Is this job a money laundering scam? Am I responsible?

[bobg]

I recently took a payroll processing job where I set up a joint banking account to receive money from the company and dispersed it by international wire transfers.Now the bank says that there was fraud by the joint account holder with the deposits,that the deposits were not authorized.The bank says that they're holding me liable for the money.Where do I stand here?
I have an e-contract with the company that outlines my compensation as $4000- payable at the beginning of the month plus 5% of each transfer processed.Is there any kind of problem with this?

 

[tpajet]

They would have to report this to the authorities, and let them bring any charges they decide to, although they would do an investigation first. The key thing that would have to be proven is that you knew there was illegal activity involved. If you can prove that you were an employee then that would certainly help, but it's not a 100%. Either way, do prepare for things to get a bit ugly.

If they do investigate be prepared for lots of questioning, with the same story over, and be prepared for them to try to bluff you by saying that have some solid evidence (we saw you on video, or something supposedly rock solid) that they don't really have. If that's the case then simply tell them"If you have it, then let's see it." You don't want to get to smart ass with them, but don't be afraid to stand up for yourself either. But above all, stick only to the facts that you were simply an employee and this is what you were instructed to do by your employer.

Best thing would be to consult with a lawyer ASAP.

One point that would work in your favor is that you were not (I hope) on the account where the money was coming from. In other words, you were authorized to transfer the money in a specific manner, but you did not actually have access to the money.

 

[army judge]

I recently took a payroll processing job where I set up a joint banking account to receive money from the company and dispersed it by international wire transfers.Now the bank says that there was fraud by the joint account holder with the deposits,that the deposits were not authorized.The bank says that they're holding me liable for the money.Where do I stand here?
I have an e-contract with the company that outlines my compensation as $4000- payable at the beginning of the month plus 5% of each transfer processed.Is there any kind of problem with this?

Big problems with what you say you've done.

Please, speak with an attorney ASAP.

It isn't just about the money that may be owed.

You may have committed some serious crimes.

Take everything you have about this deal to the lawyer, a criminal lawyer, when you visit. You could be facing some serious federal charges (I won't post them here)!!!

 

[bobg]

Thank you for your quick response.The bank did start online fraud investigations when I withdrew the money and I've spoken with their fraud dept. several times-always taped "for quality assurance".On one case I've received a letter stating that they found no wrongdoing on my part and were closing the case. On the other, they want me to provide all e-mails with the company,Western Union receipts,etc. I want to cooperate but I don't want them to turn around and use it against me. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[BayState]

It just amazes me that after 30+ years of the "Nigerian Scam" and similar scams, that people STILL fall for it.

 

[army judge]

Thank you for your quick response.The bank did start online fraud investigations when I withdrew the money and I've spoken with their fraud dept. several times-always taped "for quality assurance".On one case I've received a letter stating that they found no wrongdoing on my part and were closing the case. On the other, they want me to provide all e-mails with the company,Western Union receipts,etc. I want to cooperate but I don't want them to turn around and use it against me. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Consult a criminal attorney and discuss the details of this case with him.
I can tell you this, the bank will want the money repaid.
I hope you still have it.
If not, you should gather it.
You need an attorney.
This isn't just going to go away.
That's not how it works.
They'll say anything to get you to talk.

 

[BayState]

Consult a criminal attorney and discuss the details of this case with him.
I can tell you this, the bank will want the money repaid.
I hope you still have it.
If not, you should gather it.
You need an attorney.
This isn't just going to go away.
That's not how it works.
They'll say anything to get you to talk.

Totally agree.