Halifax will not believe it's not a scam

LindsayT

Don't know if this is the right place for this.
I was trying to send money from my online account to my dearest friends abroad (they are actually better than family).
Filled in all the details, then a message came up that I had to phone them, which I did. She asked loads of questions and eventually said they believe it is a scam and will not allow the transaction.
I fully understand with all the scams going about but nothing I said would convince her this was not a scam. 
They did not ask for this money, I offered. Now can't think of any other way I can get this money to them after I promised.
Any ideas gratefully received.

Browntoa

Try using wise or another app to send funds 

Are they lifelong friends ? 

Banks have a duty of care , your answers obviously red flagged 

wmb194

LindsayT said:

Don't know if this is the right place for this.
I was trying to send money from my online account to my dearest friends abroad (they are actually better than family).
Filled in all the details, then a message came up that I had to phone them, which I did. She asked loads of questions and eventually said they believe it is a scam and will not allow the transaction.
I fully understand with all the scams going about but nothing I said would convince her this was not a scam. 
They did not ask for this money, I offered. Now can't think of any other way I can get this money to them after I promised.
Any ideas gratefully received.

To which country are you trying to send it?

mebu60

Open an account with Wise. 

LindsayT

If I open an account with Wise, is it likely Halifax could still block it?

eskbanker

LindsayT said:

If I open an account with Wise, is it likely Halifax could still block it?

Possible but unlikely IMHO - their motivation isn't to prevent scams as such but to avoid liability for reimbursing them, and routing money to an intermediary releases them from any such obligation!

TimeLord1

Depending on what payments are going into the account and your age they stopped my aunt from sending money to her daughter abroad. Looking after older people and the vulnerable. She had to go in with an ID to send it. 

Jemma01

Is it fair to say you've never met these people before? Are they random people on the internet you've connected with?

Browntoa

They avoided answering that question 

I'd vote for 

Internet only friends 

Destination is a high fraud risk country 

Reason for payment is a red flag ( hospital treatment, airplane tickets ) 

And looking at other posts by you you've had your Halifax debit card red flagged and blocked in the past for possible fraud 

M25

Although the OP may not be stupid there's a lot of stupid people who open and maintain bank accounts and we all pay for their stupidity.

Just take the money out and use Western Union. Clears your bank and us of liabilty.

My parents tried to send money to my "Brother" who had sent them a WhatsApp saying  "Mum, I've lost my phone can you send money" etc etc. The Nationwide didn't block the payment but heavily warned them with a large banner and 3 extra opportunities not to send the money and eventually they decided not to send the money. My parents were stupid (I've been banging on about scams for years). My brother doesn't even call her "Mum" which left me breathless because that should be an immediate alarm call. I really didn't know what to do except tell them again and again to not send money to anyone.

Banks do need to do a bit more but it's a balance.

Desmond_Hume

“…to my dearest friends abroad…”

The OP language even reads like a scam to me.