FraudSMART reports that more than €7m was laundered through money mule accounts in the 12 months to June 2026.
44% of 18 to 34-year-olds say they were approached, or know someone who was, up from 24% in the 2025 survey.
More than one in three 18 to 34-year-olds would consider letting their account be used for payment, with men at 20% against women at 12%.
31% of 18 to 24-year-olds were unaware they could end up with a criminal record, and 40% did not know it could affect visa applications.
More than €7m was laundered through money mule accounts in the 12 months to June 2026, according to figures from FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI). A money mule lends a bank account so that stolen money or other criminal proceeds can be received and moved, typically in return for cash or an expensive gift. In the latest survey, 44% of 18 to 34-year-olds said they had been approached, or knew someone who had, to use a bank account for transfers, up from 24% in the 2025 survey. Across all adults, the share rose from 13% to 21% over the same period.
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Most identified money mule accounts belong to people aged 18 to 34, although some cases involve children as young as 14. Niamh Davenport, head of financial crime at BPFI, said recruiters are going after people of every age, with young adults the particular focus. Offers are typically dressed up as legitimate work and promise "quick" or "easy" money in return for letting funds pass through an account. An Garda Síochána has said that men, younger people, those facing economic hardship and newcomers to the country are among the groups most often targeted.
“Money mule recruiters are targeting people of all ages, but particularly young adults, through social media, messaging apps, fake job advertisements and peer-to-peer contact.”
The survey, conducted by Amárach Research among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people, found that 37% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 35% of 25 to 34-year-olds would consider letting their account be used for payment. Men were almost twice as likely as women to say so, at 20% against 12%. Awareness of the risks is weakest among 18 to 24-year-olds, of whom 31% did not know a criminal record could follow and 40% did not know it could affect an international travel or work visa. BPFI said most adults overall are aware of the possible serious consequences.
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Daniel Walsh, president of AMLÉ, formerly the Union of Students in Ireland, said students often face significant financial pressure, which can make quick money offers look appealing. Davenport said the tactics are deliberately designed to look low-risk, even though the consequences can be serious.
“Individuals who allow their bank accounts to be used to transfer or receive criminal funds are helping organised crime groups to hide and move the proceeds of illegal activity.”
Davenport added that anyone tempted by easy money should understand that the outcome can include a criminal conviction for money laundering, imprisonment and long-term damage to job prospects, access to financial services and international travel.
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Figures from FraudSMART show more young adults are being approached to lend their bank accounts, with 44% of 18 to 34-year-olds now reporting an approach or knowing someone who was.
AI text based on reports by The Irish Times, Irish Examiner, RTE.ie and other publishers. Published .