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Sending money internationally has never been easier, but as digital payments become more popular, so do scams targeting unsuspecting senders. Fraudsters use various tactics to deceive people into transferring money, often pretending to be banks, employers, or even loved ones in distress.<\/p>
To help you stay protected, we’ve outlined some of the most common and most recent money transfer scams happening around the world and how you can avoid them.<\/p>
North America: Phishing Emails & Emergency Scams<\/h2>
On the rise in North America, phishing scams involve fake emails and texts pretending to be from your bank or a trusted company, urging you to take urgent action. These messages often contain links to fake websites designed to steal your login details.<\/p>
Another common scam is the emergency scam, where fraudsters pose as a relative or friend in distress, claiming they need immediate financial help. They might say they’ve been in an accident, lost their wallet or need urgent bail money.<\/p>
Tip:<\/strong> Always verify the sender’s identity before transferring money. Contact your bank directly if you receive an email or message about an account issue.<\/i><\/p>
South America: Money Laundering & Recruitment Scams<\/h2>
Fraudsters in South America often lure victims with \"job opportunities\" that involve handling money transfers. They ask individuals to send or receive money on behalf of others — without realising they are laundering stolen funds.<\/p>
How to stay safe: Never agree to move money for someone you don’t know. If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is.<\/p>
Europe: Overpayment & Fake Job Scams<\/h2>
In overpayment scams, scammers send money to victims, then claim they \"accidentally\" sent too much and request a partial refund. But after the victim sends money back, the original transaction is reversed, leaving them out of pocket.<\/p>
Another common scheme in Europe is the fake job scam, where fraudsters post fake job listings that require applicants to pay a \"training fee\" or “visa processing charge.”<\/p>
Tip:<\/strong> Legitimate employers never ask for money upfront. Avoid sending refunds for overpayments — wait for the funds to fully clear before taking action.<\/i><\/p>
Africa: Lottery Scams & Advance-Fee Fraud<\/h2>
In Nigeria and other parts of Africa, lottery scams and advance-fee fraud remain common. Scammers claim you’ve won a big prize but need to pay a \"processing fee\" to receive it. Similarly, some fraudsters pretend to be officials promising inheritance payouts — if you just cover some minor costs first.<\/p>
Tip: <\/strong>If you didn’t enter a lottery, you didn’t win. Never pay upfront fees for winnings or unexpected “inheritances.”<\/i><\/p>
Asia: Investment Fraud & Crypto Scams<\/h2>
Scammers in Asia frequently target victims with fake investment opportunities. Promising \"guaranteed high returns\", fraudsters often lure people into Ponzi schemes or fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms, stealing funds once deposits are made.<\/p>
Tip:<\/strong> Always research investment platforms before sending money. If returns sound too good to be true, they probably are.<\/i><\/p>
Australia: Fake Charity & Donation Scams<\/h2>
Fake charity scams are particularly common in Australia, especially after natural disasters. Scammers pose as aid organisations, soliciting donations that never reach the intended cause. Tip: Only donate through verified charities. Check official websites before sending money.<\/p>
How to protect yourself from money transfer scams<\/h2>
No matter where you are in the world, these scams can strike when you least expect them. Here are some golden rules to keep your money safe:<\/p>
Only send money to people you know and trust.<\/li>
Be cautious of urgent or emotional requests. Scammers create a sense of panic to make you act fast.<\/li>
Verify sources before making a payment. Contact your bank, employer or the organisation directly.<\/li>
There are around 4 million Japanese people who live and work around the world away from Japan, and you can find the influence of Japanese culture in nearly every country around the world.
If you’re a Japanese expat, you probably want to find the cheapest way to send money to Japan, so that your transfers don’t suffer from high fees, poor commission or hidden fees.
In this blog we’ll help you to understand the different options for transferring money to Japan, so you can work out what’s the best method for you!
How can I send money to Japan?
If you’re wanting to send money to Japan, you can do this online or offline.
Sending money with a traditional offline method is better for people who aren’t confident with technology, but if you’re confident using your smartphone or laptop, then you should definitely send money digitally using an online transfer service.
This is because digital, online transfers often cost less and take less time when compared with banks or money transfer agents. You can avoid high commission and you can send your money quickly.
Paysendis a fast, affordable and easy way to send money online to Japan. Using the clear and simple Paysend app, you can cheaply and quickly send money to loved ones in Japan in just a few taps.
If you want to discover what our 3.5 million customers think of Paysend, check out our 20,000 reviews on Trustpilot - 89% of people have given us 5 stars!
With Paysend you can send money to a Japanese bank account.
How much does it cost to send money to Japan?
If you want to send money to a bank account in Japan, it costs just £1,€1.5or $2.
So if you want to send $50 or $500 from the US to Japan, it will only cost you $2 either way.
How much will my recipient receive in JPY?
Paysend uses excellent, competitive exchange rates, and along with our low fees, we provide great value transfers to Japan. You can find out exactly how much your recipient in Japan will receive on our homepage.
How long does it take to transfer money to Japan?
Money sent using Paysend will usually reach the recipient in Japan within a few minutes of being sent, although it could take up to three days working days if your recipient’s bank isn’t quite as quick as us at processing payments. 90% of our transfers arrive in 15 seconds or less!
Download the Paysend app now to start sending money to Japan!