Question 1

How do I spot a fake, fraudulent or phishing email or website?

Accepted Answer

Phishing is a type of email attack in which a fraudster sends you an email while impersonating a person, business, or reliable website in order to obtain your passwords or other sensitive information or gain complete control of your computer.

The majority of phishing efforts take place via email, but fraudsters will use every method they can think of to get you to give them your information or money, including:

Fraudulent emails and other messages that look like they're from legitimate companies
Fake invoices saying you’ve missed a payment
Misleading pop-ups and ads that say your device has a security problem
Scam phone calls or voicemails that impersonate employees at companies
Fake promotions that offer free products and prizes

It’s best to be vigilant at all times, fraudsters want your personal details for a number of reasons. Freemarket will never ask you for any personal data. If you receive a message and are unsure it’s really from Freemarket, check to see if it does any of the following:

Uses generic, impersonal greetings like "Dear user" or "Dear [your email address]." We'll always refer to you in our correspondence by your first and last name or by your company name. Greetings like "Dear user" or "Hello Freemarket member" are never used by us.
Requests that you click on links that lead to phoney websites. Before clicking any links in emails, always double-check them. A link can have a secure appearance, such as www.wearefreemarket.com/SpecialOffers. To view the actual location, be sure to hover your cursor over the link. Don't click on the link if you aren't sure.
Has unidentified attachments. Open an attachment only if you are certain it is trustworthy and safe. Pay particular attention to invoices from businesses and contractors you are unfamiliar with. Some attachments contain viruses that install themselves when opened.
Projects a false feeling of urgency. Phishing emails frequently use alarmist language and urge you to update your account right away. They're hoping you'll be swayed by their haste and disregard red flags that the email is a scam. If there’s an urgent need for you to complete something on your account, you can find this information by logging into Freemarket directly.

You can find some more information, tips, how to spot phishing attempts and best practices from Apple, Santander, Microsoft, and Which.

Question 2

I am entering the correct OTP but it still says incorrect OTP?

Accepted Answer

Freemarket sends a one-time password (or OTP) to authenticate customers. You can receive OTP on mobile or email based on your preference. OTP is used to add extra layer of security during the sign in process or during delivery of certain orders. OTPs are unique and should not be shared with anyone.

If you have tried to access your login page multiple times, every new click on “Resend an OTP” will generate a new OTP. You should enter the latest OTP that you have received based on your preferences.

If you are still having trouble with the code, contact your Relationship Manager or email support@wearefreemarket.com.

Question 3

What is One Time Password (OTP)?

Accepted Answer

A one-time password (OTP) is a randomly generated string of letters, numbers, and/or symbols that is delivered to a user to be used for just one login or transaction. An OTP is more secure than a static password, particularly one that was established by the user and may be insecure or used on several accounts.

What are the benefits of OTPs?

OTPs reduce the risk around passwords.

Multi-factor authentication: OTPs can add an additional layer of authentication. Using security tokens, OTPs can be generated for users to provide as an additional form of authentication, which increases security and reduces the risk of a breach.
Time-based OTP (TOTP): this type of OTP is time-based, in that it provides a window of time within which the OTP code will be valid. In general, timesteps are 30-60 seconds in length. If the user does not enter the OTP code within the specified timestep, they must request a new one.

Read more on Twilio, Transmit Security, and Entrust.

Question 4

What are your support hours?

Accepted Answer

Our support team is on hand to answer any queries that might arise. The team is happy to assist you or point you in the right direction.

Monday: 8am – 17:30pm
Tuesday: 8am – 17:30pm
Wednesday: 8am – 17:30pm
Thursday: 8am – 17:30pm
Friday: 8am – 17:30pm

If your request is outside of those hours, we might ask that you send an email and we will respond as soon as possible.

Question 5

I searched the exchange rate and the rate from Freemarket is not the same, why?

Accepted Answer

An exchange rate determines the price at which one currency will be exchanged for another and has an impact on international trade and international transfers. Depending on the supply and demand for the currency, the rate may increase or decrease.

Every transaction you make will be subject to a charge or spread added by each supplier. The rate you see online is the one that the market has decided is appropriate at the moment, taking into account a number of variables like economic data, the GDP, interest rates, unemployment rates, and political unpredictability.

Providers like Freemarket try to change this because we believe everyone deserves to be free from cost and pricing restrictions. Occasionally, only large businesses and institutions had access to the best rates.

Question 6

What security procedures will you require when I instruct you to send money from my account?

Accepted Answer

For each transaction we will ask you the destination of the funds i.e. where the funds are going, the beneficiary details, and to pass all the necessary compliance checks and transaction monitoring. Once approved, we will proceed with authorising your instruction and making the payment.

Question 7

Which types of transaction must be safeguarded?

Accepted Answer

In PSRs, safeguarding applies to what are described as ‘Relevant Funds’. These are defined as sums received:

from, or for the benefit of, the Payment Services User for the execution of a payment transaction, and
from another Payment Services Provider (either a bank or non-bank) for the execution of a payment transaction on behalf of a Payment Services User

Consequently, Freemarket is obliged to safeguard any monies you transact through us including bank transfers, withdrawals and foreign exchange. Freemarket’s own funds must be held in different bank accounts.

Question 8

Can I get a MT103?

Accepted Answer

All banks and financial institutions utilise MT103, a SWIFT standard messaging protocol, as a globalised proof of payment document.

Although though it is no longer the quickest or cheapest means to transport money, SWIFT, which was first established in the 1970s, remains a trustworthy way to transfer funds between markets and jurisdictions. A bank or financial institution won't often provide you an MT103 receipt; if you do, it will likely cost you as the user. The MT103 provides you with a breakdown of the transaction, including information on the sender, the organisations handling the payment, the transaction's value, fees, and more.

Please contact Support for further information on this.

Question 9

Can I have confidence in your safeguarding processes?

Accepted Answer

Freemarket undertakes an annual audit of its compliance with the PSRs 2017 safeguarding requirements. This can be done through a self-certification process, or via an independent audit.

The audit must show that Freemarket (i) has an up-to-date safeguarding systems and controls manual, (ii) holds records which demonstrate and explain the rationale behind its safeguarding decisions, and (iii) fully discharges its safeguarding obligations as prescribed by the PSRs.

Question 10

Can I remove a beneficiary?

Accepted Answer

On the platform, you can suspend a beneficiary; however, all outstanding transactions to the beneficiary will be cancelled. To completely remove the beneficiary from your viewpoint, then please message us and we can get that sorted for you.