With everything that has been happening lately, especially after the revocation of the extension of the TPS (Temporary Protected Status) for Venezuelans in the United StatesAs a result, many have been forced to seek new opportunities in other countries or even remain in a migratory limbo. In the midst of this uncertainty, the use of the informal remittances as a quick way to send money to Venezuela.
When things get tough, the first thing you think about is how to help your family. But not all roads are safe.
Many people are relying on unregulated or unknown methods that promise to deliver bolivars in a matter of hours. The problem is that these avenues, although they may seem convenient, can become a major risk.
In this article we will tell you what exactly informal remittances are, why they can be dangerous, how to identify trustworthy companies to send money to and why they can be dangerous. Curiara is an excellent option specially designed for Venezuelans who are outside their country.
What are informal remittances?
When we talk about informal remittancesWe refer to those forms of sending money outside of official channels and without any type of regulation.
For example, when someone gives cash to an acquaintance to be exchanged and delivered to his family in Venezuela, or when a personal bank account is used instead of a legally established company.
In many cases, the informal remitters are individuals or small businesses that help others to send money using unregulated meansThey function as intermediaries, such as peer-to-peer payment applications, unofficial transfers or networks of acquaintances. They function as intermediaries, but without no legal control or financial backing.
These options may appear to be easier, faster or even cheaper. A trusted friend, a person in a WhatsApp group or someone who "always delivers" may seem like the perfect solution.
But the detail is that, since there is no legal backing behind it, everything is left in the hands of good faith. And that is where the problems begin.
These practices are not only riskybut they are also impossible to trace if something goes wrong. If the money doesn't arrive, if you get ripped off or if there's a mistake, there's no one to complain to. And as are not authorized servicesThere is no protection for you and your family.
That is why it is so important to understand what are informal remittances and why it is best to avoid them?The Venezuelan government has been able to provide a safe, legal and specially designed alternative to help Venezuelans who are sending support from abroad.
Why are they dangerous?
Send money to Venezuela is not just a transaction... it is an act of love. It is the result of many hours of work, effort, sacrifices and, many times, living far away from the family. That's why risking that money by using informal remittances can be very expensive, not only financially, but also emotionally.
Here we tell you about some of the most common risks you may encounter when using unofficial ways to send money:
Lack of security
When you use a informal remitter, there is no guarantee of anything. If something goes wrong, there is no contract, policy or institution to protect you. It's all about trust... and if that person disappears, there's no way to get your money back.
Loss of money
There are many cases of people who gave their remittances to supposed "intermediaries" and the money never arrived.
Either because it was a scam, there was a mistake or simply someone decided to keep it. In the end, the one who suffers is your family, who was waiting for that help to buy food, medicine or solve an emergency.
Hidden or abusive fees
Although at first it may seem cheaper, many times the informal remitters apply hidden commissions, give you a lower exchange rate or even charge you surcharges that wasn't explained to you. And that means your family gets less than you expected.
Legal problems
When using unregulated roadsyou also expose yourself to legal complications. If the money moves through suspicious accounts or is part of an unauthorized network, you could end up involved in something you didn't even know about. All for relying on a "faster" method.
In short, when you choose a informal way, you are gambling your effort and the welfare of those you love the most. That money that you managed to earn with so much sacrifice, which often represents part of your income, your savings or your overtime, deserves to arrive complete, safe and without mishaps.
That is why it is so important to choose carefully how and with whom you send your shipments. It's not just about sending money, it's about taking care of the bridge that connects you to your family and making sure that that money is sent to your family. support really gets to where it is needed.
How to Identify Reliable Remittance Companies
After seeing all the risks associated with informal remittances, it's natural to ask, "How do I know if a money transfer company is trustworthy? The good news is that there are safe and supported options. You just have to know what to look for before trusting them with your money.
Here are some key signs so that you can identify if a shipping company is really reliable:
It is registered and regulated
A serious company must be registered and comply with the laws of the country where it operates. This means that it has permission to handle money, follows clear rules and is supervised by financial authorities.
If you can't find that information on their website or if they give you excuses when you ask, don't use it to send money.
Has a good reputation
Search for reviewscomments on social networks or on Google. Listening to what other users say can give you a clear idea of how the company works. If you see a lot of complaints or weird stories, it is better not to take the risk.
It is transparent with its rates
A reliable company tells you right from the start how much the shipping will cost youHow much will your family member receive in bolivars and what is the exchange rate. No small print or surprise charges.
Uses secure technology
Check that the the website or the app has security protocolssuch as the little padlock in the address bar (HTTPS), two-step verification or encryption systems. This is key to protect your personal information and your money.
Has customer service
A good company must have clear channels for you to communicate in case of doubts, claims or problems. If they don't have a number, an email, or a response... it's a big red flag.
Before sending money, take a few minutes to do your research. Because it's better to be safe than sorry. In the end, it's all about taking care of your hard-earned money and making sure it gets safely and completely into the hands of your family.
Curiara, a safe and reliable option to send money to Venezuela
If you are looking for a safe, simple and inexpensive way to send money to Venezuela, Curiara is an excellent option.
And we do not say this just because, but because it has been designed and created by Venezuelans, for Venezuelans, truly understanding the needs of those of us who live abroad and want to continue supporting our families.
Unlike other impersonal or unclear platforms, Curiara specializes in transfers from Florida to Venezuela and does so in a 100% legal.
Operates under a license of Money Service Business and complies with all Florida state regulations. So you can have peace of mind that every shipment is legally supported, with your receipt, and you can track the status of your remittance in real time from the app or the web.
What makes us different?
- Fixed and economic commission, no matter how much you send.
- Competitive exchange rate, that lets you know exactly how much will reach your family.
- Platform easy to use, intuitive, practical and available both on the web and as an app (at Google Play y App Store).
- Support by WhatsApp 24/7so you never feel alone if you have a question or need help.
- International support, as it is also authorized by the Bank of Spain as a payment institution.
- More than 1,200 reviews on Google with a score of 4.8 starswhich speaks of the confidence of its users.
- More than 100 reviews on Trustpilot with a rating also of 4,8confirming the quality of the service.
In addition, Curiara has received hundreds of good reviews from people like you, who are looking for a reliable way to help their loved ones from afar. It's not just a money transfer applicationIt is a tool designed with heart, with the experience of those who have also experienced what it is like to be far away, but with the firm desire to remain connected to our people.
Because in the end, every dollar you send is much more than money. It is your effort converted into food, medicine, education, or a joy for those waiting for you on the other side. And for that, Curiara is here: to make that act of love safer, easier and fairer.
Curiara, uniting families.
