How to safely send money to someone

Picture being out with a group of friends for a festive birthday celebration and suddenly the bill comes. Figuring out how to pay your fair share can change the mood.

What are the risks of sending money to friends?

Though sending money to friends directly through a phone has become safer and more commonplace, there are risks to be aware of. Some of the most common ones include:

• Funds received by the wrong person. Mistakes with recipient details can lead to sending money to the wrong person, which can be hard to recover.
• Phishing attacks. Cybercriminals may use fake emails or texts to trick people into giving up sensitive information, posing a risk to financial data.
• Insecure networks. Public or unsecured networks may leave financial transactions vulnerable to interception and lead to theft of personal information.

Preventive tips to safely send money to friends

To safeguard transfers and avoid falling into common traps, it's a good idea to consider the following tips on how to send money safely:

• Double-check recipient details. Verifying the email or phone number helps funds are going to the correct person.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi. Conducting financial transactions over private, secure networks can prevent interception.
• Regularly monitor accounts. Keeping an eye on account activity can help catch any suspicious transactions early.
• Use trusted platforms. PayPal and other secure services use encryption and fraud detection to help keep transactions safe.
• Beware of phishing scams. It's wise to verify the source of any communication before clicking on links or sharing personal details.

Different ways to send money by PayPal to friends

PayPal offers different ways to send money safely to friends, family, and other individuals — whether it's through the app, a personalised PayPal.Me link, or a simple QR code. Here's a closer look at common methods.

PayPal app

The PayPal app, also known as the PayPal digital wallet, allows users to send money to friends quickly and securely.* Just follow these steps:

1. Download and open the PayPal app.
2. Log in to the account or create one if it's the first time using PayPal.
3. Select Send Money.
4. Enter the recipient’s details, such as their email or phone number.
5. Choose the amount and payment method (bank account, card, or PayPal balance).
6. Review the details and hit Send.

Benefits of using the PayPal app include the ability to manage multiple payment methods, track transactions, and enjoy 24/7 security monitoring for transfers.

PayPal.Me

PayPal.Me can be used to provide a personalised link that makes it easy for friends to send or request money. Here’s how it works:

1. Set up a personalised link by visiting PayPal.Me.
2. Share the link with friends via text, email, or social media.
3. Friends can click the link and enter the amount they wish to send or receive — making it a convenient way to request payments.

The link is quick to set up.

Pay with a QR code

PayPal’s QR code feature offers a quick and secure way to send money to friends. By scanning a unique code, users can transfer money without needing to enter any email addresses or phone numbers. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the PayPal app on your phone.
2. Select Scan/Pay from the home screen.
3. Scan the friend’s QR code using the camera.
4. Enter the amount to send and confirm the transaction.

How PayPal is secure during payment transfers

PayPal relies on multiple technologies to help that payments through its platform provide safety and security:

• Fraud detection. PayPal's fraud protection relies on monitoring transactions to help keep them safe.*
• Advanced encryption technology. All PayPal data is encrypted, keeping sensitive information — like card details —safe.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA). Users can activate 2FA on PayPal to require a second form of verification for an added layer of security.
• Email and phone alerts. Real-time alerts notify users of account activity, helping immediate awareness of unusual activities.

Send and receive money securely with PayPal’s digital wallet

PayPal’s digital wallet is a secure, versatile way to send and receive money globally. Digital wallet benefits include:

• Multiple payment methods. Easily link a bank account, credit card, or debit card to manage all finances in one place.
• Global trust. With millions of users worldwide¹, PayPal is a trusted platform for sending and receiving money internationally.
• Security. PayPal's digital wallet offers benefits for fraud protection, utilising features like encryption, real-time monitoring, and 2FA.