Male VO: Wiring money: It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s… gone forever?

Wiring money is just like sending cash. Once it’s gone, you CAN’T get it back.

So don’t wire money to a stranger, or to someone you haven’t met in person.

In fact, you may want to think twice even when you DO know the person asking you to wire money. Scam artists sometimes hack e-mail accounts, and send out hard-luck stories using the name of a person you know. Confirm the facts of any story before you wire any money.

Remember – the reasons for wire transfers can be compelling – even heart-wrenching. But, once the money is sent, you can’t get it back… and, often, you can’t even track it.

So whether it’s to a love interest, or even to a name you know, confirm before you send.

When it comes to wiring money, exercise doubt and check it out… at FTC.gov.

A tip from the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency.