Young students have been warned to keep their bank details secure as gardai investigate a €2 million money laundering fraud.
Around 200 accounts were used to help the multi-million euro fraud, while Irish retail banks reported more than 1,600 "money mule” cases in 2018.
These accounts are used to illegally transfer money for others, with experts warning that young adults should never allow their bank details to be used by someone else.
Officers said that those between the ages of 18-24 were the age group most susceptible to becoming money mules.
Students in particular are a target for the fraudsters, with experts warning that they are often approached online, on campus, or while out socialising.
Detective Inspector Catharina Gunne explained: "A money mule is a person who transfers money illegally on behalf of other people.
"They allow their account to be used for the transfer of ill-gotten gains. They may or may not be aware of the crime.
"However, they are complicit if they recklessly allow their account to be used to launder the proceeds of these crimes.
"Students are often targeted by organised crime gangs to act as money mules, laundering thousands of euro through their accounts in exchange for a few hundred euro.”
Gardai offered four tips for young people to help keep their accounts safe:
- Do not allow anyone to use your bank account.
- Do not share personal bank account data.
- Do not send or receive money.
- Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true it most likely is.
