KUALA LUMPUR : Some students who become victims of online scams involving mule accounts were unwittingly lured into the illegal activities due to promises of job offers or easy cash.
Others might have willingly given their bank account details due to their hardships in coping with the high cost of living.
Tertiary student representatives who spoke to the New Straits Times also said that some undergraduates lacked the knowledge to prevent themselves from being mule account victims.
National Student Representative Council president Wan Amsyar Hadie Wan Mahadi, 25, said syndicates approached students individually or in groups through social media, messaging apps, or even on campus and they offered them quick and easy money for access into a student's account.
The scammers may present offers that look like legitimate job opportunities with little to no risk involved.
"Some may be promised a percentage of the money that passes through their accounts. They also might use click bait advertisements. Most students will fall for the tricks if they are not careful.
"Financial struggle is another reason they do it. Financial struggles are most common for students. Some students get some form of financial help at university via education loans, but there are others who do not get these privileges.
"They feel the government aid or university support is insufficient to meet their needs. They may not be aware of or have easy access to available resources," said Wan Amsyar.
He said some students may not trust or feel comfortable seeking help from university authorities, fearing judgment or exposure.
"The students who involuntarily turn their accounts into mule accounts are often scammed or tricked through job offers on social media."
Tang Yi Ze, 20, who is Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth vice-president said:
"They become victims when they fill up their personal information, including their account number for the sake of a job which is being offered to them."
He said students who "voluntarily" turn their bank accounts into mule accounts are aware of the scam, but they choose to do it as it would paid heftily.
UM Students Union representative Lai Yue Yi, 23, who is a third year law student said some of her fellow students may not be equipped with enough knowledge and experience to avoid from being scam victims.
"Students may be lured by fast and easy money. Without thinking twice, they will provide their personal information to these scam syndicates."
She said this was mainly due to the ever increasing university fees, and how it is getting harder for students to make ends meet.
She said many students in big cities like Kuala Lumpur need to work part-time, especially if they are from low income families.
She agreed with Wan Amsyar that some victims do it because they feel that they have no access to financial aid, or have no knowledge of them.
"They might have reached out to bursaries and other entities for scholarships or loans. However, the financial aid system in Malaysia is far from perfect. At times, the funds do not flow to those who really need it, especially among those who are marginalised," she said.