06 Jul 2023
When you send money home from abroad, especially to countries like Pakistan, it's critical to ensure your transactions are secure. Privacy breaches could lead to significant financial loss and potential identity theft, a nightmare you certainly don't want to experience. About 9 million overseas Pakistanis reside in several countries worldwide in a bid to better their economic prospects. They find employment opportunities in developed countries to earn a living and then send money to Pakistan to offer financial support back home. Online privacy is essential not only to protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands but also to ensure that your hard-earned money reaches its intended recipient securely.
The Pakistani diaspora’s contribution to the country’s economy is big, and they sent in $31 billion in FY22 in remittances.
But owing to a host of reasons, including the sluggish global economic growth, remittances to the country declined, and in July-October 2022, remittances fell to $9.9 billion. It was an 8.6% decline from $10.827 billion in 2021 during the same period.
Reports suggest that if this decline continues, the remittances will remain close to $30 billion by the end of the financial year ending in June 2023.
But, despite having jobs and continuing to send money back home using different channels, there is one worry that remains there for most Pakistani expatriates.
Do you know what that basic worry is?
Well, you can answer this question in light of your circumstances and personal experiences, but you will subscribe to the following.
It is your online safety and security.
Right?
This blog will shed light on ways in which you can ensure your optimal online security and safety.
Needless to say that a majority of overseas workers, regardless of which country they belong to, have humble financial backgrounds.
Therefore, their utmost concern is to ensure their money is not wasted particularly when they have to send money back home using channels they know little about.
Of course, you have to rely completely on a service provider, be it banks or other financial institutions while using their services, and you are not sure if you will end up delivering funds to the intended recipient or filling the coffers of unscrupulous elements operating to deceive you financially.
This concern and worry intensify in the wake of rising online frauds and scams whose reports are quite frightening.
Therefore, you need to take steps to ensure your online safety.
It is necessary to take a quick look at the economic statistics of Pakistan to have a complete idea of the financial woes of its people to battle which they work in foreign countries and send money to Pakistan online to their families.
These figures suffice to point to the flailing economy that Pakistan is grinding large swathes of its people into the mill of poverty.
Now let’s see in which ways you can protect your online privacy.
The following few tips will help you stay safe online while moving funds across borders or making online purchases.
The first step is to commit to sharing less online. You normally think of social media platforms and see no problem in sharing your pictures and videos with captions containing information you would not want others to know about otherwise.
But, you share bits of such information because the ‘occasion’ warrants it.
Remember that scammers can prey upon such information.
The point to note is the word ‘awkward’ here. Make sure that the password you use for your accounts and gadgets, etc., are awkward, as such passwords are difficult to guess and crack.
In addition, using two-factor authentication can help you stay secure even after you have shared your password in a Phishing attack by mistake.
Every online account allows you to configure your privacy settings according to your requirements. Some may use recommended settings which can be risky. So, make sure to enhance your settings to the maximum possible level.
Learn more about your online safety below:
You normally install several apps without really knowing their utility.
Each time you come across such apps, pause and ask yourself if you need them. How will they benefit you? How often will you use them? And so on.
Furthermore, keep checking your apps now and then and ask yourself such questions. Remove apps about which the answers to these and other such questions are negative.
Regardless of whichever browsers you use, make sure to go to their settings and configure those so that the browser cannot track you. It will keep scammers at bay!
A secure yet less known web browser in this regard, however, is duckduckgo.com.
Following these 5 tips, you can enhance your online safety.
Always remember that your safety primarily depends on your attitude and your level of consciousness, particularly in choosing a service provider for money transfers from abroad.
Your online money transfer to Pakistan is most secure and safe with ACE Money Transfer because, with it, you can deliver funds to Pakistan from over 100 countries in just 7 seconds! This swiftest possible delivery time of money leaves no margin for the scammers to creep in and prey. This time is indeed in addition to a low fee, competitive exchange rates, 24/7 service access and availability and much more.
FAQs
Which is the most reliable money transfer service for sending money to Pakistan from abroad?
Reliable money transfer services often have a long track record, are regulated by financial authorities, and have robust security measures. One of the well-known services includes ACE Money Transfer, which is trusted by millions of customers worldwide. Always do your research to find the best fit for your needs.
How can I create a strong, unique password for my online financial accounts?
A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. It's best to avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birth date, or simple patterns. Consider using a trusted password manager to help generate and store complex passwords.
How does two-factor authentication add extra security to my transactions?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This could be a code sent to your phone, an email confirmation, or a fingerprint scan. Even if a hacker manages to guess your password, without the second verification factor, they can't access your account.
What precautions should I take while using a public Wi-Fi network?
If you have to use a public Wi-Fi network, avoid performing sensitive activities such as online banking or money transfers. These networks can often be insecure and provide an easy pathway for hackers to intercept your data. If it's necessary to perform such activities, use a trusted VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data and hide your online activity.
How can I recognise and avoid phishing attempts?
Phishing attempts often come in the form of emails or messages that look like they're from reputable organisations but are actually from hackers. They'll often ask you to click on a link or provide personal information. To avoid these, never click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar sources, and verify the sender's email address before responding. Also, remember that reputable organisations usually don't ask for sensitive information via email or text message.
Reference
(The Pakistani Diaspora – PILOT GUIDES)
(Why are remittances falling? - Business - DAWN.COM)
(GDP (current US$) - Pakistan | Data (worldbank.org)
(GDP per capita (current US$) - Pakistan | Data (worldbank.org)
(Americans lost $40B to phishing scams in 2022, report finds (denver7.com)
(Crypto Investors Lost $3.5 Billion to Scammers in 2022, Privacy Affairs Study Reveals (yahoo.com)
