Dating and job sites attract money launderers

DATING SITES are being used for a new flavour of the Nigerian scam, according to Aussie coppers and bankers.

Legitimate job or dating ads are being placed by money launderers that end up with the recipient being asked to run money through their bank account, the Australian Federal Police and Australian Bankers Association warn.

Unlike the Nigerian scam, where the victims walk away with nothing, the Dating site scam often does actually pay a commission. This could get the people who allow the cash to run through their account into trouble.

Australian High Tech Crime Centre director James McCormack warned that anyone who allowed their bank account to be used in this way has profited from the proceeds of fraud and could get 20 years porridge.

The Australian Bankers Association said it is finding that an increasingly common method of enlisting 'money mules' is to form a relationship with dating website members before fleecing them of cash.

The most common 'romance scams' involve criminals targeting singles and asking for money to be transferred for airfares to enable the 'couple' to meet. µ

L'Inq
Sydney Morning Herald