Across platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram, an enticing offer has been making the rounds in Brunei: “Want to earn quick cash? Just let us use your bank account – no risk, no stress.” Or “Side income: legit work, easy money. DM me if you’re interested.”
It sounds like a dream deal - no effort, no questions asked. But behind the promise of easy cash lies a dark reality: a network of money mule accounts used to funnel funds tied to scams, fraud, and even international money laundering syndicates.
It sounds like a dream deal - no effort, no questions asked. But behind the promise of easy cash lies a dark reality: a network of money mule accounts used to funnel funds tied to scams, fraud, and even international money laundering syndicates.
How it works
Criminals approach account holders with offers of cash in exchange for “borrowing” their accounts. They deposit stolen or illicit funds into those accounts, then quickly move them elsewhere—often in multiple small transfers—to disguise their origin.
This “layering” process is a key step in money laundering. By using your account, criminals are essentially making you part of the chain that cleans dirty money.
Even if you didn’t know the money was illegal, you could still be held responsible.
Across Brunei, people are knowingly – and unknowingly – renting out their bank accounts to strangers, lured by the prospect of quick payouts. Some are offered $50 for a one-off transaction, while others are paid up to $100 or more weekly, depending on the account type or urgency.
Some try it once and walk away. Others become repeat “suppliers,” hooked on the steady cash flow.
This “layering” process is a key step in money laundering. By using your account, criminals are essentially making you part of the chain that cleans dirty money.
Even if you didn’t know the money was illegal, you could still be held responsible.
Across Brunei, people are knowingly – and unknowingly – renting out their bank accounts to strangers, lured by the prospect of quick payouts. Some are offered $50 for a one-off transaction, while others are paid up to $100 or more weekly, depending on the account type or urgency.
Some try it once and walk away. Others become repeat “suppliers,” hooked on the steady cash flow.
Aisha’s story
Take Aisha, for example. She’s 24 and working as a barista in the city. She earns a decent income, enough to cover her monthly expenses, but like many young people, she wishes she had a bit more breathing room.
One evening on her way home from work, she stumbled across an online ad promising “easy money” for minimal effort. Curious, she responds.
Soon, she receives a message from “James,” who claims to be a recruiter for a financial services company.
James: “Hey Aisha, saw your DM. Want to earn $100 a week by letting us use your bank account for a few transactions?”
Aisha: “Sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?”
James: “No catch. We just need a clean account to process some client payments. Totally legal. You don’t need to do anything—just share your ATM card and internet banking login details, and we deposit $100 every week. Easy money.”
Aisha: “Is it safe?”
James: “Totally. We’ve got dozens of people doing this. You’re just helping us move funds for legit business deals. You in?”
Tempted, Aisha agreed to try it “just once.” She shares her bank details, and within days, $100 appears in her account, along with deposits and withdrawals she doesn’t recognise. It all seems smooth and easier than picking up an extra shift.
Not long after, James reaches out again.
James: “Nice job, Aisha! Want to keep it going? We can bump you to $150 a week.”
Aisha: “Wow, really? I’m in. Just keep the payments coming.”
Aisha repeatedly rented out her account, unaware her account was being used to move money from illegal activities like phishing scams and cryptocurrency fraud.
The Hard Truth
Stories similar to Aisha’s are happening across Brunei.
In July 2025, 10 individuals in Brunei were detained by the Royal Brunei Police Force for knowingly allowing their bank accounts to be used by criminal syndicates. The legal consequences are real. The suspects could face jail time of up to three years, a fine of up to $10,000 or both, if convicted.
Whether you’re a student, a working adult, unemployed or simply looking for extra income, it’s the allure of quick cash the draws in people. There’s no “typical” victim. It’s not always strangers that reach out, sometimes it’s through a mutual friend or relative. One anonymous participant shared, “$50 for receiving one transfer? Honestly, it felt safer than selling vape.”
But here’s the truth: renting out your bank account makes you a money mule, whether you realize it or not. Your account could be used to move funds from e-commerce fraud, phishing scams, or online investment scams.
Under Brunei’s Criminal Asset Recovery Order, 2012, being part of a money mule operation—even unknowingly— can still leave you liable. Even if you didn’t use the funds, you can be complicit in money laundering.
Your account. Your responsibility.
If someone offers you $50 or $150 to “borrow” your bank account, ask yourself:
Is it worth risking your future, your reputation, or your freedom?
Don’t get drawn into peer pressure or the illusion that “everyone’s doing it” or “eh, semua orang buat.”
If you think you’ve already been caught up in one of these scams, don’t panic—but act quickly. Report it to the police. The sooner you speak up, the better your chances of protecting yourself and limiting the damage.
The promise of fast money can be tempting—but it’s almost never worth the price. Your bank account is a personal asset tied to your identity. Don’t let it be a tool for crime.
Is it worth risking your future, your reputation, or your freedom?
Don’t get drawn into peer pressure or the illusion that “everyone’s doing it” or “eh, semua orang buat.”
If you think you’ve already been caught up in one of these scams, don’t panic—but act quickly. Report it to the police. The sooner you speak up, the better your chances of protecting yourself and limiting the damage.
The promise of fast money can be tempting—but it’s almost never worth the price. Your bank account is a personal asset tied to your identity. Don’t let it be a tool for crime.
If someone asks to use your account for a suspicious transaction or requests that you transfer money on their behalf, be cautious. You could be unknowingly acting as a money mule. Stop all communication with the other party and report the matter to the police immediately.
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