Consumer education
Financial Literacy
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Access to finance
Access to finance · Guide
Receiving money from abroad safely
Compare ways of receiving money from family abroad, understand fees and exchange rates, and protect yourself from scams.
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Calculators & quiz
Money tools
Your rights
Know your rights as a bank customer
Clear information before you sign
Good practice means you are told the fees, charges, interest and key terms of a product in plain language before you agree to it.
Fair treatment
You should be treated with courtesy and fairness, and never pressured into products you do not need or understand.
Privacy of your information
Your personal and account details should be kept confidential and used only for proper purposes.
A way to complain
Your bank should have a clear complaints process, with a point of contact and a timescale for its response.
Regular statements
You should be able to receive statements that show every transaction, fee and charge on your account.
Choice of products
You should be free to compare products, choose what suits you and move to another product or bank, in line with the terms you agreed.
Fraud awareness
Spot a scam
- Someone asks for your PIN, password or one-time code
- You are pressured to act now or told your account will be closed
- You are told you have won a prize or draw you never entered
- You are asked to move money to a "safe account" to protect it
- The message uses an unofficial phone number, email address or link
- An investment promises high returns with little or no risk
- You are asked to pay a fee to secure a job or training place
- A message from "your bank" contains spelling mistakes or odd wording
If something goes wrong
What to do if you suspect fraud
- 1
Contact your bank immediately
Use the number on the back of your card, on your statement or on the bank’s official website. Do not use numbers or links from a suspicious message.
- 2
Block your card or account
Ask the bank to block your card, account or mobile banking access straight away to stop further losses.
- 3
Record the details
Write down dates, times, amounts, phone numbers and what was said. Keep messages, receipts and screenshots.
- 4
Report fraud to the police
Where fraud has taken place, report it to the police and ask for a reference. Share it with your bank.
- 5
Follow the bank’s complaints process
Put your complaint in writing, ask for a reference number and keep copies of everything you send and receive.
- 6
Escalate to the Central Bank
If the matter is not resolved after you have completed the bank’s complaints process, contact the Central Bank of The Gambia at https://www.cbg.gm.
Everyday practice
Good money habits
- Save a fixed amount as soon as you are paid
- Keep a simple monthly budget and review it
- Check your statements and transaction alerts regularly
- Compare the total cost before you borrow
- Keep your PIN, passwords and codes to yourself
- Build an emergency fund for unexpected costs
Questions
Common questions
Is GBA my bank’s regulator?
No. GBA is the industry association of licensed banks in The Gambia. Banks are licensed and supervised by the Central Bank of The Gambia.
Can GBA help with a problem on my account?
GBA does not hold or manage customer accounts and cannot see your information. Contact your bank first and use its complaints process. If the matter is not resolved, you can take it to the Central Bank of The Gambia.
How do I know if a bank is licensed?
Check with the Central Bank of The Gambia, which licenses and supervises banks. Its website is https://www.cbg.gm.
What do I need to open a bank account?
Requirements vary by bank and type of account. You will usually need valid identification and proof of address. Ask your chosen bank for its exact list before you visit.
Is it safe to keep money in a mobile wallet?
Mobile wallets are useful for everyday payments and transfers. Protect your PIN, keep your phone locked and use only official apps and agents. For larger sums and longer-term savings, a bank savings account is often more suitable.
Can I share these guides?
Yes. Schools, community groups and employers are welcome to share them to support financial education.
Bring financial education to your school or community
We work with schools, community groups and employers to deliver practical sessions on managing money and avoiding fraud.
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