Introduction
Many Filipinos seek employment in other countries to earn higher wages and provide better lives for their families. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 1 million citizens leave the country yearly to become overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Thus, it is not uncommon to see a family receive money from a relative who works abroad. Fortunately, online cash transfers are now a common and easily accessible way to send money internationally. However, while it is quick and convenient, many are still concerned about its safety because of possible scams.
To help ease your worries when sending money online, Cebuana Lhuillier has listed some tips you can follow to ensure the security of your online transactions. Read on to learn more!
Why Online Cash Transfer Is Gaining Popularity
Before online cash transfers became widely available, sending money to another individual was primarily done by writing checks or depositing cash at a bank. Now, almost anyone can transfer funds to another account through online platforms.
Online cash transfer is similar to the traditional method of wiring money, except it is done electronically via phone or computer. This feature makes it easy to see why online transfers have gained traction quickly in recent years.
First, it is incredibly convenient, so people no longer need to leave the house to transfer funds locally or internationally. Second, online cash transfers save a lot of time as you can send and receive money in real time with just a few clicks.
Lastly, it is cost-effective for most people, regardless of socioeconomic background. While money transfer platforms charge fees for their services, it is still a small amount compared to the money spent traveling to the nearest bank for the same purpose.
Ways To Send Money Online
With the rising need to send money electronically, multiple options have emerged to remit money online. Two commonly used methods are:
Money Transfer Applications
Money transfer apps enable users to send money with just a few taps on their phone as long as they have access to the internet. Platforms like these are very convenient since users are given access to a digital wallet that they can link to their bank account.
Cebuana Lhuillier’s eCebuana app is an excellent example of a money transfer application. It provides a hassle-free means to transfer cash, as users can use it to remit money from their Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account to other Micro Savings accounts. They also have the option to have the money picked up at any Cebuana Lhuillier branch with 20% less on fees. This option is especially helpful for OFWs to make international money transfers so their relatives can receive the money even without a Micro Savings account.
Bank-to-Bank Transfers
Most banks nowadays give account holders the option to set up online accounts. With an online account, clients can conveniently view their balance and send money remotely to a digital wallet or another bank account. This means users no longer need to wait in long lines or spend money commuting to the bank.
To complete a bank-to-bank transfer, you must first enroll in the online banking service of your chosen bank. This can be done on their website or app. Once registered in the service, you can start sending money to your loved ones.
However, it’s important to note that bank-to-bank transfers are not limited to accounts in the same bank. You can also send money to an account in another bank. The eCebuana app gives you this option so you can easily transfer money to anyone.
Tips on How To Safely Send Money Abroad
It is natural to be cautious when sending money abroad. After all, there have been reports of people losing their hard-earned money in the hands of scammers. But for the most part, sending money online is safe, particularly if you regularly educate yourself on online money transfer safety practices.
Here are some tips to help you safely send money to another country:
Ensure the Platform Is Trusted
It’s essential to do your research and check if the platform you’re using to transfer money is trustworthy and authorized to do so. You can check reviews, learn the pros and cons of using the platform, and get advice from other people who have tried using it.
Avoid unfamiliar and suspicious money transfer services that promise an “easy and fast way” of sending money. This might be a trick to obtain the financial data of its users. Established banks or financial companies, like Cebuana Lhuillier, are usually your best bet when choosing a money transfer service.
Look for Security Measures
One way to know if a platform is trustworthy is to see if it implements various security measures to defend against unauthorized transactions. Some security elements to look out for are:
- SMS-Based Two-Factor Authentication – When two-factor authentication is turned on, a one-time code will be sent to the user via SMS to complete the login or transaction. This second layer of security helps prevent account takeovers.
- Biometric Authentication – Similar to two-factor authentication, this security measure utilizes info distinct to the user, such as a fingerprint. Many smartphones now have built-in fingerprint sensors that financial platforms take advantage of for security.
- SSL Encryption – If the payment page of the money transfer platform uses SSL encryption, its URL should start with “https://” and have a lock icon beside it. Without these indicators, your personal information is at risk of being stolen.
Divide Your Transactions
If you need to send a considerable amount of cash, it’s recommended that you spread it out across multiple transactions. In case something goes wrong with the system, you will at least still have the bulk of the amount you wish to transfer.
In addition, this can prove helpful when it’s your first time using a particular money transfer platform. You can try sending a small amount of cash first to try out the service.
Conclusion
Once you start making online cash transfers, there is no going back, especially for OFWs who need to support their families in the Philippines with their earnings. It is the most convenient way to care for loved ones away from you.
However, while it is a hassle-free way to send funds, scammers can use it to steal money. This is why it’s essential to send money through reputable and trusted platforms only.
Cebuana Lhuillier understands the sacrifices of every OFW, so we make sure to provide secure money remittance services through our eCebuana App and international remittance partners. No matter what method you choose to send your money internationally, you can trust us to ensure your money is safe and will be received by your intended recipients.
Feel free to contact us today if you have inquiries on how we can be your online money transfer partner!