Helen Geraghty, Copywriter   02 March 2020

a worldremit app on an iphone screen with an airport at the background

Money transfer and e-wallet apps have turned our smartphones into mobile payment devices. We can now quickly pay for goods and services on-the-go without cash or bank cards.

But are these mobile devices safe enough to trust with our data and money? To answer your question, we looked into how you can enhance your online safety when sending and receiving money abroad.

Here are our top internet security tips for staying safe when sending money using your mobile phone.

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1. Secure access to your phone

Switch on a secure authentication to unlock your phone and for logging into mobile payment or online banking apps.

The best practices include:

  • Use pin codes that can't be easily guessed.

  • Secure each step with multiple methods of authentication if possible - such as a pin code combined with biometric identification.

  • Also, a biometric authentication adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for criminals to gain access to your sensitive personal information or bank accounts. If your phone has a biometric security feature, then make the most of it!

2. Secure your email address

Most companies require your email to sign up, and money transfer companies are no exception. This makes your email address a very valuable asset for online fraudsters, so protect it with a strong password. Strong passwords include a combination of lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

If you're struggling to remember your passwords, try a secure online password manager tool that will store your passwords securely.

3. Ensure you're using a safe online connection

It might be convenient to connect to a public wi-fi to make a quick money transfer. But its open access makes it unsafe to make mobile payments. Public wi-fi can be a security threat, allowing criminals to intercept your sensitive personal information or gain access to your device.

We suggest avoiding any logins to your online banking or money transfer app or managing your mobile wallet.

Instead, wait until you are connected to your home wi-fi or use your mobile data.

4. Use only trusted mobile payment apps downloaded from the app store

Beware of fake or fraudulent mobile payment apps created by online fraudsters to steal your personal or banking information.

Before you download a money transfer mobile app, try to find more information about the company online. If there is little to no online presence (such as no review, or no real data showing that the company is secure), stay away from it.

Do your research and ensure that the money transfer app you're about to download is well established, reputable, and secure.

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Tip: Download apps from your phone's app store to ensure that it is the real deal.

5. Keep your operating system up-to-date

Whenever your smartphone's operating system, internet browser or applications notify you that there are updates available, be sure to install them as soon as possible.

Many of these updates are fixing bugs or weaknesses that could leave you vulnerable to hackers.

6. Turn off Bluetooth

Always keep Bluetooth switched off when you're not using it - don't allow your phone to connect to public wi-fi automatically. By doing this, you prevent hackers from connecting to your phone.

7. Be prepared for losing your phone

Losing your phone is inconvenient, especially if you didn't take the necessary precautions if your phone falls into the wrong hands. So, be prepared for the worst by installing the appropriate location apps on your phone. These apps are designed to help you find your phone if it goes missing, and secure it from a distance.

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Tip: Find out how to lock your phone remotely and install a GPS phone locator app like FindMy or WaveSecure.

8. Install anti-virus software on your phone

If you use your mobile phone for sending money transfers, then installing anti-virus software is a good idea.

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly skilled at finding ways to infect your phone with malware that will allow them to steal your personal information, logins, and card details. Anti-virus software will protect your device from mobile bots and trojan horses, keeping your money secure.

a pink dot“ATip: It is also possible to install apps that will help you to remotely wipe all the data from your phone if necessary.

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Sending money safely online with the WorldRemit app

Online money transfers are safer than offline cash-based methods because they leave a digital audit trail. This makes it easier to track unusual patterns and identify potentially fraudulent behaviour.

Our customers always inform us that they prefer an online service to send money via "informal couriers". It gives you great control over your money and the whereabouts of your funds, while keeping your recipients - friends and family - informed.

How safe is WorldRemit?

At WorldRemit, we take pride in offering a safe, convenient and fast digital money transfer service, that is an excellent value for money.

As a fintech company, we take online security very seriously and understand many of the tricks and technology behind the most popular scams. Online fraud is now one of the most prevalent crimes worldwide.?

Here are a few ways we keep the WorldRemit app secure:

  • Regular independent security testing by subject matter experts
  • Built-in bot protection provided by market leaders
  • All data is encrypted in transit
  • Constant review to improve in line with industry best practices


We offer fast and affordable international money transfers to over 150 countries worldwide and a variety of convenient pay-out options.

Are you ready to get started?

Download the WorldRemit app

How does WorldRemit work? Here's a video with some simple steps on how to send money online with us, and the services we offer: bank transfer, cash pick up, Mobile money, WorldRemit Wallet and airtime top up.