most people are aware of mule accounts, yet the temptation never really goes away — the promise of a small cut from the total amount that moves through can be hard to resist. some have it even worse, being forced into it; for example, those in debt to loan sharks who end up handing over their atm cards just to reduce what they owe.

there’s a chinese saying: “don’t preach kindness to those whose pain you’ve never endured.” it’s a sobering reminder not to underestimate what desperate people might do for money.

those who use their savings account for business are usually small/new startups — the kind of people banks don’t seem eager to offer current accounts to. last time, i wanted to open one myself to handle a few large cash deals and be able to write cheques. i knew it wasn’t a formal business, but still, the bank staff started asking for an introducer and all sorts of requirements. it just feels like the system isn’t made to accommodate small startups or mom-and-pop shops.