There have been growing complaints about the jump in the cost of sending letters via mail to the Philippines and about letters with checks not reaching brethren in the Philippines. Possible alternatives include using Western Union or MoneyGram (the latter is cheaper). I am successfully using MoneyGram.

1. To send a MoneyGram, call 1-877-922-2992, give all the requested information, then take the cash amount plus fee to a MoneyGram agent (Wal-Mart, some gas station convenience stores, etc.; you can ask MoneyGram to advise you of the nearest agent). After you send it, if you need to ask follow-up questions, call 1-800-666-3947.

2. Alternative: Use the computer and go to the web site www.emoneygram.com to learn how to set up an account with MoneyGram so that you can send the money directly using your computer (once you get set up, each time you send a MoneyGram the money will be deducted from your bank account via debit card or charged to your credit card). MoneyGram limits each person to send $3,000 per month via this method.

3. Whether you use method 1. or 2., MoneyGram will provide a “reference number” which you must send to the Filipino who will receive the money. He will take that number to any MoneyGram agent in the Philippines (banks & other businesses serve as agents). The safest way to get the reference number to a Filipino is by e-mail. If you send the number in the mail and someone steals the letter, whoever has that reference number can collect the money.

4. If you make several large transfers in one day, you may get a call from the security department of MoneyGram or Western Union. They will ask such questions as, “Do you personally know the recipient of this money?” If you do not, they will cancel your transfer and you will feel like you are being made out to be a criminal when your only effort was to help our brethren who are in need. The federal government is so intent on tracing and blocking terrorists activities and drug rings that MG and WU have become very suspicious and restrictive. If they think they see a pattern of large amounts being sent, they flag it as possible terrorist activity. This creates a burden for ordinary honest people trying to help worthy brethren in places like the Philippines. Consider spacing out the transfers or send one by MG and another by WU.

In Christian Love,
Ron Halbrook