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Banking Abroad? Keeping Your Financial Data Safe in France as a Gambian Expat?

09 Sep 2024


It is safe to say that over 100,000 Gambian migrants and refugees reside in Europe, based on data from national statistical agencies and the UN. This means that at least 60% of the Gambian diaspora send money to Gambia from France for their families back home. One of the most essential things for any Gambian working abroad and away from their family is properly managing their finances. They might have a substantial financial responsibility to send money to the Gambia. Ensuring your data is safe and navigating the French financial system can be difficult. This article will give you crucial tips for keeping your data safe as a Gambian expat. 

The Risk of Exposing Personal Data 

Expat Gambians run the danger of disclosing personal information online while sending money. This may lead to: 

Identity Theft

Cybercriminals can get financial accounts and assume the identity of real people by using personal data. 

Financial Fraud

Hackers may use online transfer networks to transfer money or conduct unlawful transactions. 

Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals may deceive people into divulging sensitive information by creating phony websites or emails. 

Data breaches

Compromised platforms, even reputable platforms, may expose users' personal and financial information.

Variable Security Standards

Consistent data protection may not be guaranteed by various international standards.

The Value of Banking for Gambian Expats

While living and working overseas might be fulfilling, financial challenges may frequently occur. Employees born in the Gambia often have to send money home to support their families or make investments. To ensure your hard-earned money reaches its destination safely, it's crucial to choose a reliable money transfer service and stay informed about the latest banking practices.
 

Additionally, always use secure networks when accessing your online banking or money transfer accounts, and avoid public Wi-Fi to prevent unauthorized access. By taking these precautions, you can protect your financial well-being and provide for your loved ones back home with peace of mind. Here are some pointers on keeping your data safe through international banking to handle your money when you're living overseas. 

Select a Safe Banking Company 

It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the banking landscape of the country you visit before departing from home. Choose a trustworthy bank that provides multi-currency accounts, foreign transfers, and online banking. Additionally, you want to examine the bank's security measures, including fraud protection, authentication, and encryption. Refrain from accessing your bank account via shared or public computers or Wi-Fi networks, and log out at the end of each session.

Utilize a VPN 

Your internet data can be encrypted and routed through a secure server in a different place using a virtual private network or VPN. In this manner, you may safeguard your online privacy and data from hackers and spies while still accessing services for an online money transfer from France to Gambia. Without disclosing your private information, a VPN can assist you in communicating with clients or employers, accessing your bank accounts, and filing your taxes.

Shopping Online

When you shop online, ensure the merchants have a secure website and network by doing homework. Steer clear of buying from websites that don't use secure socket layer (SSL) encryption. Ensure the URL starts with "HTTPS://" rather than "HTTP://" to confirm SSL security. For details on how your personal information will be used, read the privacy policy on the website. When making purchases online, stick to using a single credit card and closely monitor your statements for any unusual or fraudulent expenditures. If a store emails you about deals or discounts, go to the business's main website to double-check the details.

Tackle Scams And Spam

While some phishing scams are easy to identify, other phishing attempts appear extremely real via emails, instant messages, social networking sites, or websites. To prevent falling for phishing scams, never click on a link that you have been emailed. If the email appears to be from your bank, has all the suitable logos, and is sent to you personally, it might be from someone else's bank. Instead of using the offered website, use a search engine to get the one you want. By doing this, you can be sure that you are on a legitimate website and not a phony replica.

Understanding of Finances 

Check for government benefits regularly by looking through your phone, utility, credit card, bank, and savings account statements, loan account statements, savings account statements, and credit reports. Verify that you're transferring money internationally using the safest and most up-to-date techniques. You may use the latest security measures and send money to Gambia online from France using the ACE app on your phone.

Avoid Email Attachments

It is best to avoid transmitting sensitive information by email or instant messaging as once sent, these messages are out of your control and can be readily intercepted. Verify everything one more time while sending money to Gambia. Avoid clicking on links from dubious or unfamiliar sources in emails and online. Verify that the email is authentic, comes from a sender you've corresponded with in the past, was anticipated, doesn't contain any odd characters or spellings, and passes the tests conducted by your antivirus program. Whenever you read an email about one of your financial accounts, proceed with caution.

Up-to-Date Security Measures 

If malicious software is installed on your computer or phone, you have opened the door for the bad guys to view your internet activity, making any additional security precautions pointless. Verify whether any operating system updates have been implemented.

Watch Out For The Warning Signs 

Look for unauthorized charges or withdrawals, invoices for accounts you didn't open, communications from debt collection agencies, new applications filed in your name, and strange activity involving your Social Security number while you review your accounts. Discover information about safe money transfers you might have yet to realize by reading on. Keep your personal information private. 
 

Social media networks are helpful for networking, but there is a risk of identity theft with the data you give. It can be beneficial to install the most recent security measures. Never store account details, identification numbers, or personal data on your computer. Set up a firewall and antivirus software. This can help protect you from harmful websites.

Your Safety is Important!

If you're seeking an inexpensive and safe way to make a money transfer from France to Gambia, the easiest way is to use ACE Money Transfer. The handy smartphone app allows you to send money to over 100 different countries. If you're an expat who wants to send money to relatives or friends in Europe, Asia, or Africa, just use the ACE Money Transfer app.

FAQs

How can I ensure a website is secure before making a purchase?

You can ensure a website's security by looking for secure socket layer (SSL) encryption. Check that the website URL starts with "HTTPS://" instead of "HTTP://." Additionally, you can research the seller to confirm that they have a secure network and a good reputation.

Why is it important to read a website’s privacy statement before purchasing?

Reading the privacy statement helps you understand how your data will be used, shared, or protected. This ensures you know the seller’s data practices and can make informed decisions about providing your information.

What are the benefits of using only one credit card for online purchases?

Using a single credit card for online purchases simplifies monitoring your account for any suspicious or fraudulent activity. It also minimizes the risk of multiple cards being compromised if a security breach occurs.

How can I identify fraudulent or suspicious charges on my credit card statement?

Carefully review your credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions, incorrect amounts, or multiple charges for the same item. Regular monitoring can help you quickly identify and address any fraudulent activities.

What should I do if I receive an email about sales or discounts from a retailer?

Instead of clicking on links in the email, visit the retailer’s main website directly. This ensures you access a legitimate site and do not fall victim to phishing scams that might redirect you to a fraudulent page.


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