Western Union/Radio Shack discover new way to profit from illegal immigration: cell phone remittances (Cecilia Kang)
Cecilia Kang of the Washington Post offers "Three Firms Combine on Cellphone Remittances", a barely-rewritten press release about a new scheme from Western Union. Immigrants/illegal aliens will be able to buy a phone from Trumpet Mobile at Radio Shack. The phone acts as a bit of a debit card (a "mobile wallet"), in that money can be added to it in the U.S. and then part of the balance can be sent to friends or relatives in their home country.
Needless to say, the WaPo doesn't discuss how many or most of those using this service will be illegal aliens and thus the money they'll be transferring will have been earned illegally. Nor do they discuss the steps that Western Union has taken to make sure that they continue making a profit off that flow.
Comments
llamajockey (not verified)
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 11:25
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HS 14212 cvlamantia@comcast.net 2008-04-02T13:25:44-05:00
Will these cell phones also be disposible? Will you be able to transfer money from cell phone account to cell phone account. Because what a great way to set up a network to support criminal activity like drug dealing. No cash changing hands. Except now you have the option of not only laundrying money but sending it out of the country as well. It would be reassuring to know that Western Union is doing its best not only support illegal immigration but other illegal activities as well.
Fred Dawes (not verified)
Wed, 04/02/2008 - 14:10
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HS 14213 dawes57@cox.net 2008-04-02T16:10:46-05:00
Bin Laden will love that ideal, and why not after all Its all about money and drug deals and government. Buy Cell phone not Guns get into the third world money deal. ||amajockey is right and its all about support for illegal actions in all areas.