This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
In the world of cybercrime, new methods of deception are constantly emerging. One of the most insidious and simultaneously lesser-known to the general public is the use of drops – people whom fraudsters involve in money laundering or cashing out. Often, drops are not even aware that they have become participants in a crime. However, the responsibility for the actions is real and criminal.
Who are drops?
Drop – is a person who voluntarily or through ignorance agrees to have their bank card become part of a criminal scheme. Money obtained through fraud, cybercrime, drug trafficking, or human trafficking passes through it. The main goal of criminals is to obscure financial trails, and drops are merely a tool.
How does the scheme work?
Imagine, a stranger writes to you on social media or an email arrives. They offer a simple remote job: you only need to receive money on your bank card and forward it. They promise from 5,000 to 10,000 hryvnias a month, working just a few minutes a day, no experience needed.
In reality – this is a trap. This is how fraudsters recruit drops, or money mules – people who help them transfer and "launder" stolen money.
How can you get drawn into this?
1. Pseudo-job postings
“Money transfer operator”
“Work from home – only a bank card needed”
“Open an account for a company, you will be paid for servicing”
Such advertisements often appear in Telegram channels, Facebook groups, or even on real job sites. They promise income “with no effort,” and do not ask about education or experience.
2. Requests from acquaintances
“My banking system is down, can I receive money on your card?” – usually, this is either a hacked account of an acquaintance or a real acquaintance who has become a drop themselves.
3. Easy earnings through mobile apps
The user is offered to register on a platform, go through “verification,” provide copies of their passport or card – and then suspicious funds start arriving in this account.
What are the risks?
The Cyber Police of Odesa emphasizes: regardless of whether you knew you were helping criminals – you may face criminal liability. According to Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the legalization (laundering) of income obtained through criminal means is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to six years, with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to two years, along with confiscation of property.
Your data may also be entered into banking “blacklists,” complicating the opening of accounts, obtaining loans, etc.
How not to become a drop: tips from the Cyber Police
Do not provide your banking details to third parties.
Do not open accounts “for someone else.” You are responsible for everything that happens with your documents.
Beware of “easy” remote work that does not ask about experience but requests personal data or access to banking.
Check job postings – suspiciously lucrative vacancies often have fraudulent roots.
Additional information about various types of online fraud can be found on the “Cyber Gateway” resource (https://stopfraud.gov.ua/cybersecurity-in-life/shahrajski-shemy) – this is an educational and informational platform created at the initiative of the Cyber Police of Ukraine, which helps every internet user familiarize themselves with the most common fraudulent schemes and learn how to effectively counteract them.
Fraudsters today are looking not only for victims but also for “assistants.” Sometimes these are students, unemployed individuals, retirees – people looking for income. But participation in money schemes is not a side job, but criminal activity.
Remember: it is better to lose a fake “dream job” than to find yourself under investigation for someone else's crimes.
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