Sending money internationally for the first time comes with real questions. Is the provider legitimate? Will the money actually arrive? What happens if something goes wrong? These are the right questions to ask — and they deserve direct answers. Here's what to look for before you send.
The actual concerns — and what addresses them
First-time senders worry about a few specific things. It's worth naming them directly.
"What if the money doesn't arrive?" This is the most common fear. The protection against it is choosing a licensed, regulated provider with a verifiable track record and real-time tracking. A provider that lets you track your transfer from send to receipt is showing you, in real time, that your money is moving as expected.
"What if the app or website is fake?" Fraudulent apps and spoofed websites exist. The safeguard is to access MoneyGram only through the official website (moneygram.com) or the MoneyGram app downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Look for the padlock (HTTPS) in the browser address bar and verify the URL before entering any personal information.
"What if someone is scamming my family?" Scams targeting OFW families are real. Common patterns include someone contacting your family claiming to be in an emergency and asking them to receive a transfer on your behalf and forward the funds elsewhere. MoneyGram will never ask your recipient to forward received funds to a third party. If someone is pressuring your family to redirect a transfer, that is a scam.
"What happens to my personal information?" Licensed money transfer providers are required to protect customer data under US federal law. MoneyGram is registered with FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) and complies with data protection requirements. Never share your transfer reference number, login credentials, or OTP with anyone other than your intended recipient.
What licensing means for you
In the United States, money transfer companies must be registered with FinCEN and licensed in the states where they operate. These requirements exist to protect consumers and prevent financial crimes.
MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. is authorized to do business in all 50 US states and US territories, licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services, and registered under NMLS #898432. In the Philippines, MoneyGram's service is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
What this means in practice: there are legal obligations around how your money is handled, how your data is protected, and how disputes are resolved. If you're evaluating any money transfer provider, the first thing to verify is whether they are licensed in your state and registered with FinCEN.
Red flags to watch for
These are signals that something may not be right — with a provider, an offer, or a request:
Unusually high exchange rates that seem too good to be true. Rates that appear significantly better than the market can indicate hidden fees revealed at the last step, or a fraudulent service.
No clear fee or rate disclosure before you confirm. A legitimate provider shows you the full cost — fee and exchange rate — before you submit a transfer.
Pressure to send immediately. Urgency is a common manipulation tactic. Legitimate transfers don't expire in minutes. If someone is pressuring you to send right now without time to verify, pause.
Requests to send money to someone you don't personally know. If someone you haven't met in person asks you to send money on their behalf, treat it as a high-risk situation.
Unusual payment methods. Requests to pay for a transfer using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to personal accounts are almost always fraudulent.
Requests to share your OTP, PIN, or reference number with anyone other than your intended recipient. MoneyGram will never ask for this. Neither will a legitimate financial institution.
Common questions
What is the safest way to send money to the Philippines online?
Use a licensed, regulated provider registered with FinCEN and authorized in your state. Access the service only through the official website or app — never through links sent in unsolicited emails or messages. Verify that the provider shows you the full cost (fee and exchange rate) before you confirm, and that you can track the transfer from send to receipt. MoneyGram has operated globally for 85 years and is trusted by 50+ million customers. Rated 4.9 stars by our customers in the App Store.
What should I do if my transfer to the Philippines is delayed?
First, check your transfer status in real time through the MoneyGram app or website using your reference number. If the transfer shows as sent but your recipient hasn't received it, confirm that the recipient details — name spelling, account number, or GCash mobile number — are exactly correct. For cash pickup, confirm the recipient has the correct reference number and a valid ID. If the issue is unresolved, contact MoneyGram customer support directly. Do not resend the transfer before confirming the original is cancelled — duplicate transfers are difficult to reverse.
How do I know if a MoneyGram website or app is legitimate?
Access MoneyGram only through moneygram.com or the official app downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Check that the URL begins with https:// and shows the padlock in the browser bar. If you received a link to MoneyGram through an unsolicited message, do not use it — go directly to moneygram.com instead. MoneyGram will never ask for your OTP, password, or reference number via email, text, or social media.
Find more helpful articles for sending money from the US to the Philippines
How to send money to the Philippines from the US. A full walkthrough of every delivery method — bank account, GCash, cash pickup, and debit card.
How much does it cost to send money to the Philippines? Understand the transfer fee and exchange rate margin before you confirm.
GCash vs. bank deposit: which is the fastest way to receive money in the Philippines? Compare speed, limits, and convenience to choose the right delivery method for your recipient.
Send money for pickup at M Lhuillier. If your recipient prefers cash in hand, thousands of M Lhuillier branches are ready across the Philippines.
Send money for pickup at LBC. Nationwide reach, a trusted name, and no bank account required for your recipient.
Send money for pickup at USSC Pera Padala. A dedicated remittance network for recipients who prefer to collect in person.
Sending money home for Filipino holidays and occasions. Timing tips for Pasko, school enrollment, fiestas, and more.
Send with confidence
85 years of trust. 50+ million customers. Rated 4.9 stars on App Store.
This publication is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or other professional advice from MoneyGram or its affiliates. Services may vary by location and are subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Delivery times may vary and are not guaranteed. Actual transfer speed depends on the delivery method selected, the recipient's bank or service provider, send amount, transaction verification requirements, and other factors. Always confirm the estimated delivery time shown before you submit your transfer.