Sometimes, the biggest trouble begins with the smallest favours. You might think, “What’s the harm in letting my dad or aunty use my account for a day?” or “I’m just helping my friend transfer some money — no big deal.” But these seemingly harmless favours can lead to serious consequences.
If someone uses your account to move money tied to scams or illicit activities, even if you’re unaware of it, you could be responsible. That’s how people end up as money mules, with their bank accounts exploited to move illicit money. Unfortunately, saying “I didn’t know” won’t save you from the fallout.
Read our article Don’t become a money mule! to learn more about how these scams work and what you can do to protect yourself.
Here are four common scenarios in Brunei that demonstrate how easily someone can become a money mule. Each example offers lessons to help you stay safe and avoid getting involved in such activities.
If someone uses your account to move money tied to scams or illicit activities, even if you’re unaware of it, you could be responsible. That’s how people end up as money mules, with their bank accounts exploited to move illicit money. Unfortunately, saying “I didn’t know” won’t save you from the fallout.
Read our article Don’t become a money mule! to learn more about how these scams work and what you can do to protect yourself.
Here are four common scenarios in Brunei that demonstrate how easily someone can become a money mule. Each example offers lessons to help you stay safe and avoid getting involved in such activities.
1. “I thought I was just helping my dad” — your name, your responsibility
At 25, Hakim took a career break to “figure things out” and spent most of his time at home with his parents. So when his dad asked to use his bank account for some “quick transactions,” he didn’t think twice.
Over the next few weeks, large sums of money moved in and out of Hakim’s account —often within the same day.
What seemed like a harmless request soon disrupted his ability to manage his finances the way he normally would.
“I didn’t know it could get this serious,” Hakim said. “I thought I was just doing my dad a favour.”
The lesson? Don’t let others use your account, not even family. Whatever happens in your account is ultimately your responsibility.
Over the next few weeks, large sums of money moved in and out of Hakim’s account —often within the same day.
What seemed like a harmless request soon disrupted his ability to manage his finances the way he normally would.
“I didn’t know it could get this serious,” Hakim said. “I thought I was just doing my dad a favour.”
The lesson? Don’t let others use your account, not even family. Whatever happens in your account is ultimately your responsibility.
2. “Ku bagi aunty ku pakai sekajap…” — the cost of a simple favour
Faiz had just started his career as a government servant. At 24, he was proud to be earning a stable income. One day, his aunty asked if she could use his bank account temporarily. "Just for a week," she said. "It’s easier than opening a new one right now, and I just need to receive a few payments."
Wanting to be helpful, Faiz agreed without much thought. But he soon noticed something unusual: frequent transactions from unfamiliar sources and people he didn’t know.
He then realised he wasn’t able to use his account like he normally would. What started as a simple favour had turned into an issue that would affect him for much longer than expected.
The lesson? Letting someone use your account might seem harmless, but the risks and the consequences can stick with you for a long time. Think twice — even if it’s a family member.
Wanting to be helpful, Faiz agreed without much thought. But he soon noticed something unusual: frequent transactions from unfamiliar sources and people he didn’t know.
He then realised he wasn’t able to use his account like he normally would. What started as a simple favour had turned into an issue that would affect him for much longer than expected.
The lesson? Letting someone use your account might seem harmless, but the risks and the consequences can stick with you for a long time. Think twice — even if it’s a family member.
3. “Sis didn’t even know she was in business” — caught in online gambling promos
Nisa, 22, was looking for a job and was tight on cash. One evening, an old friend messaged her: "Hey, I need to receive some funds urgently, but my account’s frozen. Can I use yours just for a few transfers?” Nisa hesitated, but didn’t want to seem difficult. "Okay, but just this once," she replied.
Weeks later, Nisa was shocked to find her name and account number featured in a flashy Telegram ad promoting online gambling. Her account had been used to funnel funds and promote gambling. Money was moving in and out at an alarming pace, linking her to activities she had no idea were happening.
By the time she realised what had happened, the damage was already done.
The lesson? Never share your account details. You could get linked to activities you never meant to be part of. Keep it safe; it's your responsibility.
4. “Just helping family bah…” — when good intentions go wrong
Abang had a stable job in the government and was known for being helpful. So when his sibling asked for a small favour — sending money, making purchases, or helping with “online stuff” —he didn’t think twice.
What he didn’t realise was that these favours were tied to a larger scam operation. His account was being used to move illicit funds, and before he knew it, he was struggling to access his own money and facing restrictions on his banking services.
Abang never imagined that a small ask from a family member could put him in serious financial trouble, affecting his ability to manage his own accounts in the future.
The lesson? Moving money for someone can put you at risk — you could become involved in scams or illicit activities without even realising it. Protect your account; it’s on you.
What he didn’t realise was that these favours were tied to a larger scam operation. His account was being used to move illicit funds, and before he knew it, he was struggling to access his own money and facing restrictions on his banking services.
Abang never imagined that a small ask from a family member could put him in serious financial trouble, affecting his ability to manage his own accounts in the future.
The lesson? Moving money for someone can put you at risk — you could become involved in scams or illicit activities without even realising it. Protect your account; it’s on you.
From family favour to financial fallout
Sometimes it feels easier to say yes —whether it’s because you’re close, you feel guilty saying no, or you just want to avoid the hassle. But letting someone use your bank account isn’t harmless.
Here’s the truth: the moment money moves through your account; you are accountable. Not your dad, not your aunty, not your friend. You.
And when things go wrong? The consequences can follow you for years. You could face restrictions or struggle to open future accounts, or even get tangled in legal trouble linked to scams or illicit activities you never intended to be involved in.
Here’s the truth: the moment money moves through your account; you are accountable. Not your dad, not your aunty, not your friend. You.
And when things go wrong? The consequences can follow you for years. You could face restrictions or struggle to open future accounts, or even get tangled in legal trouble linked to scams or illicit activities you never intended to be involved in.
3 things to remember
- Your account, your responsibility — No matter who’s moving the money. If it’s your account, you’re accountable.
- Helping isn’t always harmless — A simple favour can turn into involvement, and that’s how people unknowingly become money mules.
- The consequences can follow you — Once your account is misused, it can affect your ability to use banking services and may even put you at legal risk.
The next time someone says, “Just use your account for a bit, can?” – say no. It’s not worth it.
If you suspect someone is trying to use your account or asks you to transfer money, be cautious. These actions could make you a money mule by receiving or transferring funds for strangers. Stop all communication with the other party and report the matter to the police immediately.
For assistance, you can email us, visit your nearest branch, or call our 24-hour customer helpline at 244 9666.
If you suspect someone is trying to use your account or asks you to transfer money, be cautious. These actions could make you a money mule by receiving or transferring funds for strangers. Stop all communication with the other party and report the matter to the police immediately.
For assistance, you can email us, visit your nearest branch, or call our 24-hour customer helpline at 244 9666.
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