Internet users and job hunters are urged to beware of 'too-good-to-be-true' money-earning opportunities during the recession.
Fraudsters are using channels including recruitment websites to mislead web users, according to experts.
Workers at national internet security initiative GetSafeOnline.org say more and more people are being tricked into becoming 'money mules' to help crooks launder money.
Survey results show one in seven web users in the region have been offered a job online they have never applied for – a warning sign, according to experts.
Sharon Lemon, deputy director of e-crime at the Serious Organised Crime Agency and chairwoman of the GetSafeOnline.org steering committee, said: 'Some money mules know exactly what they are doing.
'However, many end up unwittingly laundering profits for overseas criminals as a result of being taken in by fake recruitment sites.
'The consequence is that they end up liable for all the criminal funds they've received – which must be repaid, their bank accounts are frozen and they may be subject to criminal investigation.'
Tony Neate, managing director of GetSafeOnline.org, said: 'With many people looking for ways to earn money during a recession, it's critical that people learn to spot the warning signs to avoid becoming a victim.'
Workers at national internet security initiative GetSafeOnline.org say more and more people are being tricked into becoming 'money mules' to help crooks launder money.
Survey results show one in seven web users in the region have been offered a job online they have never applied for – a warning sign, according to experts.
Sharon Lemon, deputy director of e-crime at the Serious Organised Crime Agency and chairwoman of the GetSafeOnline.org steering committee, said: 'Some money mules know exactly what they are doing.
'However, many end up unwittingly laundering profits for overseas criminals as a result of being taken in by fake recruitment sites.
'The consequence is that they end up liable for all the criminal funds they've received – which must be repaid, their bank accounts are frozen and they may be subject to criminal investigation.'
Tony Neate, managing director of GetSafeOnline.org, said: 'With many people looking for ways to earn money during a recession, it's critical that people learn to spot the warning signs to avoid becoming a victim.'
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