Bank Account Rental Mule Scam through an app

How it looks through an app, the red flags and what to do.

A fake app can be installed from a link, from a file sent on chat or even from a lookalike listing. Once on your phone it can ask for powerful permissions. Bank Account Rental Mule Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A stranger offers commission to let your bank account receive and forward money. The funds are stolen, and you can face the consequences.

What bank account rental mule scam looks like through an app

• A "KYC", "challan" or "bank rewards" app from a link.
• An .apk file sent on WhatsApp or by SMS.
• An app outside the official store that asks for many permissions.

The scammer recruits people who need money, such as students, job seekers and people in debt, by promising a commission of a few thousand rupees for a short period. They say the business is legal, such as online trading, a game or a foreign client who cannot use their own account. They avoid giving a company name you can check and use only chat to talk.

Red flags to check on the app

• You are offered money for letting someone use your account.
• You must forward received money to other accounts.
• Your net banking login, card or chequebook is requested.
• The business is described as legal but has no company name to check.
• It asks you to turn off Play Protect.
• The app does not come from the official store listing of the company.

What to do

1. Say no. Never lend, rent or share your account, card or UPI.
2. Do not forward any money that arrives from a stranger.
3. Tell your bank about unexpected credits using the number on your card.
4. Run a phone scan (Safeavio Sentinel lists risky apps and settings).
5. Call your bank, and call 1930 if money moved.
6. Do not install it. If it is installed, uninstall it now (Settings, Apps).

Report the fake app to the store it came from and, if money moved, call 1930 and report at cybercrime.gov.in.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call your bank on the number on your passbook and block net banking, cards and UPI.
2. Call 1930 and report what you shared and received.
3. Keep all chats, receipts and transaction records for the report.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in and cooperate with official channels; we do not give legal advice.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's scam check can review the offer message you paste and show signs such as easy money, urgency and a request for banking details, and Money Shield asks you to verify before you send money to anyone. It cannot judge the legal risk of a particular offer, so say no and talk to your bank if you are unsure. Say no.

Full guide: Bank Account Rental Mule Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: WhatsApp, social media, phone call.

Questions