I work for a company that prevents credit card fraud. My experience is that no one really gets in legal trouble. The banks will do what they can to prevent fraud, but they are not willing to spend money prosecuting fraudsters, let alone the mules.
Over the last year, I have only heard of one case where our banks even started an investigation into a fraudster, and this guy has cleared millions of dollars. Unfortunately, this big fraudsters tend to be overseas and extradition is not a possibility.
As the article mentioned, the mules are generally getting duped. They are the ones with all the exposure, but they usually just got roped into a 'work at home and make $$$' scheme or a love scam (I met someone over the internet, I am helping them move packages for their company). Often the postal inspectors will be the ones that notice something out of order and tell the mule they are part of a scam. Again, the banks will work to shut down mules, but they will not prosecute.
Over the last year, I have only heard of one case where our banks even started an investigation into a fraudster, and this guy has cleared millions of dollars. Unfortunately, this big fraudsters tend to be overseas and extradition is not a possibility.
As the article mentioned, the mules are generally getting duped. They are the ones with all the exposure, but they usually just got roped into a 'work at home and make $$$' scheme or a love scam (I met someone over the internet, I am helping them move packages for their company). Often the postal inspectors will be the ones that notice something out of order and tell the mule they are part of a scam. Again, the banks will work to shut down mules, but they will not prosecute.