Nottinghamshire Police are warning people about the dangers of getting caught up in money laundering scams.

With the cost of living having an impact on personal finances, the police are raising awareness of online schemes which promise quick and easy money.

Students, young people, or those on low incomes are often targeted by organised crimes gangs who want to use their bank accounts to launder their "dirty money" – however officers from the force's Economic & Cyber Crime Unit are urging people not to be fooled.

"What might seem like an easy way to make some extra cash could end with a criminal record and a prison sentence," warned Fraud & Cyber Protect Officer Dale Richardson.

"If anyone you don't know asks you to let them transfer some money into your bank account and for you to transfer it onto someone else – don't.

"If you are contacted on any social media platform by someone saying that you can make easy money, do not engage – the banks are hot on this and will freeze your bank account, labelling you as a 'Money Mule'."

A number of money muling cases have come to the attention of Nottinghamshire Police in recent weeks, with 16 and 17-year-olds recruited via social media channels such as Snapchat and Instagram.

Money muling is often disguised as 'make money quick' schemes or 'trading opportunities' and involves sending money to someone and asking them to forward it onto another account, usually for a small fee.

It is also known as 'deets and squares' referring to the bank details and cards which young people are often asked to hand over in exchange for a cut of the cash laundered through their accounts.

Once the money has been laundered, it is used in serious crimes including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, drug smuggling and terrorist activity however, anyone caught using their bank accounts for such crimes could face up to 14 years in prison.

In addition to a criminal record, their bank accounts will be closed, and they will be prevented from having an account for six years. This would make it extremely difficult to access student loans, mortgages, take out a phone contract and affect future job prospects.

Dale added: "The police will visit you and your credit score will be affected, which will make it harder for you to take out loans or a mortgage. This will also affect job opportunities where a DBS check is required.

"People might see letting someone else use their bank account as easy money but these transactions help fund organised crime and allowing your account details to be used for fraud means you could face a prison sentence."

Anyone who thinks that they have been a victim of fraud, should report all fraud-related incidents to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre, to help build a national picture and help prevent others falling victim to scams.

Action Fraud can be contacted online by clicking here or on 0300 123 20 40. Anyone that has information about a fraud or scam but wishes to remain anonymous, can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.