Until 2002, Argentina was the sole Latin American nation which sent out more money than it received in remittances, according to Western Union, an international money transfer company.

BBC: Argentina's internet helpers

Then early last year the company announced it would would spin off its Western Union division.

FORBES: Spinoffs

Western Union is under fire as never before (which may be one reason the company declined any interviews for this story).

FORBES: On the Backs Of the Poor

Western Union disclosed in February that the Department of Justice, joined by "several" states, is looking into the company's "contractual relationships" with the agents.

FORBES: On the Backs Of the Poor