Remitly itself is a legitimate, regulated money transfer service, but scammers use it to steal money by impersonating officials, creating fake job offers, or hacking personal accounts to initiate fraudulent transfers. Key warning signs include high-pressure tactics, requests for urgent payments to strangers, and unexpected requests for sensitive data.
Common Scams
- Impersonation Scam: Scammers claim to be from official organizations, government agencies, or even Remitly itself via email or social media DMs to gain access to your account.
- Fake Job Offers: Victims are "hired" but told to pay for equipment or training using Remitly, often from fraudulent recruiters.
- Stolen Account/Card Information: Criminals hack into a user’s bank/Remitly account and send funds to themselves, often targeting international accounts, as noted by Reddit users.
Protect Yourself
Only use the official Remitly app or website. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts.
What to do if Scammed
Immediately contact your bank to freeze funds, report the incident to Remitly's Help Center, and notify local law enforcement, say Remitly and Action Fraud.
If you receive a suspicious message, do not respond and report it through the official channels, advise Remitly.