Students tricked into committing crimes by dodgy job ads

Job ads offering "quick and easy money" in exchange for moving funds through the student's bank account have been spotted on job boards, social media and pop-up notifications.

The jobs often required no experience, offered weekly payments and flexible work arrangements but required applicants to have a mobile phone or computer and an Australian bank account.

AFP detective superintendent Tim Stainton said "if someone asks you to move money through your bank account in exchange for payment, then they are asking you to be a money mule."

The Australian Federal Police defined a money mule as "a person who receives money from a third party into their bank account, transfers it into another account and obtains a commission for it".

This crime carried a prison sentence of 12 months to life based on the severity of offending. It could also be in breach of bank terms and students could lose access to their accounts.

"If you are being offered significant sums of money to just move money through your bank account, then it is likely you are committing a criminal offence," detective superintendent Stainton said.

Investigators said the money being transferred was often used by criminals to fund serious crimes including cybercrime, terrorism and human trafficking.

Police said uni students could be targeted due to financial instability and their active search for part time work.

Language barriers and a limited knowledge of Australian criminal law meant international students were particularly at risk.

Police plan to provide a information packs about money muling to 39 universities across Australia and promote their warning against the criminal offence on social media.

The information packs include details on what a money mule is, how to spot the signs of the scams and what students should do if they fall victim.

These will be printed in a number of languages including Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Nepali, Spanish, Vietnamese and Thai to ensure accessibility for international students.

Police said those who suspect they've been tricked into money muling should stop all communication with their "employers", not make any further transfers and call their bank.

Report to police using the Report button on the Cyber.gov.au website. If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, call 000.