11 Common Money Transfer Scams and How to Avoid Them
Wherever there is money involved there are always scams. This guide will help you avoid money transfer scams.
Read more (opens in new window)Trust & Safety Center
Enhance your online safety knowledge with confidence — welcome to our Trust & Safety Center. This comprehensive resource is designed to keep you informed and empowered with expert tips, tools, and guidance to identify, report, and safeguard against scams. At Remitly, we are dedicated to helping you protect what matters most to you.
What is a scam?
A scam is a deceptive scheme intended to trick you into giving away money or personal information. An individual with harmful intent might gain your trust by pretending to be a family member, love interest, financial expert, or government official.
What is a tax scam?
Scammers impersonate trusted entities like the IRS, tax professionals, or charity organizations, tricking individuals into sending money or disclosing personal or financial information. These imposters use convincing tactics such as official-looking websites, fake caller IDs displaying “IRS”, even AI generated voices or messages to appear legitimate. This type of scam heightens during or around tax season but can occur all year-round.
Common scam tactics include: fake tax deductible charity donations, advanced-fee refunds or special tax credits, and unpaid tax claims to name a few.
Common scam tactics include: fake tax deductible charity donations, advanced-fee refunds or special tax credits, and unpaid tax claims to name a few.
How you can protect yourself from tax scams:
- Be suspicious of unexpected communications: Scammers frequently use unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages claiming to be the IRS or a tax professional.
- Be on alert for these messages: Threats of arrest or legal action, “looks too good to be true” refund offers, refunds or tax credits which require an advanced deposit, and urgent claims that your account needs assistance. Poor grammar, spelling errors, or odd formatting is a clear tip off.
- Reflect on the payment method: Scammers often demand payment to be sent via gift cards, money transfer apps, or cryptocurrency. Always visit the official tax office website to verify payment procedures, and use a URL checker (opens in new window) to ensure you’re not being directed to a fraudulent site.
- Verify the legitimacy of a tax professional with the IRS’s Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers (opens in new window) and the legitimacy of a charity with the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) Tool (opens in new window).
- Don’t rush, ask for help: Scammers rely on pressure tactics. If something feels off, pause, reflect, and consider consulting a trusted family member or friend before responding or sharing any information.
Protect yourself from:
Romance scams
What is a romance scam?
In a romance or dating scam, the victim is tricked into thinking they’ve found true love online. Scammers play with your emotions, pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship. They use flattering words and stolen pictures to win trust and affection.
Once they have the victim hooked, they ask for money or gift cards. They might claim it’s for a plane ticket to meet up or to cover unexpected medical expenses. They prey on the desire for love and companionship, making it hard to say no.
How you can protect yourself from romance scams:
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, take a step back.
- Stay on the App: Scammers often try to move conversations off dating platforms quickly to avoid detection.
- Verify Their Story: Verify the person’s identity by doing a reverse image search or asking for a video call.
- Be Cautious of Love Bombing: Scammers often use "love bombing" to overwhelm you with excessive compliments, grand promises, or declarations of love early on. While it may feel flattering, this is a common tactic to lower your guard and build quick trust. Take your time to get to know someone and be wary if they push for intense emotional closeness too soon.
- Avoid Sending Money: Requests for financial assistance, especially early on, are a major red flag, even if the person appears to be in a dire situation.
- Secure Your Accounts: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on all your financial accounts.
- Learn to Spot AI Deception: Scammers may use AI-generated text or images to seem more authentic. Look for inconsistencies in their communication or overly polished profiles.
Are you scam-savvy?
With scams becoming more sophisticated, staying alert is essential.
Take this quiz which will test your ability to recognize the warning signs and protect yourself. Ready to see if you're scam-savvy?
Take this quiz which will test your ability to recognize the warning signs and protect yourself. Ready to see if you're scam-savvy?
What scam resources should I use?
How to Avoid Holiday Scams and Keep Your Remitly Account Safe
Don't get caught out online. Follow Remitly's top tips to avoid holiday scams and stay safe when using Remitly.
Read more (opens in new window)
Help Center: How do I protect myself from scams or fraud?
Learn how to keep yourself safe from scams and keep your Remitly account safe.
Read more (opens in new window)Collaboration with Get Safe Online
In partnership with Get Safe Online (a global online safety organization), Remitly hosted a webinar exploring practical tips to help you stay scam-savvy and keep your information secure. From spotting the early warning signs of fraud to learning how to protect yourself in real time, this webinar is packed with actionable advice.
Learn more about scams and fraud with Get Safe Online's advice in the video below.
Learn more about scams and fraud with Get Safe Online's advice in the video below.
Watch our webinar with Get Safe Online below
Report a scam
If you suspect you may have been scammed, our specialized team is standing by to help. Click the button below to get in touch.
External scam resources
Whether you need to look up scam reports or find professional support in your area, these trusted resources can help.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fraud and scam guide (opens in new window): This U.S. government agency helps make sure people understand their rights and are treated fairly by financial organizations.
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission fraud reporting website (opens in new window): Use this government website to report fraud and scams and help law enforcement protect others.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation scams and safety page (opens in new window):
Find resources for reporting and avoiding scams on this U.S. government website. - Ready.gov cybersecurity resources (opens in new window): This U.S. government website has guidance for what to do before, during, and after your information or money has been stolen.
- Get Safe Online (opens in new window): Learn about how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your business as you use the internet.