Fraud Awareness – Ria Money Transfer

Ria Money Transfer helps to protect consumers from fraud through awareness. Learn how to identify and avoid money transfer scams to ensure your money is safe.

Common Fraud Scenarios

The first step to avoiding fraud is knowing how to identify them.

  • Online dating scams

    You’ve met someone beautiful and smart. You've never met them in person, but you've been talking to them for months. Suddenly, they have an emergency and need money. But, they're not who you thought. Learn more

  • Lottery and sweepstakes scams

    You won the lottery! Although you can’t remember playing, the prize is big. There's one catch: the sender needs funds from you in order to cash out your prize. What's a small amount when you're about to get millions? Learn more

  • Relative-in-need scams

    Your grandchild is traveling and sends you an email saying she needs money for an emergency. You don't remember her telling you she was traveling, but what's a hundred dollars when it comes to their safety? Learn more

  • Vehicle purchase scams

    You found a great deal on a car on the internet! The seller tells you to send a down payment or service fees through a money transfer. Do not send these via a money transfer. You might not get your dream car or your money back.

  • Internet purchase scams

    You’ve found a great price on an apartment rental online and want to sign the lease. You’ve been asked to pay for the first month with a money transfer, but be wary, as this may be a scam. Do not wire money for internet purchases.

  • Mystery shopper scams

    You start a new job as a mystery shopper, but when you deposit the check per their instructions, the amount is more than it should be and you need to send money back. Then, you learn that the original check was counterfeit.

  • Check or money order scams

    You get mailed a money order as an advanced payment for merchandise you’re selling online, but the amount is above price. The scammer tells you to deposit it and then wire the amount they’ve “overpaid” back to them.

  • Newspaper ads scams

    In the newspaper, you see an ad for a new refrigerator for a price that seems too good to be true. You purchase it, but now they’re asking you to transfer the money to them. You might never get the item and you’ll lose your money.

  • Charity scams

    There was a natural disaster, and you want to help by donating money. Sadly, events like tornadoes or hurricanes often result in scammers staging "charitable" organizations that prey on well-intentioned people. Learn more

  • Elder abuse scams

    Nearly a third of all telemarketing fraud victims are age 60 or older. Be careful about sending money to a stranger in exchange for the promise of things like home improvement, estate planning, and more. Learn more

  • Guaranteed loan scams

    Are you sending money because you were "guaranteed" a credit or loan? If so, be cautious. It is highly unlikely that you would need to send money in order to receive a true credit or loan.

  • Money transfer scams

    Money transfer scams take on many shapes and forms. What's worse, fraudsters are continuously learning new tricks and techniques. That's why it's important to stay one step ahead of tricky scammers. Learn more

  • Identity theft scams

    This occurs when someone assumes your identity to perform a criminal act. They can get your information a number of ways, including stealing your wallet, going through your trash, or compromising your bank information.

  • Telemarketing scams

    You get a call from an unknown caller — you won a free cruise! All you need to do is pay for postage and handling to receive the "formal" offer. They’ve now conned you into giving them your financial information. Learn more

Help, I got scammed! Who can help?

1. Call the police

Start with your local police. All money transfer scams should be reported to the police.

2. Contact Ria's fraud department

We want to know about it so that we can do everything in our power to make sure it doesn't happen again. Call us or send an email.

3. Federal trade commission - US only

File a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission or contact them by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP.

4. Internet crime complaint center (ICCC)

If you were a victim of fraud that began with contact through the internet, you should file a report with the ICCC.


Additional Resources

Scammers attack when you're least expecting it and often prey on well-intentioned people. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from unexpected fraud. Here is a list of several resources that provide helpful information to protect you and your family.

- Federal Trade Commission
- USA.gov
- National Consumers League (U.S.)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Scam Watch - Money Matters
- The Scams Awareness Network (SAN)

Have more questions about money transfers?

Visit our online help center or contact our customer service. We're happy to help you get started.

Visit our help center

The information on or through this site is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific advice about laws, regulations, taxes, finances, immigration or travel. For specific advice, contact a licensed attorney, financial advisor or other professional. 

We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on this site. We do not warrant the accuracy or usefulness of this information. This site may contain links to other sites and information provided by third parties for your convenience. We do not endorse nor make any guarantees with respect to these sites, their accessibility, the information they contain or the way they treat any information you provide to them.