Am I at risk of trouble for sending $10,000 to my girlfriend's father in Colombia?

Question

I attempted to send a total of $3,000 to my girlfriend's father in Colombia for support using TapTapSend. So far, only $1,000 has gone through, and the other $2,000 is still pending. I also plan to send an additional $7,000. Am I at risk of getting in trouble for completing these transactions?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Sending money internationally is not illegal by itself, but large transactions can trigger reviews by financial institutions and regulators. Banks and money transfer services are required to flag or hold transfers that look unusual or exceed certain thresholds, especially when they involve thousands of dollars. This is part of anti-money laundering and fraud prevention laws, and it can explain why some of your funds are still pending. 
 
You are not likely to face legal trouble just for sending money to your girlfriend’s father if it is genuinely for support and you can explain the purpose. The main concern is that authorities may ask questions to confirm the money is not connected to illegal activity. Being transparent about the relationship and the reason for the transfer is the best way to protect yourself if questions come up. 
 
Before sending the full \$10,000, you may want to confirm with your transfer service or bank about their limits and reporting requirements. Breaking it into multiple transfers or using different services can sometimes cause more red flags rather than fewer. As long as the funds come from legitimate sources and you keep records of your intentions, you are unlikely to face trouble, though delays and extra scrutiny are common.

Q: Am I at risk of trouble for sending $10,000 to my girlfriend's father in Colombia?