What is smurfing?

[libby]

I came across the term “smurfing” in finance and gaming contexts. Can someone explain what smurfing means and how it’s used differently across industries?

 

[alexmetro]

Yep, it is one of those terms, which has various meanings depending on the context –in finance smurfing is about dividing large illegal trades into small to go undetected, whereas in the gaming industry it is when good players join new accounts into matches with beginners.

 

[Peter]

Smurfing is the practice of using a fake or lower-level account to play against less experienced players, usually in online games, to gain easy wins or hide a player’s true skill level.

 

[dominic]

"Smurfing is a money laundering technique used to disguise the origin of funds. It involves breaking down large amounts into smaller transactions, often using multiple accounts or individuals, to avoid detection by financial institutions. Smurfing is a serious financial crime and is punishable by law."