As cybercrime tactics continue to evolve, the growing use of ‘mule accounts’ is emerging as a serious threat to ordinary citizens. In a recent case from the Vijayanagar area of Bengaluru, a 50-year-old woman working as a tailor was drawn into a cyber fraud network after being lured with the promise of earning ₹2,000 per month. The bank account opened in her name was later used to route suspicious transactions worth approximately ₹60.93 lakh, a fact that came to light only after the account was frozen by the bank.
According to the complaint filed by the victim, the accused, Karna, approached her through a known contact, Anjanamma. Posing as a businessman, Karna allegedly convinced the woman that he needed an additional bank account for business transactions. He assured her that the account would be used strictly for legitimate purposes and promised a monthly payment of ₹2,000 in return.
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Struggling financially and hoping for a steady side income, the woman agreed to the proposal. As instructed, she shared her identification documents, photograph, and other personal details via WhatsApp. On March 4, 2024, she opened a savings account at a bank branch in Doddaballapur and linked her mobile number to it. It is alleged that she subsequently handed over full control of the account to the accused.
When no payment was received for several days, suspicion began to arise. Around the same time, bank officials alerted her about unusual and suspicious activity in her account, leading to it being frozen. Upon visiting the bank, she was informed that transactions amounting to ₹60,93,780 had been routed through her account, allegedly linked to cybercrime activities.
What Is a ‘Mule Account’?
Preliminary investigation revealed that the account had been used as a ‘mule account’—a common tool in cyber fraud operations where criminals use third-party bank accounts to transfer and withdraw illicit funds, thereby masking the original source of money. Such accounts are often used in online scams, phishing operations, and fake investment schemes to safely move funds without raising immediate suspicion.
In her complaint, the victim has accused both Karna and Anjanamma of deliberate deception and misuse of her bank account. She has alleged that they intentionally misled her and exploited her trust for illegal activities. She has sought strict legal action against those involved.
Accused Suspected in Larger Cyber Syndicate
Investigators suspect that the accused may be part of a larger cybercrime syndicate that targets vulnerable individuals, persuading them to open bank accounts under false pretenses. These accounts are then used as conduits for illegal financial transactions. The accused is currently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace his whereabouts.
This case once again highlights the dangers of sharing personal and financial information with unknown individuals or agreeing to suspicious financial arrangements. Experts warn that cybercriminals are increasingly involving unsuspecting citizens in their operations, making detection and investigation more complex.
Cybersecurity professionals caution that even if individuals are unaware of their involvement, being linked to a mule account can bring them under legal scrutiny. Therefore, it is essential for people to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution in all financial dealings, especially when approached with offers that seem unusually easy or lucrative.
