^{Security Tips} Money Mules

Money Mules: Risks and Consequences for Customers

What Is Money Muling?

Money muling refers to:

• The unlawful provision, transfer, or acquisition of access to a bank account, payment instrument, or identification credentials.
• The execution of illegal payments and/or money transfers, including on behalf of third parties, in exchange for financial compensation.

What Is Prohibited?

A bank account, payment card, and any means of access to them (PIN code, CVV/CVC code, passwords, SMS and OTP verification codes, mobile banking application) are intended solely for use by their rightful owner.

The following actions are prohibited:

• Providing a bank card or access to a bank account to another person in exchange for payment.
• Opening bank accounts or obtaining payment cards at the request and for the benefit of third parties.
• Sharing PIN codes, CVV/CVC codes, passwords, SMS codes, or OTP verification codes with anyone.
• Withdrawing cash or transferring funds on behalf of third parties for remuneration.
• Providing identity documents for the purpose of opening accounts or obtaining banking products in another person's name.

Liability

Depending on the nature of the actions committed, the severity of the offense, and the amount of benefit received, Article 232-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan provides for penalties including fines or imprisonment for up to seven years, with confiscation of property.

Other Consequences

In addition to criminal liability, the following consequences may apply:

• Restriction on leaving the Republic of Kazakhstan during the investigation and court proceedings.
• Blocking of bank accounts and payment cards, termination of banking service agreements, and denial of financial services.
• Recovery of damages and unjust enrichment in accordance with Article 953 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

How Fraudsters Recruit Money Mules

Common recruitment methods include:

• Offers of “easy money” through messaging apps and social media.
• Job advertisements offering payment for opening a bank card.
• Requests to receive a money transfer and forward the funds to another person.
• Proposals to withdraw cash and hand it over to a courier.
• Offers to “rent out” a bank account or payment card.
• Requests from employers or intermediaries to hand over a bank card as part of employment arrangements.

If You Have Already Shared Your Card or Account Access

If you have provided a bank card, bank account details, or account access credentials to third parties:

• Immediately block the card through your bank’s mobile application or contact your bank.
• Promptly report the incident to law enforcement authorities by calling 102.

Please note: A person who commits this offense for the first time, voluntarily reports it, and actively assists in its detection and investigation may be exempt from criminal liability in accordance with the note to Article 232-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Remember

Your bank account, payment card and access credentials are intended exclusively for your personal use. Never allow anyone else to use them on your behalf.