Staying Safe Online when Making Money Transfers to Bangladesh & Pakistan
With pandemic-related travel restrictions, more migrants are looking for ways to send support to their family and friends back home quickly and safely online. As a result, payout methods such as mobile money have become more popular.
We caught up with Ruzan Ahamed, Regional Director for South Asia at WorldRemit; here’s what he
had to say:
Q. How are people utilizing digital money services in Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Those who receive money transfers in Pakistan and Bangladesh mainly use the money for school fees, household bills and medical payments. Customers also tend to send support to their loved ones during important celebrations such as Ramadan and Eid Al Adha, mainly for charitable purposes.
Q. How has their behavior changed since COVID started?
Due to the development of new digital platforms and services led by WorldRemit and incumbents over the last decade, consumers increasingly favor online transactions. The pandemic has therefore accelerated the shift to digital payment services like WorldRemit. Restrictions on global and domestic movement have forced many who used to transfer money overseas via bricks-and-mortar channels to seek digital money transfer services as a valuable alternative.
We will continue to see in 2021 and beyond the increasing trend in which customers are expected to increasingly opt for digital options, due to the ease of use, speed and increased level of security in sending and receiving money via digital means, not to mention the convenience for customers to send any time of the day.
Q. What should people know before sending money online?
We want all users of digital financial services to stay safe online and continue to enjoy the benefits of technology. Here are five tips to bear in mind:
1. Beware of people impersonating brands. A common trick involves someone creating a fake social media account in an attempt to convince you that they're someone they're not to gain your trust. Make sure you check out who you're talking to and verify it's actually the brand you think it is. Contact your intended company directly via their website to be on the safe side
2. Download apps only from reliable sources. Make sure that you download apps from reliable sources only - e.g. verified links from the website of the organization, App store on Apple devices, Google Play store of Android devices, etc. - and always verify website links.
3. Never share your passwords and token codes. Financial services providers will never ask you to share your passwords, token codes or any other private pieces of information. If you get a request from a supposed provider, do not share your details.
4. Confirm the recipient’s identity and channel. It is often wise to confirm the identity of your recipient, anyone seeking financial assistance from you or unsolicited investment opportunities. If you suspect that your emails have been intercepted, confirm the transaction directly or through a regulatory authority before completing the process.
5. Speed is of the essence. Pick a service that ensures your money reaches its intended destination quickly and safely. 90% of transfers made with WorldRemit are authorized within minutes. Also, check if the platform has a 24-hour customer care service that is operational. At WorldRemit, our customer service teams are available 24/7.
Q. What are the most popular money transfer options in the region?
In countries including Bangladesh and Pakistan, we have seen increases in digital pay-out methods through transfers to mobile money accounts, bank accounts and airtime top up. Mobile money has become increasingly popular across the world as more people learn about the benefits enjoyed through this safe and convenient service. Through partnerships with major players such as bkash, JazzCash and easypaisa, we’re facilitating transfers to over 190 million mobile money wallets and over 20,000 bank accounts in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
There has been a steady increase in remittances to Pakistan over the last year. Inflows in excess of $2billion per month have been recorded over the last 10 months. One of the main drivers of the remittances have been Roshan Digital Accounts which are 100% digital and with whom we have a partnership: https://www.worldremit.com/fr/roshan-digital
The government of Bangladesh has introduced a 2% cash incentive for those who send money
transfers. Through this scheme, the government will add 2% on top of the sent value of remittances, which applies to all transfer methods facilitated by WorldRemit:
https://www.worldremit.com/en/bangladesh-cash-incentive To celebrate UN International Mother Language Day earlier this year, we waived fees on transfers to Bangladesh.
Q. For Pakistan: How has the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) impacted how customers sending and receiving utilize mobile money solutions since it began?
WorldRemit is one of the few digital global payment providers supporting Pakistan’s Remittance Initiative, which lets senders perform transfers without a fee when sending USD100 or more.
The focus on digital services is a key priority for the Pakistan Government, further creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to start their own businesses with a digital focus. Whilst a large proportion of Pakistan’s population is unbanked, the younger generation in particular is embracing the shift to digital methods, with the use of mobile money as an ever growing means of paying for purchases and bills.
Digital financial services are here to stay and have become a way of life for South Asians sending and receiving money from across the world. It is therefore important for providers to ensure a safe, quick and convenient service for consumers.
For more information, visit: www.worldremit.com
