Job Acceptance in Money Mule Recruitment: Theoretical View on the Rewards

Abstract

The inspiring digital innovation has gained traction from criminals who have perfected their modus operandi in targeting victims with cybercrimes and fraudulent activities with the financial motive being the common denominator. The money trail had been the evidence of the crime, as such the illicit funds enter a money-laundering scheme to disguise the money trail from the unlawful activities and transform the funds into legitimate sources. Criminals recruit money mules and position them in the money laundering cycle to transfer funds that have been credited into their bank accounts. Criminals strategize recruitment by promoting job packages with persuasive job vacancy advertisements and attractive rewards. The hidden criminal agenda has been blurred in the decision making and job acceptance process by the rewards offered. This study will explore the underlying psychological aspect which relates to rewards and job acceptance using the theory of heuristics, social influence, and individual differences. Based on the examination, victims were captivated by attractive rewards and scrutinizing the job package became less attentive in deciding the job acceptance.