Tips to protect yourself from fraud
Western Union Bank knows you work hard for your money. That’s why we are working to help you protect yourself from fraud.
Be cautious if:
You receive an offer that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
You are the winning bid in an online auction and are dealing with a seller who will only accept a money transfer as payment.
You are told you have won a lottery or prize, but have to pay taxes or fees before you can collect.
Someone responds to your ad claiming they have found your lost pet or jewelry and asks you to send money for shipping or a reward.
You are selling merchandise and receive a cheque for much more than your asking price, but are asked to send the extra amount back through money transfer.
You are offered a low-cost loan but must pre-pay fees or the first few loan payments using money transfer services.
You get a call from someone claiming to be a police officer or a hospital employee asking for money for the bail or medical treatment of a loved one.
Always:
Know the person you are sending money to.
Buy goods and services from known and trusted sources.
Avoid paying for online auction purchases through money transfer.
Use extra caution if buying or selling items to someone outside of your country, especially when buying popular, high-dollar items.
Discontinue any transaction if someone coaches you on how to respond to questions asked by Western Union Bank. This is a sure sign of fraud.
Check with the Authorities if you are suspicious of a business.
Contact the Office of Consumer Affairs if you think someone is trying to defraud you.
Remember:
The Western Union® Money Transfer service is a great way to send money to people you know and trust
It is not intended to send money to someone you don’t know.
Western Union Bank does not provide an escrow service and is not responsible for the quality or non-receipt of any goods or services.
Sending money using a fictitious receiver name won’t protect you when doing business with a stranger. Don’t do it.
Where available, the “Test Question” feature is designed for emergency situations where the receiver will not have proper identification. It should never be used as additional security to time or delay payment of a transaction.
With few exceptions, Money Transfer Control Numbers (MTCNs) are not required to pick up money. If someone tells you differently, check with Western Union Bank directly.
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
