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How to avoid currency exchange scams?

2016-06-10 00:00:00

Currency exchange is an event that millions of people are in the category of "ordinary". But the routine of metabolic processes often plays a cruel joke - attention is dulled, and a person is easily caught by any trick of a fraudster. Not only the exchange of cash, but also electronic money is at risk. That is why it is worth knowing how to check an e-money exchanger for fraud, how to recognize fake websites, and also what fraudulent currency exchange is.

 

Exchange options

Exchange transactions can take place in several variations:

- In banks or through official exchange offices.

- Personal exchange or through unofficial points.

- Conducting transactions involving e-currency through Internet exchangers.

Each of the options implies risks for the participant in the process. The electronic exchange option deserves the greatest attention due to the appearance of a large number of false exchange offices. That is why it is important to know how to check the exchanger for fraud and not fall for the "bait" of lovers of easy money.

 

Types of currency exchange fraud

It is believed that the risk of fraud in a simple currency exchange is minimal. What could be easier? I gave the money and received in return the amount at the proposed rate. But it’s not that simple. There are several options for deception:

  1. "Profitable" course. A normal human desire is to make an exchange at a favorable rate. After studying the signs, the person finds a suitable option and turns to the exchange window. But in the end, the cashier transfers the amount that is lower than expected. The reason is that the rate indicated on the plate is valid only when a certain amount is exchanged, for example, from 10 thousand rubles or more. At the same time, the owners of the exchange office forget to say about it or make an inscription somewhere in a “secluded” place, invisible to the client.
  2. Theft of money. In the presence of a long queue and fuss among customers, cashiers go to a brazen deception. They say that the required amount is available, take the money from the client, and at the time of recounting, one or two bills are taken (or replaced). Then it is suddenly discovered that there is not enough exchange currency, and the money is returned back. In this case, the person does not count and leaves the cash register. It is already unrealistic to prove anything further.
  3. "Tricky Tray". Cashiers can go for another type of deception. They lubricate the bottom of the tray with a special compound that causes the notes to stick. Due to the fact that the trays themselves are inconvenient to use, such a scheme can work. That is why it is recommended to count money near the cash register.
  4. “Counterfeit bill”. Upon receipt and counting of funds, the cashier suddenly declares that one of the banknotes is counterfeit. By law, the seizure of such money must be carried out in the presence of police representatives. In order for the client not to suspect anything, a banknote with a small denomination is taken for a “fake” one. To avoid problems, a person simply “forgets” about money (the amount is not large) and leaves. This type of currency exchange fraud has its varieties, for example, a cashier can offer to exchange a "problem" banknote at a lower rate.

 

How to protect yourself from currency exchange fraud?

In the exchange process, it is worth considering the following rules:

  1. When making a transaction over the Internet, it is worth checking the exchanger for fraud. How to do this will be discussed below.
  2. Before the exchange, you should ask what commission is charged and how much will be transferred to your hands.
  3. Before handing over cash, the cashier should say the amount out loud.
  4. The money should be recounted directly near the exchange office. In this case, it will not be superfluous to look into the tray for the fact that there is no money left inside the "stuck".
  5. If there is a suspicion of fraud, it is worth calling the police, but not leaving your place.
  6. The exchange should be made only in those points that have the appropriate license on hand.
  7. When exchanging large bills, it will not be superfluous to rewrite their license plates.
  8. Try to check the transmitted banknotes for authenticity. For this, there are special devices and equipment.
  9. It is worth clarifying in advance whether the cashier has the required amount for exchange in stock.

 

How to recognize a fake exchanger?

Recently, more and more "fake" exchange offices have appeared that profit from gullible customers. In order not to fall for fraud, it is worth knowing how to check an electronic money exchanger for fraud. Here it is worth paying attention to the following factors:

  1. Design. The first thing to look at is the design of the site. Ideally, the design should not copy dozens of other resources. If the developer was not greedy for the development of a unique interface, then he does not plan to deceive users.
  2. Hosting. If the resource is hosted on free hosting, then we are talking about a fake exchanger.
  3. Correct coordinates. The site must contain correct and clear data - mail, phone numbers, address and other information. At the same time, it is important that the data correspond to reality, and through them it was possible to contact the administration of the exchange office.
  4. User restrictions. If the exchanger sets limits, then the risk of fraud is high. Exchange offices work in automatic mode, so the size of the amount does not matter.
  5. Reviews and reviews. Currency exchange fraud is a common problem. Many users who are faced with deception immediately unsubscribe on the forums and share their unsuccessful experience. In addition, you can check the exchanger for fraud using special services - sites that monitor exchange offices, through arbitration or Webmoney Advisor.
  6. Scripts. The resource must be functional in all respects. This means that all scripts on the site should work. If, when opening a resource, problems arise or it is impossible to make an exchange the first time, then you should look for other options.

 

Exchange rules

To avoid being scammed, follow these tips:

- Money exchange should be done at banks or verified exchange offices. The desire to make additional profits on a high rate can lead to the loss of the entire amount. It is better to agree to a slightly overpriced rate, but to exclude possible risks;

- Before carrying out the operation, check the current course in reliable sources. When conducting an operation, there must be clear information about how much the required currency costs and on what conditions the transaction will be made;

- Online banking to help. If you want to exchange currency online, you should use online banking services (via the official website). You can make such a deal in just two clicks. In this situation, the probability of getting caught in a deception is minimal;

- When exchanging personally, check the passport of the person offering the services. It is desirable to "punch" the data through the network (perhaps the person has already taken part in fraudulent transactions). In addition, it is worth checking the persons passport and business level;

- If the exchange is carried out online, then it is important to know how to check the electronic money exchanger for fraud. A few simple manipulations will avoid problems and save money.