How To Stop Fraud When Sending Money Abroad

Sending money internationally has never been easier. With a few taps on your phone, you can support family, pay suppliers, invest abroad, or handle emergencies across borders. At the same time, however, the rise of digital payments has created new opportunities for fraud.

While reputable money transfer providers continue to strengthen their security systems, scammers are just as determined. They adapt quickly, exploit emotions, and take advantage of moments when you’re distracted, stressed, or in a hurry.

However, we are steps ahead. Most money transfer scams follow predictable patterns. When you understand how they work, you reduce your risk.

Here’s a guide on what money transfer scams are, how they operate, and how to protect yourself.

What Is a Money Transfer Scam?

A money transfer scam occurs when someone manipulates you into sending money under false pretenses. The scammer may pose as:

• A family member in distress
• A romantic partner
• A business contact
• A government official
• A charity
• An investment advisor

The common thread is deception. The fraudster creates a believable story that triggers urgency, fear, love, greed, or trust and persuades you to send funds before you have time to verify the situation.

Unlike traditional theft, these scams rely on psychological manipulation. Once the money is sent, especially internationally, it can be extremely difficult to recover.

Why International Transfers Are Often Targeted

International money transfers are attractive to scammers because:

• Funds can move quickly across jurisdictions.
• Cross-border investigations are complex.
• Recovery processes may be slower or limited.
• Victims may not know how to report the crime in another country.

This doesn’t mean international transfers are unsafe; it means you must treat them with the same caution you would use when wiring large sums locally.

How to Spot a Money Transfer Scam

Recognizing how to stop fraud when sending money abroad is your strongest defense. Below are the most common red flags.

1. Unsolicited or Unexpected Requests

If someone contacts you out of the blue asking for money, even if they claim to be a friend or family member, the first thing to do is pause.

Scammers frequently:

• Hack social media accounts
• Spoof phone numbers
• Impersonate relatives in emergencies

Always verify through a second, independent channel before sending money.

2. Pressure and Urgency

Fraudsters thrive on panic. You’re likely to hear one of these:

• “I need this immediately.”
• “Don’t tell anyone.”
• “You must act within the hour.”
• “This offer expires today.”

Legitimate institutions do not pressure you into immediate transfers without documentation or time to review. When urgency and secrecy combine, treat it as a major warning sign.

3. Requests for Confidential Information

Never share:

• Banking login credentials
• One-time passwords (OTPs)
• Card security codes
• Full identification details

Even if the request appears to be from your bank, verify it through official channels. Financial institutions do not request sensitive credentials via unsecured platforms.

4. Requests to Pay via Wire or Transfer Only

Scammers prefer irreversible payment methods. If someone insists on wire transfers, international remittance services, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, especially when other options are refused, this is a strong red flag.

Ways to Prevent Fraud When Sending Money Abroad

Prevention is about building protective habits. Here are ways to stay protected from fraud when sending money abroad:

1. Use Regulated Platforms

Choose licensed and regulated international money transfer providers. Established platforms like Accrue operate in compliance with financial compliance standards and invest in fraud detection systems.

Before sending money:

• Confirm the company is registered.
• Review security features.
• Check for transparent fee structures.

Avoid informal transfer arrangements or unknown apps.

2. Always Verify the Recipient

Before sending funds:

• Double-check the recipient’s full name.
• Confirm account details.
• Verify by phone if possible.
• Ask security questions only the real person would know.

For business transfers, confirm changes in payment details directly with a known contact. Never rely solely on email.

3. Secure Your Devices

Many scams begin with compromised devices.

Protect yourself by:

• Updating your operating system regularly.
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Install reputable antivirus software.
• Avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.

4. Slow Down Your Decision-Making

Scammers count on speed. Create a rule for yourself:

• Never send money within 30 minutes of a surprising request.
• Always consult a trusted third party before large transfers.
• Sleep on major financial decisions.

You may not know, but time reduces emotional manipulation.

5. Stay Informed

Fraud tactics evolve constantly. Stay updated through financial institutions, consumer protection agencies, and trusted financial service providers.

More importantly, educate elderly family members, first-time digital users, and young adults new to online banking

Scams often target those less familiar with digital finance systems.

What To Do If Scammed

Here are quick actions to take if you’re scammed when sending money abroad:

1. Contact Your Bank or Transfer Provider

Report the issue immediately. Some transfers can be paused or flagged if caught early.

Provide transaction details, recipient information, and screenshots or communication records

2. Report to Authorities

File a report with local police, financial fraud units, and consumer protection agencies. Even if recovery is uncertain, reporting helps prevent future scams.

3. Preserve All Evidence

Keep all emails, text messages, screenshots, and payment confirmations. This documentation strengthens investigations and dispute claims.

Stay Safe with Accrue

Security features matter when selecting an international money transfer service. Accrue prioritizes:

Transparent fees

Clear, upfront fee structures so you know exactly what you are paying.

Strong Security Protocols

Advanced encryption, biometric login options, and multi-factor authentication protect transactions against unauthorized access.

User-Friendly Design

An intuitive interface reduces mistakes during transfers, especially when entering sensitive recipient information.

Looking for a safer way to send money abroad? Signup to Accrue, built to deliver secure, seamless cross-border transactions so you can send and receive money globally without stress.