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Consumer Fraud
Every day, millions of consumers rely on Western Union Money Transfer® service to send money to loved ones near and far. But whether you send money with us online, by phone or at an Agent location, you can be at risk for consumer fraud if you don't know the person you are sending money to. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud please call 1-800-448-1492.
Western Union takes consumer protection seriously. Use the links below to learn more about how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
> Common Fraud Types
> Tips to Help Protect Yourself
> Resources
Common Fraud Types
Fraudsters are using the internet, the mail, and the telephone in many ways to try to make you fall victim to their schemes. It’s important to remember that fraudsters are clever at gaining your trust and gathering your personal information.
At Western Union, we want to help you recognize the many ways they attempt to gain access to your personal information and money. Below is a list of common fraud schemes you should watch out for.
Advance Fee / Prepayment
In this type of fraud the victim sends money to the fraudster in advance of receiving a certain product or service. The fraudster might ask the victim for a small fee in advance to open a new credit card or to secure a loan. Some examples of this type of fraud are credit cards, loans, investments, etc.
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Mystery Shopping
There are multiple ways this type of fraud can occur. For this example we will use one of the most common.
Fraudsters contact victims through employment websites and ask them to evaluate the Western Union Money Transfer® service. The fraudster sends the victim a check and instructs them to deposit the check and use the funds to send a money transfer. The victim sends the money transfer and the fraudster picks it up and when the check bounces the victim is left responsible.
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Overpayment
A common fraud in which the victim is sent a check in payment of a service or product that appears to be valid, but will eventually bounce. Typically the amount of the check exceeds what the victim expects to receive and he or she is instructed to send the excess to the fraudster. When the check bounces the victim is left responsible.
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Employment
The fraudster will send a check to the victim who has accepted a job. The check can be for multiple reasons such as a signing bonus, supplies, etc. The victim will be instructed to deposit the check and use the money for any of these reasons and then instructed to send the remaining funds to the fraudster. The check will bounce and the victim is left responsible.
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Lottery / Prize
Victims are informed through an unsolicited communication they have won a large lottery prize or sweepstakes. The victim receives a check for part of the winnings from the fraudster and is told to pay a small amount to cover taxes and/or processing fees. The victim uses the check to pay for the taxes or processing fees and is left responsible for the bounced check.
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Rental Property
Fraudsters advertise a rental property usually at a considerable discount. This allows the fraudster to receive as many replies or inquiries as possible. The fraudster goes to great lengths to make this property look as legitimate as possible and might include pictures, floor plans, etc. To make sure you express an interest in the property the fraudster will ask you to send money for a deposit, verify funds, or other legitimate sounding reasons.
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Emergency Funds
This fraud usually occurs in two ways. Fraudsters will either make you believe they are someone you know or acting on behalf of someone you know. The fraud is based on you sending money for an urgent situation or emergency. The fraudster will create a story such as the need for bail, fines, medical expenses, etc. The fraudster may also use social media sites to further this type of fraud.
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Grandparent This fraud is based on the Emergency Funds fraud. The fraudster will contact grandparents and impersonate either their grandchildren or a person of authority such as law enforcement, medical professional or attorney. The fraudster describes an urgent situation or emergency that requires money to be sent immediately.
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Internet Purchases
Victims are told to send money for a product, auction item or service to the seller. The fraudster will use a number of tactics to make you believe they are legitimate, but once the victim sends the money they will not receive the purchased item or service.
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Relationship
Fraudsters will create a fake relationship with the victim who believes it’s real, perhaps through online communication. At some point the fraudster will request money for a number of reasons such as travel, medical, etc. In the end the fraudster is only attempting to gain funds and not a relationship.
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Fake Checks
Fake checks are used for many of the frauds explained in this section. These checks can be used for employment expenses, internet purchases, mystery shopping, etc. Remember not to use funds from a check deposited in your account until it officially clears which can take weeks.
Visit www.fakechecks.org
For more information, please visit www.westernunion.com
Craigs List scam information http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams
Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?
U.S. Federal
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