Protect yourself from fraud
Use Western Union services only to send money to friends and relatives. Never send money to someone you don't know personally. Sometimes fraudsters persistently ask people to send them a money transfer. Don't send money to anyone asking you to make a transfer:
- help in an emergency situation the existence of which you're unable to confirm immediately;
- for making an online purchase;
- for anti-virus protection;
- as a collateral or payment when renting real estate;
- to receive lottery winnings or a prize;
- to pay taxes;
- as a charity donation;
- as a paid off-the-record testing of a money transfer system;
- for assistance in finding a job;
- to pay a credit card or credit commission;
- to resolve immigration control issues;
- to pay for goods advertised via mass media or by phone (telemarketing). Telemarketing agents can't sell you anything and accept a payment by money transfer from a US resident. It's illegal.
After you make a money transfer, the recipient will have the access to the funds almost immediately. After the transfer is made, Western Union may not be able to refund you (except for a limited number of cases in certain circumstances) despite the fact that you are a victim of fraudsters. If you think you are a victim of fraudsters, call the Western Union special hotline at at 1-800-448-1492 or follow the link.