Read on for helpful resources and links dealing with online transactions and financial considerations to support you with your money matters.

Be sure to check our posts and the “News” section for the latest developments in the money transfer service industry.

Please note: Paystone is offering these resources and links as suggested research channels. Paystone is not responsible for the interpretation and use of these materials.

Currency Exchange

When sending money to your family in the Philippines, China, Mexico and around the world, the big question is – how much will they receive in local currency? Or maybe you are wondering about a good time to cash out your Paystone account in one of our 15 supported countries? Or have you received US Dollars or Canadian Dollars from a family member in North America and are thinking about converting to your local funds?.

Go to XE.com and find all kinds of information about foreign conversion, including exchange rates for all currencies worldwide, as well as a wide variety currency related tools.

Security

In the world of online transactions, security is the top concern for most people.  Knowing that the website you are on and the company you are dealing with is safe, secure and legal is one of the most important considerations in sending and receiving money online. Being informed and understanding the security behind online transactions is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read on for links and resources to help you stay safe on the web.

Online Shopping

With the growth of online shopping has come the growth of online theft. You do not necessarily know or trust the merchant you are buying from online.

When you shop online using Paystone’s online payment system, you can feel secure knowing that your personal information is protected. Using Paystone to make an online purchase means you do not share your sensitive information, such as your bank account number, with the merchant.

Click here for more tips on staying safe when shopping online.

Secure Websites

Some ways to know when you are on a secure website:

- You can see a security certificate, whether it’s Thwate or another provider. Click on the logo itself. Companies that have been legitimately registered will link to a real-time confirmation of the validity of the certificate on the web server that they are connected to.

- You can see a little lock in the browser bar, not on the website itself. You can click on the lock and get security confirmation.

- The URL begins with “https:”

Phishing

Phishing is when you receive an email with a link to a false website that asks you to login with a password. How can you protect yourself against email scam?

- Check the URL. If the link is a scam, it will have a lot of extra numbers or characters and while it will have the name of the company it is impersonating, it should be clear that this is not a link to that company’s page.

- If you reach a login page and you do not see a little lock on the bottom, you are not on a secure site. Go to the Paystone login page and have a look at what you should see on a secure and regulated site.

- If you are in doubt about the link, don’t click on it.  Simply open a new window in your internet browser and go to the company’s homepage directly without using the link.

- Never answer an email asking for your password or account number. Paystone will never ask you to share this information. The same goes for any financial institution.

Passwords

Another way to protect yourself is by choosing good passwords. Make them difficult to guess and include upper and lower case letters and symbols and/or numbers. Change your passwords periodically. Avoid using easily available information like your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, any part of your social security number or phone number or any series of consecutive numbers.

Online Security Links
OnGuardOnline.gov – Practical tips from the U.S. Federal government on protecting your personal information online
National Fraud Information Center – This non-profit organization in the U.S. helps consumers recognize and avoid fraud.
The Anti-Phishing Working Group – Committed to wiping our internet scams and fraud.
The National Cyber Security Alliance – Non-technical resources on how to stay safe online.

Online Banking

Online banking is an important tool when making online payments and money transfers. Getting set up for online banking is as easy as contacting your bank or visiting their website. Just have your card number and account number handy, and you’ll be ready to sign-up.

How to Use Bill-Pay

Bill-Pay is the fastest and easiest way to load your Paystone account. It works in just the same way as paying a hydro or cable bill. You simply add Paystone as one of your payees, and the bank will transfer the funds  into your Paystone account. New to bill pay? Check these instructions for new users.

Newcomers to North America

Moving to a new country is a rewarding and challenging experience, and learning to manage your finances in your new home is key. Read on for resources that assist and support newcomers in getting their money matters in order.

See the Canadian Federal Government’s Welcome to Canada Guide

See the U.S. Federal Government’s Welcome to the United States Guide in Tagalog, Spanish and Chinese

Just Landed offers a comprehensive listing of information for newcomers to both the US and Canada. They have their information listed in English, and translated into other languages, such as Spanish for the US and Chinese for Canada.

See their American and Canadian specific pages on money and financial matters. They list information about opening a bank account, exchanging currency, buying insurance and more.