be used to move funds connected to criminal activity can expose a person to investigation and prosecution.

The campaign will include:

• Social media: two posts each week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, on the FID’s Instagram and X accounts (@FIDJamaica), starting November 3, covering how recruitment works, the red flags and what to do if an account has been shared.
• Radio: six “FID In Action” features on Nationwide This Morning, on the first and third Fridays at 8:20 a.m., starting Friday, November 6, 2026.
• Podcast: three episodes of “FID Follow The Money”, featuring Chief Technical Director Dennis Chung, Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations Keith Darien, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Brenton Williams, Head of the Constabulary Financial Unit.
• Web page: fid.gov.jm/moneymules, with a plain-language explanation of how money mule recruitment works, a five-point red flag checklist, safe exit steps and details on how to report a concern.

Commenting on the campaign, FID Chief Technical Director Dennis Chung said: “Money mule recruitment depends on ordinary people who do not realise what they are being asked to do. A request to receive money, lend an account or pass funds along can seem like a small favour or a quick way to earn, but it can place a young person’s name and future at the centre of a criminal investigation. Students and young professionals are active online and are often approached, so that is where this campaign begins.”

Mr. Chung added: “Our message is simple. Ask questions, protect your account details and know the red flags. If you have already shared your account, act early: speak to your bank and contact the FID. The FID will take lawful enforcement action where appropriate, but we would much rather help you avoid being drawn in at all. We also invite universities, employers, parents and community groups to help us share these messages.”

Know the red flags

The FID is asking the public to watch for five red flags:

• An offer of money, a commission or a reward for receiving funds in your bank account, mobile wallet or card.
• A request to send money on to another person or account, to withdraw it or to convert it to digital currency.
• A “job” with no interview, no written contract, or an employer you cannot verify.
• Pressure to act quickly or to keep the arrangement secret.
• A request to share your online banking login, PIN or one-time password.

If you have already shared your account

People who have already allowed someone to use their account, or think they may have, should act early: stop receiving or sending money for the person who contacted them, contact their bank and follow its instructions, secure their online banking access, keep their messages and transaction records, and report the matter to the FID.

How to report a concern

Members of the public who suspect money mule activity, or who have been approached with an offer that worries them, may contact the FID by telephone at 876-928-5141 / 876-928-5141-8, by email at contact@fid.gov.jm, or through fid.gov.jm. The FID asks that account details not be posted publicly or sent through social media messages.

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