Make sure you know to whom you are sending money. Only transfer money to someone you know personally or whose identity you can verify!

If you are purchasing goods or services and paying through the Western Union network, it is your responsibility to verify the reputation and legitimacy of the seller. Western Union is not responsible for the non-receipt or quality of any goods or services.

Do not send money using a fictitious recipient’s name. This will not protect you when purchasing from someone you don’t know.

Remember that Western Union does not require a receiver to present a money transfer control number (MTCN) to pick up funds.

Discontinue a call if a caller instructs you on how to respond to questions asked by Western Union.

Ask yourself:
- Who is this person?
- Does this money have to be sent immediately?
- Does this offer sound too good to be true?

Security is everyone's responsibility. Stay informed. Keep abreast of consumer fraud trends. A few excellent sources of information include your local newspaper and websites hosted by your government.

Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be wary of once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunities.

Be wary of a return of a lost pet or valuables.

Beware of bargain-priced electronics or other equipment.

Be wary if you are required to pay a fee before receiving a loan.

Beware of sweepstakes, prize or lottery company representatives who tell you to transfer money to them in order to claim a prize you've won. There are many companies running fraudulent contests that ask you to transfer them money but give you nothing in return.

Beware of unsolicited letters or emails from a Nigerian or other foreign government official requesting assistance in the transfer of excess funds from a foreign country into your bank account.

Beware of telephone calls from the police claiming someone you know has been in an accident or arrested and is requesting money.

Beware of unsolicited letters or emails offering an unrealistic price for expensive or difficult to find merchandise.

Make sure you know to whom you are sending money. If you are purchasing goods or services and paying through the Western Union network, it is your responsibility to verify the reputation and legitimacy of the seller. Western Union is not responsible for the non-receipt or quality of any goods or services.

If you receive an email from a company representing itself as Western Union and you are not sure it was sent by Western Union, do not click on any links in the email. Instead, contact us to inform our Customer Service Center.

Western Union will never send you an email asking for your user ID or password.

Western Union does not offer an escrow service or any type of "purchase protection" policy. Western Union's business is to transfer funds from a sender to a receiver. We caution people who use our services against sending money to people they don't know. It is the sender's responsibility to know the party to which the funds are being sent. Using a fictitious name or changing the Receiver name after the money transfer has been sent is not a guaranteed means of securing funds, is not recommended by Western Union and is often used by fraudulent sellers as a means of creating a false sense of security. If a receiver presents proper identification with the same name as on the money transfer, payment will be made.

Be wary of 3rd party "collection" or "holding" services unless they are a reputable, licensed escrow service. Western Union is not an escrow service, should not be used as an escrow service and is currently not affiliated with any escrow services.

BidPay^® was developed specifically for use with online auctions and employs security and screening processes that may benefit both buyers and sellers. For more information on using this service, go to www.bidpay.com. It's important to note, however, that neither Western Union Money Transfer nor BidPay offer any type of purchase protection or escrow service. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for verifying the reputation and legitimacy of the person offering you sell you goods or services. BidPay is only available to residents in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

For online auctions, examine seller feedback carefully and know the warning signs associated with fraudulent auction sales. Most online auction sites have safety guidelines or FAQs that can help you identify potentially fraudulent sales. Be wary if the seller is using a free email address, insists on accepting only one form of payment or suggests the use of a fictitious name or changing the Receiver name after the money transfer has been sent. Report any suspicious activity and file non-delivery of goods complaints with the auction site through which you purchased the item.

Remember that BidPay never acts as a guarantor of an auction buyer or seller's performance.

If you have just sent a money transfer transaction and suspect that you may be a victim of fraud, ask the sales clerk to stop your transaction immediately or call Western Union. If the transfer has not been completed, your principal will be refunded.

Contact your local law enforcement authorities if you are uncertain or suspicious of a telephone, mail or email solicitation or if you feel you have been the victim of fraud.