After our story on illegal vehicle roadworthies being advertised on social media, we have become aware of another scheme that is sweeping into our neighbourhood.

As cost-of-living pressures see many seeking to earn some quick cash, the ‘rent-a bank’ schemes are turning ordinary Australians into money mules for organised crime.

It follow. We found one such page on Facebook, with more than 1,000 members, including people listed as living in the Riverina and Central West.

The members of the page routinely ask for specific bank account types, while others freely offer bank accounts for rent.

Interestingly there are also details and complaints from those who have been scammed.

“Scammer - do not go near or deal with,” one member posted. “Ripped me off $15,000. Stole my identity. Completely ignored me. Referred me to others who also used me.”

Despite the danger, the membership of this one group continues to grow, with new members joining daily.

According to Facebook, the owner of the page is from Woodridge in Queensland, but even those details could be fake.

Participating in these schemes, even unknowingly, means you are actively assisting in money laundering, a serious criminal offence under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).

Penalties can be severe, including criminal conviction, a lengthy prison sentence (up to life imprisonment in serious cases), and significant fines.

sounds dramatic, but the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have stepped up efforts to combat this crime, gaoling a Sydney woman renting multiple bank accounts to a money laundering syndicate, that laundered millions of dollars.

The AFP says banks are becoming increasingly effective at using data analytics to spot and shut down these mule accounts quickly, meaning you could be locked out of your legitimate bank account for allowing others to use it.

The AFP and banks have launched awareness campaigns, urging Australians to “stop cashing in for crooks” and warning that even an offer of $200 is not worth the criminal risk.

If you’ve seen an online ad or received a message offering easy money - perhaps $200 to $500 - just to let someone use your bank account, you’re being targeted by a sophisticated scam.

This seemingly harmless offer is a direct pipeline for laundering the proceeds of serious criminal activity.

Scammers, who are part of organised criminal networks, aggressively recruit individuals through platforms like Facebook or Instagram, and often target those who are financially vulnerable, such as students or job seekers, promising quick cash for what appears to be minimal effort.

The victim, or money mule, agrees to the arrangement and provides the criminal access to their bank account, either by sharing their online login details, physical bank card, or simply their BSB and account number.

They are paid a small fee (often $200 - $500) for this access.

The criminal syndicate then uses this legitimate, Australian-based account as a temporary holding spot for dirty money, such as the proceeds of crime, drug trafficking, scams or even blackmail.

The funds are often moved rapidly in and out, or withdrawn as physical cash or transferred via cryptocurrency exchanges, making the trail difficult for authorities to

If your account is flagged, your bank will almost certainly close your accounts, and you may find it extremely difficult to open new ones with any Australian financial institution.

Furthermore, the criminals who have your account access may also steal your identity to commit other crimes, leaving you to deal with the fallout.

For temporary residents and international students, involvement can lead to visa cancellation and a permanent ban from returning to Australia.