
Western Union Reviews
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About Western Union
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Western Union offers global money transfer and payment services. Established in 1851, it enables individuals to send money across borders, pay bills and purchase money orders, with services available in over 200 countries. Western Union combines physical agent locations with digital platforms to support personal and business financial transactions.
- Quick and easy money transfers
- Reliable service for urgent needs
- User-friendly app and website
- High fees for transactions
- Inconsistent customer service
- Technical issues with online service
Western Union Reviews
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Reviewed Oct. 24, 2017
Two months ago we sent money to our son in California. Suddenly a new transaction took place recently but our son is no longer in California to pick up the money. Western Union tried to blame it on someone hacking into our account. But why would they send money to someone they do not know and never pick up the money. We asked them what happens the money if we never noticed it and it never gets picked up. The manager told us that Western Union holds onto the money until it is picked up. So if we mentioned that if it never gets picked up then, then Western Union holds it forever. She said that is right. So how many people has Western Union done this to and the money is just sitting around in Western Union's account?
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2017
I sent my son money 3 hours ago between states and we are still waiting for them to clear it. They charged 22.00 to send 200 and now they are saying we need to send our ID's? They always have a reason why they screw up everything. I used to send money to the Philippines but the agent there always skimmed off the top, the only company that allow it. DONT EVER USE WESTERN UNION. THEY SCREW EVERYONE.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2017
I send some money to a friend in the Philippines. I had to change the name on the transaction so they could pick up the money. Instead of just changing the name, the name change generated a new transaction for the exact same amount as my original request. I have tried to process my refund over WU web page and have had no luck with getting my money back. I have also called Western Union four times to refund my original amount. Each time I speak with someone from a call center overseas and they give me really bad information.
They say it's my bank's fault (I've called my bank and they say they've never seen a request to process the amount back into my account). Western Union also asked for my bank statement to prove I never received the refund (ya right - I'm going to sent that right over to the worst customer service I've ever seen)! I've also been on hold for a long time each time I call into their customer service help desk! I thought Western Union was a reputable company! My friend was able to pick up her money. But to get a refund on my original amount has been crazy. I would avoid doing business with Western Union at all costs.
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2017
Today we can use the inexpensive bank-to-bank (ZELLE which used to be Clear Exchange) or we can use PayPal. We don't need Western Union. This entire service to exploit the vulnerable few that don't have a bank account. I see in the options "The Federal Bureau of Prisons" which tells me that FBP and WU are jointly exploiting the incarcerated as well. I googled WU and wow! The complaints are really bad. Fraud apparently abounds with this company. No thanks. You want my business? Change your fees to something reasonable and stop the fraud coming from the WU locations.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2017
Western Union needs to be closed their money transfer if don't allow other people to pick up the money. They are really annoying. My bf send me a money today to help me pay the bills of my father in the hospital... I live in CA and he was in Florida. They are sucks because they allow the money to be send out but they won't allow me to pick it up... as if we're doing something wrong. This company is really a sucks. If there is a negative rating, this will I give to WU company.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2017
The first credit card supplied was not accepted - without reason given. I was told to find a WU store location. I received 3 three different PIN# from 3 different agents. The third seemed to work. However, the store did not accept my debit card, cash only. The online WU agent had told me that a debit card would be fine when I had asked if I needed to pay with cash. 10 minutes later, back from the ATM machine, the number did not work anymore. I left the store after 65 minutes because they were closing up.
Back home I tried a different credit card (FICO score is excellent). The message from WU was that they would need to review the credit card. Then I received an email to call them for the confirmation of "some information". When I called them in reference to their email they were puzzled as to why I called. Being placed on hold for 5 minutes I was then told that my credit card did not work. Two credit cards denied. Does anybody know an alternative for international (no fixed address for recipient) money transfers with Western Union? How is it possible that they are still in business?
Reviewed Sept. 28, 2017
Appalling service. Western Union you are about as useful as ** on a bull. I send over $100k from AUD and USD every year and you have just burnt a loyal customer. How? Had to message 4 different times to 4 different people at WU as my transfer to my US bank this week had 'failed' but the money was taken out of my account in Australia. The money was no longer accessible in my Australian nor my US account and as a result I was hit with overdrawal fees. 5 days later, the money is still in limbo! After a grueling slow process speaking with 'customer care' they refuse to repay the overdrawn fees caused by your system not working! And when I asked them to refer me to someone who had the power to make such a thing happen your rude robotic customer service rep just ignores it.
How is that fair!? Here's my rebuttal, all funds personal and from my business which trades internationally will now go to your competitors. I also host a group for foreigners living abroad where I will share my experience and also direct them to your competitors. Only posting it on here since it being public seems the only way to get a response. Well done you incompetent **!
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2017
On 9/25/17 I sent 800 to my wife in Philippines by Western Union. Western Union notified me my wife had picked up the money but at that exact time my wife was in office of the National Bureau of Investigations getting a Visa but Western Union claimed she was 200 miles away picking up money I had sent. I notified Western Union and when they found out we had solid proof she did not pick up the money Western Union stopped replying. Now I have found this is happening so often in Philippines that money can no longer be sent there. But Western Union has done nothing to refund my money. After filing a complaint with NBI in Manila I find out they have many complaints of Western Union employees stealing money from customers.
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2017
They claim you can send money to various countries, but if you try they deny. Then they call you with rude questions with some guy who can't even speak English and acting like you're the suspicious one. If you refuse to answer their insinuated questions (none of your damn business), they deny the transfer. They're obviously overseas 3rd world call center employees having access to the account information I gave to a company I thought was based in the US are the only real risk of fraud here; not my legitimate attempts to transfer money to friends and family overseas. ** this company.
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2017
My main concern is... Customer Service... Didn't acknowledge the issue and status of the solution regarding Bermuda with no Western Unions. Failure to take action and rather distress by non caring with the incident. Policies throw in my faces and not even a solution since it was their course of action not mine. If you closed down 4 western unions as a corporate decision. Western Union financial bank should have a back up plan to solve clients' services. Instead I get "No" and "I don't know the answer". It rather disappointing. I will never use Western Union again and I am stressing to future clients. Buying we Beware.
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2017
I've had good times, and bad times with WU, and after awhile I started to take things personally after not sending my transfers and refunding them most the time now. How are you supposed to get ** done if you only got WU for security reasons. Money Gram is about the same. I'm on a hunch here.
Reviewed Sept. 22, 2017
Purchased a money transfer from Western Union. Used recipient's common name to transfer funds. Recipient could not pick up funds because legal ID was under full name. Contacted Western Union but their policy would not allow name change for security reasons. Tried to cancel the transfer via phone and was assured by two representatives on two calls that my money would be refunded within 10 days or less. It has been over 1 1/2 mos and the transaction is still active with no refund. I cannot get Western Union to refund my money or cancel this transaction.
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2017
I bought $500 money order which I did not used so I submitted for a refund to Western Union. I received $485 (minus $15 fee) check from Western Union and with Wells Fargo Bank as the issuing bank. When I deposited the refund check to my HSBC checking account and I received a copy of the front and the back of the original check back from HSBC indicated the Western Union/Wells Fargo refused to honor the check, claiming that the check was cleared and $485 had been withdrawn.
I called my HSBC and they informed me that other bank did not honor thus they sent back the copy of electronic check back to me, I contacted Western Union, they claimed the check was cleared and the money in the account was cleared. This really sounds like a 3rd countries fraud except it happens right here in the US. I file a complaint to NJ Banking Commission and don't know when will I hear from them. DON'T buy anything from Western Union!!! I feel sorry for those who don't have a checking account and I am sorry not to buy banker check.
Reviewed Sept. 18, 2017
They cannot fix a problem in a timely way. They say on the phone they will do things, but then don't. They send emails saying they will fix things then don't fix them. They say they will generate a report, then generate a report which is wrong. I have to chase and chase and chase them.
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2017
I have a WU account. I requested sending money on 9/8/2017. Moment later I got a phone call saying it's from WU and asked personal questions in heavy foreign accent. First of all, how do I know if it's not a spam call? After interrogating thoroughly (I gave the caller a hard time), I determined that it was a legitimate call and verified my ID. Shortly after I received an e-mail confirming that it was approved and the fund will be available on 9/14/2017. On 9/13/2017, I received an e-mail requesting my photo ID for verification. I sent it on 9/14/2017.
Two minutes later I got a reply saying that they will review it and contact me within 2 hours. I haven't heard until the following day. The status still says it is pending. I called the customer service. The agent asked me to wait and she apparently checked the status, confirmed my ID that I sent, and processed. The fund became available waiting about 15 minutes on the phone. I have used WU many time in the past and I liked it very much. I am not sure anymore if I will ever use it again.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2017
I use WU to send money to relatives internationally. They are very dependable and pay out the money in US $ which is preferable. They also have multiple payout locations, but their fees are rather high.
Reviewed Sept. 2, 2017
I purchased Western Union Money Order last year to pay my rent. The money order to made payable to Skylight Real estate. The real estate agent and landlord contacted me to say there was an issue with the Western Union Money Order. The money order was deposited into the business account but the money was not released by Western Union. I contacted Western Union and I'm not getting this problem resolved at all. The landlord called Western Union and she is getting nowhere also. Western Union left a bad taste in my mouth and I warned all friends and family to never purchase Western Union Money Orders or utilize their services. Horrible service. My landlord is out of $1000. Western Union where is the $1000?
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2017
So I have used Western Union a few times before for Sending and Receiving money. When I tried to send money in the past it worked. But every time I try to pick up money it never works and the system is always down!!! So a week ago a family member sent me money and I went to the Western Union store by my house and they told me the system is down. Which was their 3rd time telling me that of all the times I ever went there. And I had to leave and come back later to try again which I did. And it worked.
So today I'm trying to pick up money again and they told me the system is down again this time. (I don't have a car and I was picking up money for food). So I found another Western Union location at Walgreens which I had to walk to in the Sun hungry. And they told me the system was down there too! So I had to walk all the way home with no money or food. I am very frustrated. I want Western Union to know that people depend on this service and sometimes for emergency situations. I wish you guys can be more dependable because you're so unpredictable! I was very upset because I had to do a lot of extra walking and ended up not getting my money today. I give Western Union 0 STARS!!! Next time I will go to Money Gram!
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2017
Paid for a next business day transfer. The website kept saying "processing" 48 hours later. Called customer service 2 times and both times was outsourced to India who didn't understand a word I was saying. Actually both times reps were giving conflicting information and kept saying "umm". They were actually trying to rush me off of the phone so I wouldn't ask the same questions again. I normally do not write review but this experience was horrible. Luckily my mortgage company got the payment in time, but as a result, I will never use Western Union for a transfer again.
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2017
Western Union is very well known and fairly easy to get to in this part of New York City. I particularly like using the Western Union app on iPhone because there are no lines in which to wait and the entire transaction takes maybe three minutes. If I ever had a problem customer service has been very helpful in getting me a fast refund and the rewards program is pretty generous.
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2017
We purchased with cash a Western Union MO to pay a partial payment on a vacation rental. We accidentally destroyed the MO with other papers. We had the original receipt, and filed an official claim with Western Union who had the gall to charge US money in the amount of $30. We sent in everything the form asked for. A completed claim form, processing fee of $30, and the original receipt. We copied everything we sent to them. We've been waiting and waiting and waiting.
Today we get a letter in the mail from these morons. They are sending our paper work back claiming that they need proof of purchase in the form of the original receipt. Well we sent it to these idiots. What did they do with it??? I'm suspicious that this is a rip off by them to get out of paying. They saw we paid cash as it was on the receipt. So we have not bank statement showing the charge, they stole the original receipt, we did not take a copy of the MO. So they screwed us out of $500. They will be reported to our state division of consumer affairs and the state attorney general.
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2017
Aug 2, 2017 I went on my account to transfer money to KIA Motor Finance. Upon submission I was issued an error message C9999 and was told to try again. So 5 minutes later I did try again and that time it was fine. I went on my account to see what I had in the bank and Western Union Sent 2 payments to KIA supposedly. I have called 17 times and gotten the runaround. KIA refunded my money to Western Union and they refunded me $9.99 cents the charge that it is to send the money in the first place. I have filed 2 complaints one with Department of Bank and Finance. The other with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Next my attorney plans to file the lawsuit. I was informed they are responsible for all nsf fees, 10 times the amount taken from my account.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2017
My wife and I use Western Union every month and have never had a problem since we created an account with them on their website. HOWEVER, recently she tried to use the Western Union APP for iPhone, and when she was about to send the usual amount of money, the app demanded an additional $10 over what we normally pay for the website. Western Union is great if you have family that you support overseas, however, the most affordable way to use their services is directly through their website. Both the App and the Counter fees at Western Union stores charge additional fees for the same amount of money sent than their website.
It is possible that the app might be a third party company who is making an additional buck off of you and Western Union. Aside from that little scandal, I have nothing but great things to say about Western Union and have been using them for over 8 years on a monthly basis. Fast, convenient, safe and affordable way of sending money anywhere in the world.
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2017
I use Western Union from time to time to transfer money to my stepchildren in the Philippines, When I came to use it this weekend, transactions to both were declined, with a statement that "TRANSACTION EXCEEDS DEFINED LIMIT (C8618)". When I queried this with their customer service department I was advised that Western Union has introduced new system controls to limit the number of transactions and the amount of money sent to the Philippines. Western Union does this for many reasons to address risks with certain countries.
This was not advised in advance, and trying to find out what the limit is, when I will be able to use my account again is impossible. Their customer support write replies that are meaningless and never address the questions asked. It's clearly a company that does not care for customer satisfaction, I for one will seek alternative means to send money in the future.
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2017
I sent money amounting to 2000php last Aug. 04, 2017 because my father ask for my mom's medicines. Next day Aug. 05, 2017 he was about to claim it, but the WU Concepcion branch told him that it doesn't exist so I checked the tracking no. It also shows there that it doesn't exist so I ask for a customer service. They told me to wait until 6pm then they told me that I can get the money next day just wait till 3pm. It was already past 4pm and I keep on messaging their customer service but they don't answer. So I decided to go back in WU UN branch all the way from Taguig. When I got there it was already past 5 but there are still people from the inside so I asked the guard to open the door.
They welcomed me in but then they just gave me another paper. So I thought it was fine. They told me that there was some system issue. As I went back home I called my father and told it’s fine to go back in Concepcion branch. They already fixed it. He went back today Aug. 05, 2017 but still he can't get the money. The employee this time told my father that the money has been already paid. So my father called me telling me everything that happened. I keep messaging their customer service but I can't send the message anymore. I don't know if it’s their nature to deceive people. Never had any problem with any other money transfer co. This is the first time!
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2017
I sent money to India. They said it will be delivered on August 2nd. I got an email on July 31st saying money transfer is under review. I was waiting for further instructions. After 3 days, I called and they are saying they need photo ID of the receiver. Then I asked, "did you guys contact the receiver or the sender about it." They said NO. How the hell am I supposed to know they are waiting on something. The email that they sent me didn't even ask me to call them or didn't indicate that any action is required from me.
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2017
July, 2017 I sent a WU bill pay to my bank instead of the right biller. After I found my mistake I talked to Western Union and they said they would follow thru. They found my error and said to give them 24 hours. No luck talking to anyone since. I called my bank. They needed information on from WU. Now is Aug 1st 2017 and I haven't received any help. I am out $2400.00 with no help from anyone.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2017
When sending money, usually a family member is in need. It involves urgency in a stressful situation. We look for a service that will make this transaction comfortable and smooth. We don't want to leave our loved ones in limbo waiting for the help they need. Western Union doesn't care about your needs. They say they provide three ways to wire funds: instore, online and over the phone. I tried all three ways and was still not able to wire money to my son. The machine instore froze up. The computer would not complete registrations and customer service tried to charge me double for using phone service and they were still unable to transfer my funds... From one US state to another. I then went to MoneyGram and was able to send the money without any hassle. Western Union is bunk.
Reviewed July 30, 2017
A lady on Toronto Canada, at Wilson and Keele was so rude, she asked in a daft way not only where I work which is usual question for them, also asked me about my husband work, and if he supported me or not, and what exactly I will spent my money for food or apartment. I got really angry and she refused to pay MY MONEY, and also she asked for my debit as a second id. This is unbelievable and she said that I CAN CALL HER MANAGER WHENEVER I WANT THAT SHE WILL SUPPORTED HER! PLEASE DONT GO THERE. This agency is like you are asking for money that is NOT YOURS. THEY HAVE TO KNOW THAT IS NOT A FAVOR!
Reviewed July 28, 2017
Normally, I pay online for global money transfers… all has gone smoothly. As I was having some problems with my bank, I decided to physically walk into Kroger and pay for Western Union Money transfer. Well, when my husband went to pick up money he was told something to the effect it had been suspended; due to too many Western Union Money transfers. What the hell. After calling Western Union their only response was some damn nonsense about having to email someone or other and I would not get a damn reply for up to a week. Like I told her; this will not due. It is four in the morning here, and I am not in the mood for this… So, after being on hold a very long time I have been given a new mtcn number to pick up my refunded money. A suggestion was made for me to resend. Like hell, I am not going thru this twice in a day. I will take my happy ** over to Money Gram and send.
Reviewed July 27, 2017
I have family and friends in Ghana and I used to send money. Suddenly with no warning my transfer been refused. The reason Scam. I did call their office with no joy. I have started an official complaint by email. They are replying very quickly but no solution yet to reinstall my account after 5 exchange of communication. That is a scandal to be treated that way and how they can call family SCAMMER.
Reviewed July 26, 2017
On July 13, 2017 I sent $60 over Haiti. They gave me a MTCN starting with letters: WMO and 7digits. The receiver couldn't receive the money. I went to the store, they called Western Union they put the manager on hold for more than 2hours and kept transferring her to another department. At the End they said money is not available. They will give me (the sender) a call within 5-6 hours.
They need to be put out of business because they are just stealing customers money!!!
Reviewed July 24, 2017
Wrongful Delay of Funds: The history. July 19, 2017. Transfer ordered online. July 20, 2017. Money paid to Western Union by my bank. July 24, 2017. Western Union reports online that the transfer is "in process" waiting for my bank to release funds. (Incorrect) July 24, 2017. A Western Union online chat agent tells me that the "release date" is July 25, 2017.
So. The WU website is factually incorrect because WU already has my money. I can find no record of a "release date" being disclosed to me during the transaction, particularly one five days after the order. This disturbing policy comes with a recent dangerous policy change. WU now wants my banking username and password to process a transfer immediately. That is access to my checking, savings and investment accounts. Absurd. In the past I could select WU Pay, go to my bank, order funds send to WU, and a few days later the transfer was available. Now the waiting time seems to have been extended. I presume as punishment for (now former) customers not releasing their banking user names and passwords. Absurd.
Reviewed July 20, 2017
Western Union has no idea how to run a business or website in 2017. They "lost" £105 of my money and offered no refund. If you send money with them, you may just lose it forever. Thankfully there are many new alternatives to WU. I predict this business will be history by 2020.
Reviewed July 20, 2017
I have used Western Union several times in the past, and always had a quick and reliable service. About 3 weeks ago I attempted to do a bank to bank transfer $150 (US) to my elderly ill mother to help her pay some bills before she went into hospital for surgery. WU took the funds from my account within 2 working days, and send me confirmation that the money reached my mother.
However, my mother called me in a panic to say the funds weren't there. WU said it might be due to Independence Day in the US (fair enough) and to wait a few more business days. By the time a week had passed and no money was in her account, she called to tell them. They refused to talk to her, but said as the sender I had to make contact.
Fast forward to nearly 3 weeks later after more than 10 phones where I was bounced from department to department, agent to agent, each time with different stories/information and ever increasingly rude staff, they finally admitted they'd messed up and agreed to re-issue me my money. However, they initially weren't going to refund the transaction fee, and only after me shouting down the phone did they finally agree to discount me this and to give me £10 (UK) as compensation. I will never use them again as I'm sure if I didn't follow up they would have happily kept my money, and they didn't care that they made the life of a sick woman very stressful, or that I spent literally hours of my time trying to get back money that was rightfully mine. Avoid like the plague.
Reviewed July 18, 2017
I bought two m/o from Safeway where I work and long story short my wallet was left in the cart and someone took it like 20 min. After I bought the m/o, therefore it wasn't signed. Safeway gave me a copy of receipt and gave me the serial numbers of that m/o. I call Western Union and the lady tells me they haven't been cashed so I said, "Well, can you stop payment then?" She says no. You have to have a request form to trace it. Filled out and notarized and it's 30 dollars for each m/o and ten each to be notarized and then I have to give them copies of my receipt plus they want a police report.
Now I believe to get a police report it's ten or more. But it takes 7 days to even get it, also it takes 6-8 weeks to process the request forms. I said well it's going to be cashed by then. WTH is the point of spending all this money that I don't even have just to be told it's already been cashed and I'm ** out of luck. She said, "I'm sorry. Is there anything else I can do for you?" Really? They are collecting so much money it's ridiculous, they need to really change the policy on money orders because there shouldn't be any reason that they can't stop payment or cancel a m/o that has been stolen. SCAMMERS!
Reviewed July 17, 2017
This company has become a total disaster. It is unbelievable the amount of hassle you will face when doing business in good faith with them, where they charge you a fee plus make money in currency exchange. I just filed a federal complaint with this company, they need to really be put out of commission. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH WESTERN UNION. They only intend to hold your money and fees to deal with it, while the person you send the money to undergoes the worst kind of treatment, unhumaned and embarrassing service. Western Union customer service department has no ideas of law, rights of people, and their properties or monies. PUT THEM OUT OF BUSINESS, STOP THEIR ABUSE AND WRONG DOING. USE OTHER COMPANY FOR YOUR SERVICES. SAVE YOURSELF THE HASSLE!!
Reviewed July 15, 2017
On July 12th money was sent to me and I went to all the locations that were listed and they all told me to come back later which I did. Today will be the 3rd day of trying to get my money, I asked a manager at one of locations "when you take someone's money do you notify them that the receiver may not be able to get the money sent to them?" Not one of them told a customer that the receiver may be unable to get the money. I have a wife and 5 kids that depend on me, just like my employer depends on me to show up for work and be productive.
Western Union is not a dependable business, they list businesses that are supposed to have western union and don't, the businesses that are listed and said to be able to handle and have the money on hand to pay out can't and this bad business and deceptive. I have wasted more than 3 hours a day and today will be the 3rd day trying to get my money. I would be very cautious about using western union to send money, I have learned a valuable lesson and will not be using this company again, all I have gotten is the runaround, so before sending money people don't be afraid of asking questions or taking your business somewhere else, look at all your options, otherwise you will be in my shoes wishing you had used better judgement when trusting a company to do business with, I wished I had.
Reviewed July 14, 2017
Let me begin this review by saying both my mother and I have exhausted every single option to try to mediate this issue with Western Union with zero results. On 7/7/2017 my mother sent me $200 via her Western Union money in Minutes app as she has done before and as I have done before I used my registered Western Union NetSpend card to move the money transfer online to my card. It worked and the much needed $200 was added to my account. One minute later the money was then removed from my account and the transaction was voided. Of course I immediately called customer service who argued with me repeatedly that I could not receive a money transfer that way even though I have done it several other times. This customer service rep then stated I only needed to go to a physical Western Union money transfer location to pick up the money.
As I was getting dressed to leave to the store to do so I simply asked her to verify that the MTCN number was still good as it was stating online that it was not valid now as it was loaded to my card then voided. She refused and continued to repeat herself that all I needed to do was go to the store and pick up the money. I then asked to speak to her supervisor and when I did she put me on hold for 35 minutes before I hung up. When I arrived at the Western Union location it was exactly as I feared. The MTCN number was not valid. When I explained to the employee working there what happened she was concerned and called Western Union herself who eventually spoke to me only to say they could not speak to me or give me any information as I was not the sender of the money and the sender would need to file the grievance.
I pointed out to him that the money was transferred to my card and voided by Western Union so that I was in deed a party to this but he would not listen. That was Friday the 7th. Every single day since then both my mother and I have filed written grievances and called to try to get our 200 dollars back with zero results. We have been put on hold for several hours, lied to, hung up on and laughed at. Not only are these two companies thieves they are disrespectful and not knowledgeable of their own products and services.
At one point someone working there told my mom she would have the money refunded to her card in 48 hrs. Well that was a lie!!! Now they are telling us both that the issue has been escalated to a higher level and that it will take up to 14 days to resolve. Now we are not a family of many means and we try to live within them but it is hard to keep our budget in check when Western Union and NetSpend steals 200 plus dollars from us without remorse. Who can stop these people and how can we get our money back!!!
Reviewed July 9, 2017
A business to scam you and blame everyone else. Shouldn’t even be a company. All our transactions are confirmed by a minimum wage employee who doesn’t speak or understand English. The only equipment expense basically, headsets, are apl broken for the employees, then they blame my 750$$$ PHONE! They’ll take your money then freeze your acct and hang up on you when trying to get $$$ back. This company needs to be sued!
Reviewed July 8, 2017
I tried sending money to my nephew who stays in New York about last week, I got a Western Union office and filled out a form, left the money to be sent and went back to work. I got a call from Western Union later saying they could not continue with the transaction because New York is known to be a crowded community with lots of false transactions going on so I need to come by their office to get a refund, I yelled "TO MY OWN NEPHEW" they are declining the transfer because of the state, area, or community, this is totally wrong, they should not advise consumers wrongly, this should be against their work ethics, such agent should be fined and fired.
Reviewed July 3, 2017
I went to Western Union at the address 371 Wellington St, Cash Money, London, ON N6C 4P9 on July 1, 2017 around 4 PM Eastern Time. I spoke to the unhappy agent. Advised I am receiving a wire transfer, she pointed to the other table and asked me in a rough manner, go and fill the form, I filled up the form and submitted to her but she said that the sender name is not matching, then I filled the sender name based on the form pictured and sent to me over WhatsApp from my brother and then I submitted to her.
She asked me "why are you receiving the money?" and I said I need to pay off my bills (credit cards and other expenses) and I am borrowing from my brother overseas, she asked me "do you work?" and I said yes, she asked "do you own a business?" and I said "yes a cleaning business," then she said "I need a copy of your business license", and I said "why, this wire transfer is for my personal use and in my name and not in my business name."
She insisted to see my business license and I tried to find it on my smart phone and I founded and I wanted to show it to her, she said "no I need a copy," I said "It's at home and I can not bring now", she said "go home and bring it." I said to her again "I am receiving this money to my name and not to my business account" but she insisted not to give me my wire transfer until I bring my license. I said "I am not begging from you and I need to receive my money."
I asked her to talk to her manager or supervisor and she said "I can not give you his number as it is a personal number and you can not talk to him," then I asked her for her name and she refused to give me her name and she started telling me "have a good day" asking me to leave. I told her "you are helpless and you do not want to cooperate and you are not treating me in good manner."
From the beginning she was helpless and arrogant to me, she didn't want to help at all. My son was with me and he witnessed the incident and her behaviour and he told me she was not treating us with respect and her eyes were full of rage. I was dissatisfied from her attitude and I wish the management will talk to her to be more decent with customers. I don't know if she was doing that to me or with everyone else. If she is not able to handle customers in good manner then she need to be alerted by the management to take better action in the future to maintain the good reputation for the company she is working for.
Reviewed June 23, 2017
Made an online WU transfer through my bank account, only to have it cancelled by WU, with the transfer status showing "REFUNDED", my bank account reveals no money has been refunded so I phoned my bank, they confirmed this. 1st call to WU - I'm transferred 3 times, because after reading them all my information "It isn't their dept." They won't give me any answer as to why the transfer was cancelled, the amount was 140 US dollars from Canada, but I am given a new WU transfer number that I am told to go to a WU outlet and get my refund.
First WU outlet I go to - their machines are down, second one was a Money Mart cheque cashing place, I give them the number - it's not in the system??? The nice lady at Money Mart phones them for me, and she is told I already picked up the money, get this on the other side of Canada just a couple hours ago?? WTF???
2nd call to WU - again transferred 4 times now, and put on hold for 10 minutes, to be transferred higher up the chain again, they tell me the money is in my account - it is not. 40 minutes later - I'm given the number to call my bank. Are these guys serious?? 1st call to my bank - I get the security dept., explain the situation and they 3 way call WU back to get answers, after 15 minutes again on 3 way between me, my bank and WU she asks for my phone number and says she will phone me because she wants to speak only with me, 10 minutes goes by - no phone callback even after she repeated my number back to me.
2nd call to bank security to explain she never called back so they again 3 way call with me and WU, 30 minutes more and I'm told my money will be refunded to my bank account and that I will have to wait 4-5 business days to receive my money??? They took my money in less than 3 seconds, but can't return it for 4-5 days all because they cancelled my transfer with zero explanation, though I was given an email address that I could again ask why it was cancelled after already asking and given the runaround like a dozen times - SOP literally 3 hours of phoning and I end up with that. These people are a joke - I finally explained to them that my calls were being recorded through my smartphone - they probably didn't expect that to happen. Bottom line STAY AWAY - VERY FAR AWAY FROM WESTERN UNION.
Reviewed June 21, 2017
Well, my poor experience with Western Union has driven me to take time out of my day to make an account and compose a review. Simply put, Western Union is odd and unpredictable, and that isn't something I want when I'm dealing with my money. I just sent a transfer of $300, and it went through apparently. Then lo and behold, it was cancelled for no reason whatsoever. I had enough money in my account. No reason to cancel on my end.
I NEVER cancelled the transfer. Western Union did, without consulting me and without telling me why. And after reading the reviews, I will not put myself through the misery of their customer service to find out. Furthermore, Western Union hasn't let me sign on in months since I've been in Mexico as an American. Why? No idea. Random error code produced at every attempt. I have to use a VPN to even log in to my own account. So, in conclusion, they're weird and they conceal their intentions. I don't want that when it comes to my personal money. Remitly has a promotion for sending money to Mexico. Just switched over to them for the time being and did my transfer. They seem a little more professional.
Reviewed June 14, 2017
There was a time I used Western Union weekly, never again. My friend was trying to send me funds I desperately needed from her location in Seattle to my location in Florida, Western Union would not process the transfer because of fraud alerts? How do they determine this? How can a discerning adult be prevented from transferring money if they choose to? I will never ever use Western Union again.
Reviewed June 10, 2017
Once again, I'm going through a nightmare with Western Union. It's unfortunate. I did a wire transfer at 1:20 PM today. The time is now 6:57 PM and Western Union continues to say "it's being processed." They started out by saying then 1-2 hours. I got a manager on the line, was told 15-20 minutes. When I called back, was told another 1 hour, and so on... now they're saying, they have no idea when they'll be able to release the funds because they're having system issues. Why is that my problem? They said they cannot refund me the money. Cannot release the money. So I just have to wait until they are ready to do whatever it they're going to do.
It's beyond frustrating. All of this for a domestic transaction. Imagine if it was international. I paid $160 fee for this transaction. I could have driven and deliver the funds to my family and it would have taken me 4 hours. I asked if they will refund me the fee because I paid for money in minutes (20 minutes) to be exact not 5 hours and certainly not 24 hours. It's the least Western Union could do. Who is looking out for consumers? Certainly NOT Western Union. They're only interested in fulling their pockets, forget about providing the service they're being paid for. This is becoming more and more ridiculous by the minute.
Reviewed June 9, 2017
This was my second time using WU services. The first time I sent money to the same recipient it took multiple trips for him to finally get the money. I had to fax copy of his ID to the US Western Union office that he has faxed over from Ethiopia for him to get the funds in Ethiopia. After a long time of avoiding WU, I decided to give WU another try on June 4. I should have waited until the next day and used a different service since he would have received it in time; but too late. I thought since I have sent money to the same receiver in the past, it should be easy time.
I was surprised to hear that after 2 attempts and 5 days later he still hasn't been able to receive the money. I was told today by a WU rep that it was under review and he can now pick it up but maybe he should try a different location. I think this is the worst customer service I have had. I don't think it is appropriate for me to pay $27 for a supposed money transfer service that is slower than mail service. I will never use them again and I would suggest to others using other services. Very disappointed customer.
Reviewed June 7, 2017
I sent some money to a friend from Georgia to Illinois. The person wasn't able to pick it up. So, I called to cancel the transaction because the person never picked it up. Western Union DID NOT refund my fee of $12. They basically stole $12 from me with no remorse. God don't like ugly. Karma has no expiration date.
Reviewed June 6, 2017
I received terrible service in Western Union. I tried to send money to China 5 days ago. The person in China cannot received money. I called more than 5 times. No one pick up the phone call. I tried to chat online, after that I was transferred and still no one to pick up the phone to listen to my problem. This morning, after 15 minutes of waiting, someone picked up the call and asked me many questions about my receiver. After many questions, they said they need the ID from the receiver in China. Finally, I give up, I just want my money back since there are too many problems with Western Union. After more than 30 minutes of talking on the phone with the representative, they said they need send the receiver's ID and email to translate and ask me to send the ID to them. I told them China is in the different time zone. I have the ID and I don't have email because we use WeChat system.
After about another 20 minutes, I get a manager and she told me they will let me know in two days if I can get my money back or not. My grandfather need the money because he is in nursing center and need the money to care for him. I thought I can send the money to him fast, now it ends up with a mess, the money is not received in China, and I don't know when I can get my money back. Please don't repeat my mistake. Please don't use Western Union, if you do, you will face the same problem like me.
Reviewed June 4, 2017
Western Union cancels transactions in the name of fraud prevention when in fact they are the ones committing fraud by stopping the transaction so they can hold the money and invest it. I'm positive that they put transactions on hold in order to invest the money. PayPal did the same thing. They choose a certain amount of people at random and freeze the transaction and give you a bug run around. If they do this to a thousands people at any given day, they can maintain a pool of money that they can invest into currency exchange.
They are not breaking any laws because eventually they will give you the money. But when they do this to thousands of people, it gives them a big pool of money to use for investment. Someone sent me money and when I tried to pick it up they said it was on hold and that I needed to contact the sender and have them go down to the office and answer more questions to make sure it wasn't fraud. Several days later after more ** I called them back and they said that I was the one who was being suspected of fraud and I needed to send them a scan of my ID. So which is it? It's just a big run around designed to hold your money so they can invest it.
Reviewed June 3, 2017
Western Union must have some of the worst customer service I've ever seen when you send money in min. and 3 hours later no money so you call only to be transferred to where hey India the call center of the world where you are greeted by some guy that definitely doesn't understand a word of what you're saying. So how can he help? Here's how. By putting you on hold to hang up.
Reviewed June 2, 2017
I have used the site for a long time, every was ok then suddenly I started having transfer issues. Transfer in seconds takes days and I get no help from customer services. Money goes from my bank at the time of transfer but the receiver cannot collect it until several days later, once it was 2 weeks!!! MTCN IS INVALID. On one occasion my transfer went missing and Western Union called me actually suggesting my receiver had collected the money and lied to me about not receiving, Then they called 4 weeks later apologising and saying it was a technical error and refunded my money. Not considering the problem they had caused between my receiver and I. Terrible service and not true to their word. My money is in a Western Union account for days before my receiver can collect it. Clearly this company is benefiting from this.
Reviewed June 1, 2017
I made so many inquiries to your different contacts and services, but nothing happen. My € 350 I sent last December 30, 2016 was not received. And now I feel so hopeless because they never care for my case. I have no job because I am sicked and I can't go to my country to make a legal complaints. The authorities here in Italy can't do nothing because it happened in the Philippines. My friend's suggestion is to go on a TV channel who help people having issues like mine.
Reviewed May 31, 2017
Now I usually don't have a problem using Western Union. However this last encounter I was sent money from 1 state away and have yet to receive my money transfer. It's been 5 days now and it says still processing. Was told that because the sender used an bank account it there would be a delay. Well if we had known it would take a week to get we would have just done it through the mail. This is ridiculous. Then they have the nerve to charge a fee. WOW never again. Thanks Western Union.
Reviewed May 27, 2017
In the last year, I have tried to help a friend a few times until he can get to the States, but Western Union always either cancels or blocks my requests, giving the reason being the name of the country, and name of the person. Excuse me? So, what they are saying is if you have a Spanish last name you are not allowed to receive money through them. Isn't this 2017? Western Union is absolutely biased, and racist with their policies, stating that I have to send them an e-mail to explain why I am sending the money and my relationship with them, and that is none of their ** business. Then they will get back with me in a week or two.
If I ran my business this way, I would be out of business. It is my money, and I am an adult and it is my decision, that is why I present my id and sign the form as required by law. This company is biased against certain races and countries, harming people that are truly in need, and I don't get how in this day and age, a company can be allowed to act in such a racist manner. I am so angry right now, I truly feel sorry for the people who are not getting the help they need because of this racist company.
He also asked me if I had been sending a lot of money through them and I said no because they have never, ever let me send anything, once again, based on the country and name, which is the most ridiculous excuse I have ever heard. I got in an argument once with a woman at MoneyGram for constantly harping on me about whether I knew that person because of the name. Now she is very friendly instead of being rude because I complained to the store manager. These companies are out of line, once again, I am an adult, and it is my decision to send my money wherever I want. If there is anyone out there that agrees with me, please say it here. My son and daughter are half Hispanic, and I am outraged at these companies that use this as an excuse for fear of being sued. Don't they realize that that in itself warrants a lawsuit?
Reviewed May 26, 2017
I have only used WU few times and had no problem until the last time in April when I tried to send money to Mexico. I was told I couldn't send money because WU had blocked me from doing any transactions, I was given a number to call, from there customer service told me I needed to send an e-mail, which I did. When I finally got an answer I was given a case number and I was told they will contact me within 24 hrs which they never did. I finally decided to call customer care main offices in Colorado just to being transferred 2 more times with no answer.
All I want to know is why I was blocked from sending money (forgot to mention, my husband was blocked too about a week later after I was). They can't provide an answer. They need more information about the transaction, as I told them "what transaction if you blocked me from sending money." I wish it was another company we could use to make such transactions. WU you are too monopolized, you have the control and that is not good. Please I need an answer WHY?
Reviewed May 24, 2017
I have been using Western Union since 2009 with remarkably consistent transactions. Due to some legal issues, I needed my last 10 years transaction history to submit in the court, followed their normal procedure, made an online request, no response. Finally called them and advised that I will have it in 21 calendar days. After 25 days did a follow-up call, the staff had no clue about that and in response, they blamed me they didn't receive a form which allows them to access my information, but no such form was sent to me at the first place. Promised by the staff that they will send me the form in 24 hrs, no response.
Again made a call and this time managed to talk to their supervisor and assured by him that company will send my transaction history within 24 hrs. Still no response. I have never experience that poor customer service in my entire life. What a shame. Will never use them again. Also, the staff communication is very bad. Poor standard of English.
Reviewed May 24, 2017
I had to do a stop payment/cancellation on a money order for an 83 year old man. I called the "customer service" number located on the bottom portion of the money order. I DID NOT ever get the option to speak to a customer service representative. All I got was the typical automated **! SO FRUSTRATING!!! I followed the instructions from the robot automated annoying voice and did exactly what it stated to do. About 4 weeks later the man received a letter in the mail stating they could not process the cancellation because there was a $15.00 processing fee, yet on the bottom of the money order receipt it said if you didn't include the $15.00 for the processing fee it would be deducted from the refund. LIE LIE LIE!!!
So I called the number listed on the letter that said... wait for it... this is rich..."Call this number and one of our customer service representatives will be glad to assist you." BAAAAA HAAA HAAAA IT'S ALL AUTOMATED! There are no options for a representative!!! I hit every option you could possibly choose and did not get a representative BECAUSE THERE IS NO OPTION FOR A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP! They DON'T HAVE ANY HUMANS WORKING THERE! After this extremely frustrating waste of time I went on Google to find a number for "customer service". Called that number and once again did not get a human. WESTERN UNION SUCKS!!! I will never use them, nor allow my 83 year old friend to use them either. Worst customer service ever!!! If Western Union was a person standing in front of me I'd beat the ever loving ** out of them!!!
Reviewed May 22, 2017
They are awful at refunds. They canceled my transfer, and called and said to call the customer service number to get a new tracking number so the refund could be processed. It is totally automated with no options for a new tracking number, though they called and said to call that number. Tried calling Englewood, Colorado and other numbers listed in internet BUT all numbers lead back to this and you cannot find a live number anywhere.
Reviewed May 22, 2017
My friend from Oregon sent me $1100 through Western Union to help bring someone home who was stranded in Qatar. I did all the right angles. I have done business with Western Union for many years, as I have sent money through Western Union without a hitch. But my friend sent me $1100 through Western Union, and I went to pick it up at the local Western Union office, which was in a grocery store. First, though, I tried picking it up at Walgreen's, but their payout limit was only $300. Then I went to Harps', the local grocery store, and their maximum payout limit was $1000. Now I am in a rut. I therefore do not know what to do. And I do not know where to pick up the $1100, if the maximum payout in the local area is $1000.
Reviewed May 22, 2017
I have been using Western Union for years with one bank account to send money to one person. Today they demanded for me to send a copy of my license or passport. Forever on hold hearing how easy it is to transfer money. They then tell me I cannot cancel transaction without providing a copy of my license. It is utterly ludicrous! If I don't do it the treasury department will contact me about having my money refunded. Of course all these conversations were with people from some other country who I could not understand. I had to have him say treasury like 15 times before I knew what he was saying.
STAY AWAY FROM WESTERN UNION!!! Unless you want to spend hours of your Sunday afternoon hearing recordings of how efficient they are as they are being anything but. When you ask to talk to a supervisor they tell you no, not unless you listen to them. So, for the fourth time I listen to a foreigner trying to speak English to tell me what I already know. I can't send money without providing an i.d. I can't cancel transaction without providing id. I get it... I will never use them again. Hopefully I can cancel through my bank. Ridiculous! Terrible service! Use another service!
Reviewed May 16, 2017
I try to send money to Panama a year ago. The person could not retrieve the money because WU made it very difficult. Now a year later after 15 calls to Customer Service, I still cannot get my money back. I have spoken with 15 Customer Representatives, which are very hard to get... You need to wait at least 20 minutes online with the machine to get one.... And then they are rude and they do not solve anything. Use another service. This company has no customer service.
Reviewed May 10, 2017
Immediate transfer was not done. So my sender went into a Western Union in SoCal to do a quick transfer to India. They accepted the money, gave an MTCN no and that’s it. It has been 12 hours now, the MTCN no is not traceable on https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/self-service/app/tracktransfer. They also did not answer their customer service phone calls as soon as we realized there is a problem.
Reviewed May 10, 2017
My fiance lives in Philippines, we have been dating for three and a half years and plan on marrying in the next few months. I have flown there many times to spend a lot of time together. But now I am home in the USA and she ended up in the hospital with pneumonia and asthma, almost died. Her pneumonia was so bad she needed two vials of antibiotics injected into her dextrose IV. In Philippines you need to pay for the medicines first. So I sent her money Western Union for the two doses of antibiotics. I'll try to make this short, they denied the transfer, I called them and told them it's life and death situation but all I got was a bunch of nothing and ignorance. They couldn't grasp she might die, they don't care.
Now it being 10 pm here where I live I have to wait til my morning to get the money back and send through a reputable money transfer site. I'm going to file a lawsuit for the intentional and knowing of the situation and directly related to making her more sick. Also I'm going to contact the district attorney's office and franchises that use Western Union to try to get to switch to another type of money transfer. Oh FYI most MoneyGram call centers are in the Philippines and the starting pay for a worker there is 750Php a day, that equals 7USD a day. Could imagine only making only $7 a day. they are being taken advantage of big time. They make about $10 a transfer and only pay their workers $7 a day. This is true, been there I see the hiring Ads.
Reviewed May 9, 2017
I started to use the app. It worked fine then all of a sudden after two transactions it sent me a message saying I exceeded my limit after an amount of 100 dollars. I called them. They said they put limit on some countries. I ask "Where is this stated?" Couldn't answer. I replied "On your web site you say send any time anywhere 24 hours." Still no answer. I tried to send. Recently the message I got was "couldn't process by this payment method" which I did in the beginning but said if I go to an agent and pay double the transfer fee it fine. This is extortion and should be investigated. 10 dollars online. 20 dollars at an agent. I live small rural town and I have no other options. I think Western Union should be shut down in Australia and the ACCC should investigate for extortion.
Reviewed May 9, 2017
I am trying to get a person to talk to me when I called Western Union. I tried all the numbers and also went to their site to get customer service number. Unfortunately I am unable to get a person to talk to me. All I need is to change the person's first name to her last name, which I told them before to change it by going to one of the place to send money. Still they did not change it. Now I have to go back to the place where I sent the money to change it again. Your service sucks Western Union. You can't even provide a person to talk to for customer service. YELP.
Reviewed May 5, 2017
I used to send occasional help to a very long time friend in Ghana. Not a lot, just here and there. She hadn't needed any for a long time, but this year, needed help with her son's school books. I'd never had trouble before sending cash to her in Ghana, but this time, they flagged and cancelled the transfer. They didn't say anything to ME about it, just gave me a tracking number. She went down there - can't be picked up. They tell me to e-mail an explanation, I'll get an answer within 24 to 48 hours. 2 days later, they finally answer me, only to tell me, now they need to talk to HER. Then they tell me that they've cancelled it altogether. Forget it! Enough! I now have no idea how to get this money to her, having been screwed over by Western Union and no time left to get it there!!
Reviewed April 30, 2017
I opened up an online account two weeks ago, l had to wire my mother-in-law some money to clear her things through customs we sent her in Jamaica. Now today I tried to wire my sister $300 in Chicago and they denied the wire transfer stating security purposes and terrorist activity. I can send money to Jamaica but not in the United States where I live.
Reviewed April 28, 2017
So, I'm just using Western Union for the second time to send money from Sweden to my sick mother in Brazil and the money was taken from my account and they never gave me a track number so I could give to my mom. Now 3 days have passed, lucky my mom is still alive without her medication and the customer service still tells me I should wait and wait and it feels like they are reading some script when they are speaking to me. Now I am a student so I don't have more money to send it again to my mom, so I don't know what else to do. Thank You Western Union for offering such a bad service with a terrible customer service. Will never use Western Union again and I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY!
Reviewed April 27, 2017
After receiving and sending money with Western Union for a number of times. Today I went to one of your branches to collect money that was sent to me by my partner in Kenya and I was told I couldn't receive the funds! They needed to verify my details yet I have been receiving money from them. I'm extremely angry with Western Union. I have bills and to food to pay for having a small children. I need money to provide for him. All I was told that it would take up to 3 days. I'm now wondering how am I supposed to go on for 3 days with no money!!! You need to sort it out as soon as possible otherwise I will never use Western Union ever again!!!
After numerous calls and emails only to be told in 24 hours I will be able to receive the money! I received an email. "Thank you for contacting Western Union. This is not the experience we would like you to have. Record shows that your transaction is under review due to Compliance. Thus, may we ask for your phone number so we can forward it to our Compliance Team please? We are looking forward for your response and please accept our apologies for the inconvenience that you have experienced regarding this matter. If you have any additional comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us back at uk.customer@westernunion.co.uk."
I also replied... "Hi again. I'm still waiting for a response from your side. Still nothing! I have been told since Monday I will receiving a call from your team but it's all a lie! You are not professionals in the service you provide, if you cannot even make an effort to call. You guys are not sorry about anything so kindly don't fool me by your silly apologies!!! I have a small child at home that I need to feed yet you guys are holding on to my money for your own benefits of interests!! I have sent you all my details and copies of my ID and etc. but still you're fooling me about and you haven't been able to resolve the issue!
I will be writing bad reviews about your service on every social media! I will make sure another people don't follow victims like myself! I have been using WU for the past 3 years sending and receiving but after this terrible experience I will never make further transactions with WU! I have been told on phone by several members of WU that this will be resolved in 48 hours since Monday! Bear in mind the money was sent on Thursday last week! I have attached my IDs and my address prove again!" AFTER THAT EMAIL I AM STILL WAITING! From Monday when I was told to give them 24 hours I am still waiting. Today it's Thursday! Not to forget the money was sent a week ago!
"Again I'm still waiting for a response from your side. Still nothing! I have been told since Monday I will receiving a call from your team but it's all a lie! You are not professionals in the service you provide, if you cannot even make an effort to call back your customers in the time frame given to them! I have already started telling people about my experience with WU and trust me I will be putting it in my local newspapers!" I feel so bad they have made feel vulnerable as if I have committed a crime! I would never use them again and I will tell everyone that I know who uses WU to stop immediately. They're fraudsters! AS THEY KEEP MY MONEY I AM FORCED TO WATCH MY SON GO HUNGRY!
Reviewed April 24, 2017
It's been a month since I made transfer in the Western Union website. First they needed an ID card of my receiver and me. I sent it, then they sent a mail saying that it's done. But my receiver that I know very well has not received the money in his account. Now Western Union doesn't know where the money is. No news from them. I'm very disappointed to have trust in this company and now I see that many people have had the same problem.
Reviewed April 23, 2017
It's impossible to send money into Cambodia - even to oneself from a US account. I was in person at a Western Union inside a Pavilions in CA, cash in hand to send to Cambodia. Why do they even have offices in Phnom Penh. It's pathetic. I was denied online after going through their idiotic verification process both online and with phone operator who had an accent so thick I could only think of curry frosting.
Reviewed April 23, 2017
Yesterday I tried to transfer some money to China and looked up the closest Western Union office - a Walgreens Pharmacy nearby. As soon as I've got to the desk I was told the system is down - no big deal I thought, happens all the time here in Puerto Rico. So I went to the next Western Union office - same story. Finally at home I tried to create an account, but as soon as I entered all information and was transferred to the login page the credentials didn't work, so I clicked on the 'forgot password' button. Never received an email message to recover. So I just placed the question in Google 'why having problems to create a Western Union account' and found hundreds of complaints on Consumer Affairs. Thanks to all of you, saving me from having trouble with this organization. Hopefully they will be shut down soon.
Reviewed April 21, 2017
Updated on 03/05/2019: Update - regardless precious email WU sends, money are still frozen, employee can't process transaction. 3 phone calls by sender and due to continuous false information and denials (perhaps lies is the word coming to my tongue) from WU "manager" on call center, last phone call was a conference call. (With Zack) we have been ensured he updated the system. Anyway... No one can withdraw money - it's still effectively stolen (what other expression to use?) by Western Union. So I just rented a car and WU cost me additional 300$.
Updated on 03/05/2019: Development of the issue with WU placing 4500 (transfer on USA soil). Previously I explained how company treats (as I have been ensured) per contract the money transfers (they won't care people can't receive money, and they will just place hold and laugh and say that sender has to contact them and they will deny the sender contacted them...) Just one great system - all per law as they assure you.
So it must be true. Received emails - first about the hold placed - per global and regulatory laws. Then email about hold removed. I am dying to find out which global and regulatory law mandate WU to place money transfer (within USA) on hold. And why this isn't disclosed by the time when sender is sending money - that money will be frozen by hold and he will have to call and beg WU several times to remove the hold.
Original Review: I used to use Western Union in past. I was quite happy with it. You pay, fill the name of a person who should get the money and the number. I accepted the fact, that one does not know ahead how much they will charge. Well, people had a problem with picking up the money since the WU office out of USA started making up their own rules, requested this or that. I called WU and some rude Asian lady could not care less. Basically told me... they do not care, and I do not have to use a service. Fine. I wanted the money to be returned. After all... it gets as expensive as using a bank, banks actually get money delivered... WU does not. So what the heck... I want the money to be returned to me for pick up. And what a scam it become!!!
Week ago nice customer service gave me a case number and instructed me to call back to get transaction number with which I can go and pick my money back. So I attempted to call back... suddenly it is impossible. One can't get through the automated call line to the live customer service. Took me one hour attempts because there just does not exist such an option on the automated line. It just does not transfer you through. So when I just finally (have no clue how) I got there. And waited for long time for Indian guy to pick up (and you know how that goes...). So he just put me on hold and never pick the phone back... Basically I got ripped off for a transfer fees... and money stayed for WU and I got attitude from few people whose English is worse than mine. NEVER EVER AGAIN.
Reviewed April 21, 2017
My family member sent me money from Australia. I went with my son to pick up the money, they asked him to fill out a form with his full information on his ID. Once they had this information and had finished to process the money they said, "The computers are now down, come back later or after 30 minutes to pick up your money". So I told my son and the teller that it's better to wait there until the computers are back on after 2 hours. We decided to go and come back later but as we were on our way my relative called me to confirm if I had received the money. I said, "No but let me call the Western Union to confirm if computers are back on and if she had received the money." To my surprise she said that it's not yet back on.
I rushed back to the Western Union only to be told that the money was already picked up. I asked my relative when she received the message and the time she received it I was still sitting there like a fool. Then I realized we were scammed and the girl taking all our information had used this to get the money for herself. I contacted Western Union immediately and was RUDELY told the money was picked up by my son in a different location but I was with him the whole time and basically there was nothing we can do. We filed a claim and were told it would take 21 days to process!!! We went to the local police and filed a report. NEVER USE WESTERN UNION!!! You may never see your money again!!!
Reviewed April 9, 2017
For about two years I have been send living cost to My husband who lives in Morocco with his elderly parents And now they have stopped this. I find this offensive and the excuse they gave was poor. This worker for WU his name is Patrick couldn't speak English good bad. Couldn't understand him. Had to repeat myself once again to understand him. He said that I WAS not to send money to my husband ever again. WHAT the hell is this all about. This made me feel we had done something wrong. This was the decision of WU.
I was asked question from Patrick in which I answered and then was told I could not send and transaction to my husband. The reason was I really don't know? Maybe because we are both Muslims and WU may think the living cost was for something else??? Thats how I felt. I go back to Morocco every 6 months and come back to work here due not much employment back in Morocco. So this is why I send living cost back to my husband to help his parents. This is only done ONCE a Month. It's only a small amount. It's not in the thousands but still was refused.
So as far as am concerned WESTERN UNION is not a good services for some. They say in their ADS "transfers money to 50 Countries" BUT I don't think Morocco is one of the countries they are talking about. What a joke. Two years I been sending and now they decided to STOP this. In saying this I do have friends that have PARTNERS not HUSBANDS in Egypt and Morocco and they are still able to send money to them. So why has this happen to me and my Husband. WU you give me the true reason WHY???
Updated on 04/27/2017: In April this year I wrote a complaint about WU decision about sending money to Morocco. Have not heard anything back??? So I rang back to WU and spoke with a women that can't speak English and again I had to repeat myself because I couldn't understand what she was saying. When I did understand her she wanted me to go to another outlet post shop to resend the transfer to Morocco?? How bloody stupid is that? WU why do you hire people from India that can't speak English good? My request was turned down again SO why is this decision not answered when I have asked the reason. All I can say is WU you are bad for business. I have read other people's reviews and it's bad SO for myself it's better to do the transfer with my bank. At least the fees are cheaper to send. WU you can get lost??
Reviewed April 8, 2017
They service is so bad, I won't even send my dog there you could cry. There should be place to report. Never ever send money from Western Union.
Reviewed April 8, 2017
4/7/2017 I sent money from San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico in cash and it took me 7 hrs in two different pickup location and got nothing in the end. It's my first time to use this company and it's a nightmare! The first location, error message pop out on the screen and they don't know what happen, I called Western Union service and they pretended the signal weak and just hang up, total 3 times! In the end they said because the amount is huge and I have to pick up at another location.
I went there, and the system show error message again. I presented my passport and ref. no., it didn't help. I called the service 5 times plus the guy in the store calling 4 times. In the end nothing!! It's ridiculous and nonsense, Western Union is unreliable!! Please check your phone record on 4/7 and you will see how ridiculous you are! I spent all my day and got nothing.
Reviewed April 7, 2017
I don't usually write bad reviews even for bad service, but this is my last straw. I have been Western Union customer for over a decade, but my last transaction with them has been the worst experience I ever experienced with any company. I sent money with Western Union, but they refused to hand money to the receiver and refused to issue my refund due to some compliance issues that I never understood. After being put on hold and being sent to like 5 representatives, they required me to send them my personally identifiable information, which is already on my profile.
After sending all these information, they kept needing more and more stupid information, but they never refunded my money or sent it to the receiver. I finally got tired and told them to just go ahead and keep the money. Be aware people, THEY ARE BUNCH OF SCAMMERS AND FRAUDS. DON'T USE WESTERN UNION ANYMORE... SAVE YOUR MONEY AND USE OTHER AGENCIES!
Reviewed April 5, 2017
We have to send money from here in the US to relatives in the Philippines monthly. We tried remittance companies such as Remitly, Xoom, and others only to have our Debit Card numbers stolen and fraudulent charges made. Luckily we were reimbursed. We thought Western Union has been around forever and though more expensive we would be safe. We sent one small amount safely so we felt more safe so we sent a larger amount. My niece went to pick up the money, they asked her to fill out a form with her full information on her ID. Once they had this information they said "the computers are now down, come back tomorrow to pick up your money".
When she went back the next day she was told the money was already picked up. My niece then realized she was scammed and the girl taking all her information had used this to get the money for herself. I contacted Western Union immediately and was RUDELY told the money was picked up by my niece and basically there was nothing we can do. We filed a claim and were told it would take 21 days to process!!! We went to the local police and filed a report. NEVER USE WESTERN UNION!!! You may never see your money again!!!
Reviewed April 3, 2017
I am stuck in a remote location and my credit cards have been stolen. I have been trying for HOURS to get a wire transfer set up over the phone and using their website. Nothing will work and they can give no answers as to why this is. I am now stuck without a penny to my name. Do not ever use this company as even the supervisors are completely incompetent.
Reviewed March 27, 2017
Sent money from credit card to Western Union for payment to another bank in China as this was the only way to transfer the funds there. They called me to say money was rejected by recipient's bank due to lack of information however, they have still not refunded my money. There is no dispute as to the fact that I should be refunded the money yet still every time I call I get their standard response "We will escalate it with your receiver's bank and investigate your case and will get back to you within 24-48hrs." They never get back. My UK bank where the funds came from are taking it seriously however, I am still out of pocket until this is resolved and I am refunded.
Every time I call I have to hold on for a minimum of one hour. I assume this is in the hope one gives up. The latest call they said I could pick up money from an agent!! I refused as I simply do not trust them, do not want to pick up large sums in cash and simply want to have the monies owed returned back to my account my UK bank where it was taken. Needless to say I am still waiting. Would never use them again. This was my first and last experience - complete nightmare, loss of time and currently money, Mickey Mouse Bank!
Reviewed March 26, 2017
I am so appalled at the service I received from Western Union as I have been a long time customer and I have never been so disappointed and embarrassed. I was held up in Western Union for over an hour AFTER THEY TOOK my MONEY and WOULD NOT RETURN it until I spoke with a REPRESENTATIVE. After doing so they returned my money and would NOT ALLOW the TRANSFER! The rep explained that it was because when I was asked what does she need the money for I didn't answer correctly, well how in ** do you know my correct answer!!? I went back to a different location and I explained to them the situation. They said "ok let's do it. I don't think you will have a problem."
Well needless to say I had to call again and was held up again for an hour and they only do this when your money is in their possession and is on hold, the questions ranged from who is the receiver to you to what is the money for to, when is the last time you've seen the receiver!!!? This new method is a horrible disaster and meanwhile the exact thing you're trying to stop is unsuccessful due to your harassment of innocent people... terrorism and fraud is what they say. If I know that just sending $6-$900 should not be enough to even begin to think it's some kind of terrorism or anything else! Finally after having to explain myself for over an hour and be harassed and pulled from the line not once but twice and for people to look at me as if I was doing something illegal is appalling to say the least and I WILL NOT BE USING WESTERN UNION AGAIN IN THE FUTURE!!! Further I am seeking legal advice!
Reviewed March 22, 2017
The money order I purchased was ripped in the mail and therefore was not accepted by the bank and returned to me. I have it in my possession. I completed and returned all the required information for the refund request, including a photocopy of the damaged money order. I had to do this 3 times before they would even acknowledge they received it. I was told to wait 60 days and the refund would be issued to me via check by mail, minus a $15 fee. Ok that's fine. Mind you there is NO way to check the status of your request other than calling very unhelpful and foreign speaking representatives to claim to know nothing and promise to escalate the issue and have me call back within 24 hrs. I've done this at least 5 times, to no avail.
I then receive a letter saying my request cannot be processed due to me not paying the $15. So I call to pay it. They now say that I can only pay that $15 through check or money order through mail, AND that my money order has been cashed, which is absolutely not true, considering I still have it. Yet they will allow me no other information or help unless I send the fee in. However, I feel that that will just take that money as well and claim to have never received it. Nobody there speaks good English and there are absolutely no other ways to deal with this. I don't know what to do.
Reviewed March 20, 2017
I cannot understand the negative reviews of Western Union. I am a British citizen living in Spain. I frequently transfer funds from UK in Sterling to Spain in Euros. I have used a dozen different banks and financial institutions to experiment which is most efficient and which gives a better exchange rate. Western Union are consistently the best. I would recommend them for such transactions above all others. A great company as far as my experience has been.
Reviewed March 17, 2017
Transferred $2000 money to my Indian account on 12/09/2016 and haven't received the money till date. I called multiple times to Western Union customer care but every time they're saying that "We will escalate it with your receiver's bank and investigate your case and will get back to within 24-48hrs." After no response. I called them more than 25 times. Whenever it will take minimum 1 hr 30 mins to discuss all the things. Even though after spending that much time on call no response and no result from them. The worst service from Western Union. They're simply looting people money.
Reviewed March 16, 2017
Sent gift money to my grandma from England to Romania. I converted Pounds in Lei (local currency) and they actually processed the money to be received in Euro, anyway at a very low exchange rate. I called and the lady operator told me she can cancel the transaction so I can do it again, but will not refund me the fees. I insisted that this is unacceptable, because I will end up being charged twice for a single transaction and in the end she did the magic thing to process a FULL refund. Now let's see when I get the money back, as I didn't receive any confirmation email about the cancellation.
Reviewed March 14, 2017
Every time I make or receive a transaction from Western Union or send money. I receive a harassing phone call from this one agent with an accent. This has happened in the last few months. I have family, friends and business associates, who this is the only way to send money. I am appalled by their actions. This is my money. I can sent it anywhere I want. For years I've done business with them had no issues to now. I won't be using them for a long time. This is ridiculous. Everything is okay now but look what you have to go through like you are a Criminal.
Reviewed March 7, 2017
Son was in an accident and I was attempting to send $$ immediately online. Between the small print and my stress over him being hurt & stranded, I selected the 3-4 day transfer because the instant transfer kept refusing all my cards. So went with bank account which they got immediately only then learn it takes 9 days, and since his wallet/phone were stolen from car we had to send cash another way. In person Western Union will allow a secret question/ answer. But online no - I was advised the only way was to have money returned to my bank and that would take 7 days. When I asked twice for a confirmation number and how to close account I was told my money would be transferred directly back to my bank account and never to contact them again!
Nice customer service Western Union has. Do they insult every 65 year old grandmother that is upset & frustrating with their impossible website? Realized I should contact Consumer Affairs and warn everyone about the online process. Good luck if you actually succeed in sending the cash. Try MoneyGram at Walmart if you need to send cash. Or stand in line at the WU Stores. Long lines, with several other unhappy people who also tried to send emergency cash to their kids using Western Union online!
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2017
I was scammed out of 300 or more dollars with a phone call from some foreign accent robo caller who told me to wire money or else be threatened with a warrant. I got scared and sent it. I did not know the person. I did not get my money refunded. There are so many scams out there. Stay safe out there.
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2017
Tried to send $100 within the US. It declined my card. Tried again and it wouldn't even submit. Went to Walmart MoneyGram and it processed within 3 minutes. What good is this business if you need to send money in a hurry. I wish I knew why it wouldn't process. Customer service gave me some blah, blah, about my card or too many processes. I will give them credit for contacting me back but too little too late.
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2017
I tried to send money to a friend in Mexico (5000 Mexican Pesos/$250 USD), my transaction was declined TWICE with the first reason being "the person to receive the money has been placed on the black list" however, they have NEVER used WU before, so it was obviously an error that WU could not override within their system. Hoping this was just a one time error, I tried again. This time, the transaction was declined with the rationale from WU being "we can send you an email for you to fill out, and then someone will get back with you within 14 days." COME THE ** ON! Is this customer service, is this how a business is even run? I WILL NEVER AGAIN USE WU.
Reviewed Feb. 12, 2017
I couldn't even complete one transaction. Because of bug the website has. It doesn't allow the recipient last name to be less than 4 characters. I still tried the transaction after talking to customer service rep, (gave the full name instead of initial as last name) transaction failed. Not sure if it because the name of recipient didn't match with account or any other issue. It was really stressful talking to customer representative after this, they wouldn't give a solution to this issue. When I ask if I can talk to anyone up in the chain who would give a solution, they just keep asking who in particular I want to talk to. (I do not know how is your reporting structure!!!) I had to give up, calling it quits. They need to understand, not everyone has a last name and people so have last name with less than 4 characters.
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2017
I sent $500 to India which isn't very much but still Western Union did a great job. The money was there the next day. They did not give the money to my Sister until it landed in her own bank account. SO that took another day. I have tried doing the bank to bank thing and found just going up there is much easier with identification. SO that is what my Sister does. Please remember if you do the bank to bank transfer it's much more of a hassle. It takes longer to go through. My sister had to give the code, my telephone number, name, address, and country it's coming from. I appreciate the thorough procedure from India's Bank. This prevents fraud. They also require that the person receiving already have an active bank account. (This is India's policy not Western Union's.) I will definitely use the service again. :)
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2017
WATCH OUT FOLKS!!! Western Union are advertising location online that do not pay for your transactions. I have sent 2 complaint emails and none were answered. They don't give... about any complaint you might have. :(:(:( I have been sent money since more than a week and still not able to retrieve them as the locations advertised here in GREAT MALVERN UK only accept money to send but they don't pay your transaction. WATCH OUT!!!
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2017
I charged $400 to my credit card on the WU website to transfer money to my brother, then decided to cancel. WU refused to cancel the money and asked for a long report of security information, very invasive. I am filing complaints with the state of CA. Never deal with WU, just use a bank wire.
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2017
Made a wire transfer through Western Union, the recipient never acquired the money. Western Union stated it arrived 2 hours & 26 minutes after I sent it. I was notified 10 days later that the money didn't arrive. I then notified WU and was informed that it would take 24-48 hours to investigate and I would hear from them. Didn't happen. 96 hours later, I called WU. This time I was told it posted 16 days after I sent it and to call the bank.
I could not get any satisfaction from the bank because I was not the account holder of the account I deposited into. Then WU said it was sent as a payment and was applied to a credit card account. When I informed the representative that the account it was sent to had 6 less digits than a credit card account, I was instructed to go to the business which provides WU services. WU told the merchant that it was made as a payment on the business' account, and they would investigate and know something in 24-48 hours. This was from the call station in the Philippines who had stated earlier that they had talked to the bank but later admitted to the merchant that all they had was a confirmation number and had not talked to anyone at the bank.
Reviewed Jan. 26, 2017
The website said if there is a fee, the sender would be aware of the fee and would have to agree to the fee before monies or bill pay is used. No fee was shown for a bill pay but was charged a fee for the bill pay by a second charge that was not authorized. Legal?
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2017
After RECEIVING a W/U money order (in NJ) I attempted to cash it at several Rite Aid Pharmacy locations that are Western Union agents. 2 out of the 3 said they only send and would not pay out. The 3rd location in Hopatcong NJ said they do pay but I would have to call WU to get a verification code before they would cash it ($500 max). I called and rec'd an automated answer that asked for a 10-digit pin aka MTCN number. This number is NOT on the money order and can only be gotten from the person who purchased the WC MO so I got nowhere with the automated system.
Frustrated beyond belief I called WU, it was a Sunday, I reached a rep but was advised that no one there could help me with the verification code and that I should try calling Monday to reach their tracking department. This lead me to believe (#1) - WU does NOT properly train their employees, (#2) WU does not really care to help their customers, or (#3) - I was speaking to a lazy buffoon. In the end I simply returned the WU MO to the sender and asked them for a Postal MO, I found out that the Post Office is inexpensive and their MO's can be cashed at ANY Post Office location providing they have the funds... I will NEVER Send or Receive a Western Union money order, it's nothing short of a SCAM.
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2017
They send me many letters telling me they own me money from past transactions but when I tried to contact them is impossible. They just don't answer and make it impossible to pay your money back. They are really a bunch of thief and scammers!!!
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2017
I have been sending money to my son every month for over 5 years and I can't remember a time I didn't want to put my head through a wall. After all the questions they ask your Gold card no., name, address, DOB, bank card no., expiration date, security code no., where money is going, who it is going to and all the warnings about fraud and gambling, etc. after 20 minutes they tell you they can't process it and can't tell you why. IDIOTS!!! And they all sound like chipmunks.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2017
On October 14 of 2016, I performed an online payment to the FBOP. I noticed it never went through and I called the customer service and they said it had to be verified. I continued to call back and received the same answer. I then decided to cancel the transaction and was told it would take the normal 3 to 5 business days to credit my card back.
I continued to call because the credit never came. After talking with numerous customer service reps, through a chat online, one FINALLY tells me a month later that... I COULD NOT use a prepaid debit card for an online transaction! So this is why that the transaction seems to be "stuck". She then proceeded to tell me that I was speaking to the WRONG department! So for a whole month, the customer service reps had been lying to me about processing a refund because they could not even do it! I then contacted the quick collect department and they proceeded with the same shenanigans the other department had previously. Every single time I call, the supervisor tells me that they are waiting on the back office. EVERY TIME! I finally spent $5 to get a printout and fax the proof they debited my account. I've called still at least 5 times and they say either the back office hasn't received it yet or the back office hasn't responded.
This is all for $28.95! I have been trying to get this refund for almost 4 months and no one in customer service seems to be able to help. The customer service representatives are uneducated on the policies and just say things to get you off the phone. They never call back like they say they will. They make you feel like you are lying about your money!!! I am truly surprised as to how bad and unprofessional their customer service is. I actually even called the corporate voicemail and received no callback! I've sent 3 emails, no REAL reply other than an automated response.
I've even continued to use their services after the fact but they still will not refund my money! I honestly believe that Western Union is ripping people off because they make it nearly impossible to receive a refund and customer service from passionate employees that truly want to help the customer. It almost makes you want to give up. But then of course, they win and keep the money. I also suggested that they put a banner or something making consumers aware that you cannot use a prepaid debit card to help prevent situation such like this. Absolutely exhausted!
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2017
Absolutely do not use Western Union in the US or for US transactions. Should you purchase a money order and find the payee won't cash it or needs it for a transaction, you have no recourse and cannot get it refunded at ANY agent. DO NOT EVER USE WESTERN UNION. Go to a US POST OFFICE FOR YOUR MONEY ORDERS.
CASE: After driving hours post op and in severe pain to secure a long awaited apt, I purchased a money order (made out to the apt complex for the required apt deposit per their instruction), but upon arriving the apt was not available. The apt refused to accept the deposit to refund me the money but suggested I simply return to the (upscale) Pavilion's store (nearby) to cancel the money order for non use and get my refund, but the store refused saying they have a policy not to cancel or refund money order purchases!
I called Western Union customer service four times, found very ignorant people on the other side of the world to whom I had to repeat myself at least 8 times, finally demanding supervisors who also could not help. Short of sending Western Union corporate my money order with the apt complex name and paying $15 "for handling" or short of going to a local bank where I do not have an account AND falsifying a signature as an agent of the apt complex who has endorsed the check and short of paying that bank the extra $7 to $10 for cashing my own money order check purchased with my own money, I cannot get a refund. Western Union is screwing the consumer by not having a policy that allows for the refund of non used money orders that have already been made out but for one reason or another are rejected or don't reach the intended party.
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2017
I had a friend try to help me out during a hard time. I live in Portland, and winter storm came in and snowed about a foot, just needed some cash to make some adjustments, needed snow chains to get to work. Western Union decided not to give me money, put a hold on it, so I called them. First time they said it was the sender's bank not releasing the money. I called my friend. He looked up his bank account and Western Union had already taking the money out, so I called them back. The idiot on the line asked me what my problem was. I replied that I had problem getting my money. He then asked if I was the sender or receiver. I then said, "Gee, I just said I had a problem getting my money, kinda would make me the receiver don't you think?" He then hung up on me. Then I called back, and they said they had it but wanted to ask the sender a question.
I then said, "Funny, I always take people's money, then try to ask them questions, said no one ever." "So you mean to tell me that you already took his money, won't give it to me, and you want to ask questions." This is **. I don't see how the hell this place has been open this long? When they took the money, it pretty much moves to the next phase, give it to receiver, but no, they don't see it that way, they do what they want, funny, transferring thought we paid them to do what we want... you get transferring money for someone else, it isn't that hard. When it's all done online, it's even easier. If you took the money, it then moves a phase, ask me whatever, but don't take then ask, that is crack head **. I will never use this place and will tell everyone I know to go MoneyGram, easy and cheap.
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2017
You think, guys, that when emergency arrives you need Western Union, because we have no money to operate (gas, tube, food and such). So after you troubled some good person to send the money properly and provide you with the mctn (control #), you will count the reasons how sad it is that that company still. Charging 40 usd or 30 gbp. For example, for a 360 shipment to England, yes 10%! And on top gives you bad product. i.e. to receive the money you just suffer - it is almost - more than likely, that the location nearby never has the funds - in his store etc, and he/she can only "send" Western. Then you spend money and travel fee and trouble fees to research and get somewhere that has the funds on hand.
And remember - you are broke and tired - so you spend an average of another 13 usd or 10 pounds for the info. So we arrived, in my case 13% of the amount sent, actual costs to collect the money. And do you know what happens if one letter is missing compares to the I'd written?? You'd better not ask guys. In short compare it to other peer to peer companies such as Neteller, EcoCard, Skrill, PayPal that are average 2% fees. You will have to agree with me that Western Union is the worse peer to peer company in the past 7-8 years.
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2017
Money was sent to Dominican Republic. Because of varying exchange rates my friend received 50$ less than what was sent. WU described a lengthy refund/reissue process by returning to the location where it was sent.
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2016
Western Union is a bunch of crooks. Lost 800 from them a year ago due to them sending money to wrong country and never got it back. All they do is steal money from the consumer. They will be shut down by the federal government soon. They're a joke. Now I have a NetSpend card that I put cash on and they need all this documentation hoping you don't send it in so they can keep your money. Biggest scumbag company on the planet crooks? Belly up.
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2016
I am an American Service Member living in Germany. I needed to transfer $1,000 to someone in the country of Ukraine. I went online to start a wire transfer through Western Union. I was provided with two options of transferring the money. 1. I could either use a debit, or credit card and the fee for this transfer was $48.00; 2. I could use my personal banking account and pay $12.00 for the transfer.
If I paid the $48.00 transfer fee, my money would be wired within minutes. The disclosure for opting to use the $12.00 wire transfer, read that it could take up to 4 business days for my transfer to be completed. I wanted to know what the latest date that my transfer would arrive to its destination was, before making the decision to pay the $48.00 or the $12.00 fee. Unfortunately Western Union will not provide the sender with a date as to when to expect the delivery to be made until after the transfer is complete. Western Union will only provide this information with the receipt of your transfer. I did the math on my own, and I calculated that if I transferred the money on 12/14/2016 that the money would be delivered by no later than 12/19/2016. This was not ideal, but I could live with a delivery date of 12/19/2016.
I paid my money and completed the transaction. I was issued my receipt, and my receipt read that my money would be delivered by no later than 12/20/2016. I was very upset, and I am not happy with how long this process takes. What is frustrating is that my money was taken out of my checking accounts within seconds of me completing the wire transfer with Western Union, but it apparently takes Western Union, 6 Calendar days to transfer the same funds that took them seconds to take out from my account. I called Western Union to ask them to release my funds as soon as possible, and I was told that they have a clearing process, and that it is my bank that is not releasing the funds to them yet.
Western Union, is using a business approach that allows them to make plenty of money on the interest that they are collecting from the millions of dollars that they are collecting from their customers, but they are definitely not interested in providing a quality product to their customers. I have done many transactions with Western Union, but never more.
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2016
A few days ago, my father sent me money (he lives in Israel, and I in the States) as a birthday gift. He called me and said, "I sent you a gift, go pick it up at Western Union". On my lunch break I went to the nearest location, which happened to be a RiteAid. :( Someone please explain to me how a store which offers a service, knows NOTHING about this service? It turned out that my dad didn't give them my full name (ex: Dan and not Danielle) and also gave the wrong state: OK instead of OH. Okay I get it, he made a mistake. I called him back and told him to make the necessary changes. Next day he went back to his WU location and corrected the two mistakes.
Next day, I again went into the same RiteAid to pick up the money; and this is where the incompetency begins!!! First, the teller told me she could not give me the funds in cash, it would have to be a money order. For the sake of saving time and my sanity, I agreed. After a 10 minute process of watching her click every button on her screen, she picks up her eyes at me and says "NO". I ask "no what?" "NO" she says again. After a few of these back and forth meaningful Q&As, I just leave. Then I go across the street to a Giant Eagle, where I again try to withdraw the money. There the employee tells me that I have to go to the city of my residence to pick up my money... What nonsense!!! So I leave empty handed again.
I called Western Union to find out exactly what they advise me to do so I can pick up the money and stop wasting my time. 20-30 minutes of hold time, I get the privilege of speaking with more people who are even more clueless than the tellers at the stores. Each one told me something different, one even telling me that the state did not get updated from OK to OH. Just to be clear, the name change did apply and the store tellers no longer had a problem with the state. I told them that I had photo proof that my dad did get the information changed. But they kept insisting that he has to go back once again and make the necessary change. In this process, I also found out that each WU location has a limit on how much money they can work with, handy to know this ahead of time!
I kept telling the representatives, and then supervisors that he is an older man, and it's a hassle for him to have to be going back and forth like this. I told them that he and I have the same last name, I have a photo ID, I have the confirmation number, EVERYTHING matches, can a supervisor please assist. Needless to say that 1 plus hour conversation went nowhere.
The next day, I thought I would call WU again, hoping that maybe their system updated and I can finally resolve this issue. Spoke with a few agents again, got nowhere again! A supervisor suggested that my dad call WU instead of having to go back to the location again, so I asked for the number, just to make it a little easier. After some time on hold, the agent comes back and tells me that he only has numbers for US because this is his service region. How can a worldwide company not have a directory for all of its branches???
Completely exasperated, I went online to see if maybe I could find a solution on my own, instead I found the WU headquarter in CO. So I figured, well, someone in headquarters must have a resolution... Spoke with an escalation agent, then a supervisor who first told me that my father should go and get his money. (And I asked, "and then what, go to a different company?" No, she said but if he's having such a hard time, he should take his money back.) And then she told be that technically, they can change the state, but she can't because she works in the US to International department, and only the International to US department can do it, so she transferred me there. That supervisor told me that he understands my frustrations, but unfortunately can not assist.
He suggested that my dad call them or again go into a location. So I suggested that since we are already on the phone, that we 3-way my dad into this conversation and make all the necessary changer right there. He told me "no, your father has to call us from his number" so I asked for the number again. He put me on hold to look it up, then came back and started saying "1-800", I said, wait 1-800 can't be for Israel, so he put me on hold again. 2 minutes later he came back and said "I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND A PHONE NUMBER, SO THAT MUST MEAN THAT WU DOES NOT HAVE PHONE SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL, so he will have to go to a location." These are the word of a supervisor in the headquarters!!!
I AM AT MY WITS' END! Nothing is worth such aggravation! I told my dad to get his money back and NEVER use Western Union again. These people are clueless, useless and frustrating. Just because the agents were taught a certain script of English words "I am sorry for your troubles" "I understand your frustration" does not make them qualified to work in this position, or the alternative is that this company is so out of their element, that they shouldn't even exist on the market! UNPROFESSIONAL & UNEDUCATED IN THEIR FIELD! Truly disappointing that in today's day and age, we still have to waste so much of our time and energy battling incompetency, carelessness and disorder.
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2016
I am from Philippines and had been hired by a company in US to do scientific research. We have been using Western Union for more than two years to send funds for my travel and payments. I never had a problem with Western Union until recently they blocked me on receiving and sending money through WU. I emailed them and they sent me a questionnaire (which I need to send some proofs). I did sent all of the possible agreements, itineraries, IDs, and other proofs. But then they still blocked me. I sent them message until when they plan to ban me for using WU. I guess it will be forever. Now I'm using MoneyGram. If you are a receiver from Philippines better use MoneyGram because you can pick up at any remittance or pawnshop store.
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2016
I sent $1620 cash on Nov. 29, 2016 to a Chinese manufacturer to purchase products for an ongoing project. Normally the receiver should be able to pick up payment the next day. But this time the receiver was told the money was held. I also got a phone call and email telling us we needed to submit the receiver's photo ID and translation the information on the ID into English. And we did it right way. Shortly we received their auto email response that they received it and submitted it to their higher level for validation.
It's being 10 days now. Every day we spend at least an hour on average talking to a few reps and holding for being transferred from one to another. And every time we are told the money is on hold for validation. I just want the money back! I requested the refund. But I was told my money was safe there. I am not depositing the money in a safe account! I sent cash to purchase products. I need the money back so that I can wire the payment to the manufacturer asap! How long is WU authorized to hold customer's money?
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2016
Last night I attempted to make a transfer from California to a friend in Hong Kong. I received an email saying my transfer was on hold pending a review by Compliance Department and process should not take more than 2 hours. After 3 hours of waiting I called Western Union to determine what the hold was for. I was given a phone number and case number, and told I must go through an interview with Compliance Department. Since Compliance Department was closed I called this morning. I was told I would need to provide details of what I did for a living, what was the name of the company I worked for, what was my full name and phone number. (All of this information is stored in WU in my account.) I was then asked very detailed questions about EVERY transfer I made since January 2015. I answered to the best of my ability but some I was not 100% sure of the details.
I was put on hold for 15 minutes and then told I could no longer use Western Union, and the transfer that had been approved would be reversed. I asked for the person's name and was told no. I asked him to send me an email detailing phone conversation and was told no. I asked to speak to his supervisor and was told no. I then told him he had insulted me with insinuation that I was a fraud. He said, "Sorry," and hung up. UNBELIEVABLE. In my business I send and receive millions of USD every year through PayPal, and Western Union can get lost!! I want every person to know they provide the worst service ever and are not someone I would ever recommend to even my worst enemy!!
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2016
Have used for about 4 years but they have become more and more unfriendly and bothersome to use. Other recent reviewers have given a lot of the same issues I have but I want to point out that their website always seems to have problems and the Continue button I've come to hate just sits there when clicked and does nothing. No error message of any kind. I've tried different browsers and my emails to customer support go unanswered. My work around I've found is to use the android app on a tablet. The downside to that is it is harder to type.
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2016
I normally send money from the US to Africa, my homeland. I have been using Western Union and Moneygram. I choose either one of them depending on the convenience. But of late I have been using Western Union because the RiteAid which offers Western Union is just a block from where I live. I'm a Lyft driver and as you know, the more you drive, the more money you make. So a week I can make $1400, after Lyft fees. Actually one week I made $1400, and the following week I made $1321. Wow. But I got sick after that! But the bottom line is every week I make a minimum of $1000. Which most people don't make even those who work in the government.
So every week, I send money home. I can build a bungalow there in a flash! You know how I can get $1400 in a week, I can send $1000 and still have $400 to keep me going until next paycheck. So this RiteAid which is behind my house, I normally go there, input my information on the machine, the receiver, amount, receiver country, then am connected to a live person who goes ahead to give me the temporary no. Sometimes they probe me with a lot of questions that I become irritated. Like one day I had to yell at their customer rep for asking me many questions, my address, email address, etc.
When I take the temporary pin to pay the cashier so that I can pay the money for me to get the MTCN, they seem to look perplexed at how I can send such huge sums of money every week while they make peanuts working from am to pm. Now today I went to send money. After entering my phone no. which should have directed me to prompts to put the other information (this saves time), I was immediately directed to customer rep where I was put on hold for the next available agent to handle my business.
I said, I don't have such time to be put on hold, I hung up, got out of the store, drove to Moneygram which is up the street. It was empty inside, no customers, only a smiling rep. I grabbed two send forms, went to the counter, filled them quick. I was sending to two people. After I was done with the first one I handed it over to the lady who worked on it as I filled the other one. By the time I finished the other one, the other form had been worked already. Because Moneygram has my phone number, once she entered it my information populated on the screen.
She did the other form too as she joked about my birthday which she said one of the coworkers had the same birthday too. So less than 15 minutes of walking inside that Moneygram, I was done and went on to turn my Lyft app make more money. So I said I will never use Western Union again because they waste my time by putting me on hold unnecessarily and asking me unnecessary questions.
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2016
I've bought a property in Cambodia and used Western Union to transact. The website is very hard to use and I accidentally ordered the same payment 3 times. And they charged me for cancellation of the other 2 orders. Also, the email they sent me is "This is an order confirmation only, it is not a receipt" and I've yet to pay for any orders. Therefore it should not constitute of an order. Also very hard to reach their staff and their website is usually down during the weekends for some reason, you won't be able to login. I tried to ask them for a waive of cancellation fees but they refuse. Perhaps this is how they earn their money from the consumers. Also, exchange rate to USD is very bad.
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2016
I've been using Western Union money transfer service for many years, but I see a negative pattern emerging. One of ignoring the customer's request in favor of the whims of the local clerk. What's happening is this: Each time I send a money transfer, I've selected the "No ID Required" option with a test question. I do this because I've discovered that for reasons unknown, the local clerks have a tendency to unduly hassle the recipients and even deny them the transfer even if they have proper ID, so I send it this way to try to keep my recipients from being unduly hassled by the clerks.
In spite of having selected the "No ID Required" option, (confirmed by the local store doing the transfer) very often my recipients complain that the clerks falsely tell them there wasn't a "No ID Required" option requested with transfer and require ID anyway in spite of my request. This happened so frequently that I filed a formal complaint. In it I asked. What's the deal? It's unclear if this occurs because of personal biases or some implicit company policy. When their "No ID Required" option is requested, the senders wishes should be honored. What's the point of having the no ID option if a local clerk can arbitrarily chose to ignore it?
Here was QC holdings companies partial response in the tenor of a Kiss my ** letter I received from their attorney Catherine ** and I quote "Please note that a money transfer agent can require protective measures that are higher than those by the general Western Union Program". What??? I understand a need for security, but that essentially means the no ID option is false advertising. It's worthless because it can actually be usurped at the whim of a local clerk! With each Western Union money transfer, there should be a conspicuous notice so that the general public is made fully aware, up front, that what Western Union is offering at the transfer end may be over-ruled and not be honored at the recipients end.
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2016
Western Union is the worst. They have blocked my son from being able to get money... "Because I send it too often"??? They have listed him as a security risk? Tried to send him his rent money from his trust fund. They put it on hold and I had to call and they asked all kinds of personal questions. One was... “Why don’t you send just once a month?" WTF… Well maybe because he needs other things sometimes besides rent you idiots! I finally called and got someone who could tell me something. After over an hour of phone hopping he is listed as a terrorist because he gets more than one transaction a month??? Will never use them again.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2016
I had sent money through Western Union for several years. Suddenly, they won't allow me to send money with them. When we ask a reason, they tell me they can't tell me. YES, you read correctly. They can't tell me why they won't accept my transfers. I'm allowed with the other agencies. I'm also a law enforcement officer. It is so ridiculous. I sent one today. They took the money, then sent me a text saying the transaction was under review. I called and they said it was declined. I am suppose to get my money back by check someday. Nice!
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2016
My family and I have sent money thru western union. I tried sending money today to my wife and the customer support agent said that they don't send any money out the U.S. which they advertise send money online and they say you can't now which is false advertisement and next step will be with the BBB. Be careful because about a couple of months ago western union didn't want to refund money they had sent.
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2016
Money transferred through Western Union [from USA to India] on Nov. 16th, money has been debited from my account but still the amount is not credited in receiver's account (my own account in India). When I am tracking the status, it is showing Money Arrived, but Money Not received in receiver bank. I am calling daily twice from last 5 days, the customer care executives are telling that they are escalated to investigation team and will get response in 24 hrs. to 48 hrs. Every time I call they are telling me that same I will get response in 24 hrs. to 48 hrs., but not getting response either from customer care executive or from investigation team. And still money is not deposited either in sending account or receiver account. Please suggest me how can I solve this issue.
This all looks like a scam to me. WU recently started giving better rates than all of its competitors and started charging $3 transaction fee. Its rates were so attractive that even with the fee sending money through WU was profitable on the receiving end and the money was getting received within 1 hr. in the overseas bank. Now I'm caught in a mess and short of a lot of money for 7 business days. I will be ending up paying penalty fees for late payments in both the countries. And have put my friends also in a bad situation by referring them to Western Union.
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2016
I saw lots of post in top that we should not use Western Union Money transfer. I transferred money from last 20 days and still now I did not get money back in my receiver bank account. I saw lots of people in same situation and somebody got money???
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2016
I have been using Western Union for my business to pay suppliers in China. Western Union customer service is going down the hill. They have rude customer service agent and they talk to you like they are doing favor completing your transfer. We had really bad experience with our recent transactions, they put the transaction on hold and did not even contact us. Our shipment was delayed because the suppliers did not receive the money on time. And when you call them, you have to actually wait at least half and hour to talk to the agent.
Their compliance department is so incompetent that they can't simply keep note of previous interviews and distinguish business customer and personal customers. They keep on holding your transaction without any reason and every time our transfer was on hold we had to give same long stupid interview to compliance department. Forget about money in minutes you would be lucky if your money arrive in days. I am never using Western Union again!
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2016
July 21, 2016 I sent $300 to my nephew who was working in NC, before he knew he had money at Western Union, he had already got back home to Va. So I cancelled the transaction. I do business with Western Union a LOT, so I trusted they would refund my $300. I have called and called, to get my money back to no avail. They have told me my money is tied up, and it was caught up in some kind of foreign money transaction? And have offered me no answer, to they can't even find the transaction any longer. I thought Western Union was a better business than this until now. And after reading all the reviews, I know now, that they will scam you, and take your money. Be WARY of WESTERN UNION!!
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2016
So I hit the wrong thing on the Western Union app. while trying to send my grandmother money in Jamaica due to an emergency. I call Western Union to have it worked out. One lady tells me they cannot give an instant refund. It'll be 2 weeks before I get my money back. She then transfers me to her supervisor which tells me she can send the money back and it will be available as soon as possible. I explain that I do not want a possible overdraft in my account therefore if it wouldn't be available in my account I would have someone else resend her the money and not try it again using my card. The supervisor assures me that that wouldn't be the case and tells me to call my bank as soon as we get off the phone.
I called my bank and they couldn't see the transaction at all. Two days later I check my account to purchase my newborn something and it is in the negatives. I call my bank yet again and they tell me I was indeed charged twice and there is no sign or a cancellation nor refund. I call Western Union back and speak to yet another supervisor whom at first seems sincere and apologetic about it. But here's the kicker. At the end of the conversation she says "Oh well your overdraft fee is only $15" so I ask her if she is saying that to say that's nothing? Yes indeed it is only $15. $15 that I could use towards diapers, socks and/or wipes for my child.
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2016
I've been in India since July and my American bank cards don't work here. I started sending Western Union to my husband (resident of Hyderabad) so I could have cash. Almost every time I do a money transfer we have to visit a few locations in order to find one capable of completing the transaction, i.e. giving us the cash. Multiple excuses are given: internet down, NO CASH AVAILABLE, closed down to go PRAY... closed for festivals. We started calling ahead to different locations to make sure they could provide service only to find that more than half of the time NO ONE ANSWERS THE PHONE. Considering we have to pay a driver to take us to these Western Union locations I am losing money each time they fail to complete my transaction. NO CASH!
I did a money transfer going on 3-days ago and still can't find a Western Union location in Hyderabad Banjara Hills to complete my transaction. Each time we enter the location, we are immediately told "We don't have any cash." A week ago, India's Prime Minister banned 1000 and 500 notes and a place like Western Union should be back to business by now. They should also be able to tell us WHEN we can come back to complete the transaction.
Lastly, and I can't confirm, but I do suspect, that some Western Unions in Banjara Hills may have known about the upcoming ban of the 1000 and 500 notes because our last two money transfers were given to us in mostly if not all 1000 and 500 notes. Needless to say, I have NO CASH because of Western Union's Banjara Hills 'out of order' locations.
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2016
On the 3rd of Nov. I went to a Western Union location in Checotah, OK. I wanted to wire 1200 to my checking account because I was away from home and branch to my bank was local here. Did the transaction. Followed up later with tracking. Said money was received. Next day tried to use debit card and no money. My bank is Vision Bank. Money went to Vision Financial. Not the same. My routing/account number is on the receipt. Now they won't refund my money. All I get is a runaround, "We send a request to the comp. and ask them to refund the money. Call back in 24-48 hrs." Today is the 11th. My bank account is overdrawn and facing utilities being turned off. Nobody cares. They sent it to the wrong place.
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2016
I have tried my best to be patient but this is insane. I have tried numerous of times to send money via online and have had no success. My money is place on hold and I am required to call and identify who I am. I have been told someone uses my name and it is why my account was flagged. I had to go to the actual business location to prove identity. I once again tried and again my acct was on hold. I had to send them an email with my license. They assure it was resolved and I confided, and once again they held my acct and took my money but it was never sent.
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2016
I wish to give less than zero point but they don't have that option. I sent money from Melbourne to India for Diwali festival and it's been for more than two weeks somewhere in air and I was thinking maybe because of Diwali holidays, it's taking bit long... When I contact to them to ask what's wrong, the manager named "FRANCES" had no answers why money didn't go through, why they didn't contact me to let me know, and if I transfer money with bank transfer, why the money can't be back in bank account??? Instead he is just saying it's company policies, totally irresponsible. I strongly recommended not to use this service to anyone. l will never ever use this Western Union again.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2016
I do not have a problem with Western Union. I have a problem with having the receiving company following up with Western Union with all the information received. I made a late payment on a credit card, therefore I sent it Western Union. I show it was received, have tracking #, have sent Western receipt showing date, amount, account and that it was received. I cannot get the company to credit it to my account or even respond. They are charging me late fees for a payment already made. Who do I contact? The credit card company is saying, "Sorry, WU is saying it is in their court, it shows they received it". In the meantime, my credit score is lower and I'm still showing past due. I have sent the credit card letters and copies of the WU receipt three times. Should I obtain an attorney? I'm just getting ready to buy a house and my credit score went from 756 - 708.
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2016
I've been trying to get money from my brother for the past 3 days and they still have a hold on my money. I really needed it to pay off a lawyer. Never again will I use Western Union. This is so inconvenient. I have to go to the lawyer without the money now and explain this **. Never again will I use Western Union, EVER!!
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2016
I used Western Union for over 5 years and as long as I were sending very small amounts of money I had no problem with them. But anytime I tried to send reasonable amount of money off they would decline my transactions and make me go into a location. And yesterday and this morning they kept lying to me saying it was my bank declining the charge. Well I called my bank on 3 way and then after the bank representative chimed in Western Union then says "well we don't feel comfortable wiring $700.00" and hangs up. If there are any others like me especially minority we should all come together and sue them.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2016
I wire money to my wife in Mexico to make a deposit on a piece of property. After 4 business days I called to check the status of the transaction as the money cleared my bank 2 days prior and 4 business days was the maximum time frame. I was told the transaction could not be process for undisclosed reasons and that they have nothing to do with the debit from my account. They recommended that I call my bank; so I did and my bank confirmed that WU did in fact debit my account and proceed. I would have to file for fraudulent activity which can be a 4 month process. I'm sure I will get my money back eventually but I have since then lost the property my wife and I were hoping to buy and I am currently out 3 grand. If you want to throw your money in limbo for several months and have your time wasted, I highly recommend using WU.
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2016
Warning / My Terrible Experience with Western Union (Oct. 2016). I sent 4000 Turkish Lira ($1,772.71) to my sister in Turkey through Western Union on Oct 15. When my sister went to the PTT office (Western Union deals with a company named PTT in Turkey) in a small city outside Istanbul to get her money, a front desk worker copied her passport and had her sign for the money - and then told her that the computer system was down and that she needed to return another time! When she returned the next day, she was told the tracking number did not exist and that the computer system was down. To make a longer story short, she never received any of the money I sent her, and I filed a complaint with Western Union's Resolution department on Oct 18, 2016.
Then today, Oct. 24, 2016, I received an email from their Resolution department stating that their investigation ended and the case is closed because my sister received the money! In reality, what apparently happened is that either a front desk worker took the money for herself, or that there really was a computer system problem. Upon hearing this I demanded Western Union provide me with a copy of the PTT office's surveillance video beginning when my sister entered the office and gave them her passport. I've not heard from them and expect Western Union's management to continue ignoring me instead of taking advantage of this opportunity to investigate what really happened and return my money.
History of Poor Service and Not Meeting Customer Needs - Western Union has regularly had security-related computer issues for years because its management apparently doesn't care about providing quality customer service or know how to operate professionally. Maybe that's why their call centres are in India and the Philippines. That's why it receives an average of only 1 star out of 5 from the 144 people (as of Oct. 24, 2016) rating it at https://www./finance/western-union.html, and why I'm sharing my story with you - so you can avoid the stress and financial loss experienced by me and other Western Union ex-customers.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2016
I have tried multiple times to send WU online, and over the phone. I have attempted to use one of two credit cards, and am always declined. I can go to a local agent in person, and I can pay with either cards with no issue. I tried to find out why the online service, and the phone operator, continue to decline my transactions, but the store agent seems to use my information without issue. My bank doesn't have either card blocked from WU, this was WU's excuse, and I have verified this multiple times with my bank.
I can go in person and use whatever means I want to pay for the WU, but I can't use the online, or live operator to process my transaction. I am sending money from the U.S. to the U.S. and I am still declined. I have sent MANY WU transactions, but always have to do it in person, which can be very inconvenient, and leaves me to wonder why they have an online service, or live operator. VERY FRUSTRATED AND ANNOYED!!
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2016
Make transfers to overseas two days in a row. Now on the third day, security for Western Union decide to cancel the transfer I tried to do today. Their answer is to fill out a letter asking why it didn't go through. That's ridiculous. I'm done with Western Union and I will never transfer through you people again. This is more than one time this has happened, you guys are making a habit of it. That kind of business will put you out of business.
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2016
What a nightmare! I spent more than 3 hrs today trying to send money to my husband in Las Vegas. He was on a charter vacation from Hawaii to Vegas, and needed more money than he had with him. I figured I'd wire him the money and no problem. Surprise!!! WU treated me like I was a criminal. I had to call a number and go through an interview where the lady asked me what he needed the money for and why he was in Vegas. I made the mistake of telling the truth: he went to Vegas to gamble. They denied my transaction, refunded my money and said they can't send money for gambling. What??? Since when does WU make moral judgments about how someone can use their money. It's not illegal in Vegas to gamble.
So I spoke to a supervisor, and he said to resend the money and don't use the word "gambling". He said to say it's for an emergency. So I resent it and had to be interviewed by a different woman. When I said it was for an emergency, she asked "What kind of emergency?" Needless to say, they denied my transaction again, refunded my money, and I gave up. I will never use WU again. We'll be more prepared next time, and if we need to we'll use PayPal, MoneyGram, but never WU. They make customers feel like criminals. No thank you.
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2016
I went to WU in the post shop at Sylvia Park on Saturday to send money to home country for an urgent matter. Firstly, the counter girl seemed to be in a hurry but I sent the money. On Monday my mother called me. She had been denied access to receive the money because I did not send it to her full name. Like WTF? At least the girl at the counter could have informed me this.
Anyways! I go the their office on Monday after work. That same girl had gone home and no one was able to help me! I got her card and called her on Tuesday and she was not at work. I asked if she can contact someone who can change the name of the receiver. She said I have to go to their office with ID! I lost my temper and told her the reason why I woke up early on my Sat morning was to come send it then because I work during the week! Up to now I have not sorted this out but it is really pissing me off! WU your bloody fee for sending money is quite pricey for your poor ass customer service!!! Never sending money with WU ever!
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2016
About two weeks trying to fix some ** things online. I can't get access to a form. They sent it to me asking my name and password but the password didn't work and they told me to change the password and I did more than 15 times in two weeks. Still no fix. This is ridiculous. I don't recommend Western Union.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2016
I don't really know what's happening with Western Union these days but am getting tired of it. Well yeah for security purposes it's okay to protect people but they have treated me like am some kind of criminal. I have been sending money through them all this while since all my families are everywhere in the world and last I tried to send money to my fiance and I was told I have been blocked for what I don't know.
CALLED their customer service and the lady told me she can't see anything should go to the agent yet am outside Walmart to send them money and been blocked and went back again and they store called Western Union and they told them that I can no longer send the money. For what I don't know. I demanded that they give me an answer to know what is my crime. To send the money to my family, they ask me bunch of questions and I answered them and they told me final I cannot no longer send money because the way am sending money is not according to their policy which I don't understand what is their policy. The person I send money is my fiance. At first I thought maybe because he is from Nigeria or something. Ask me how I get the money and told them am working so honestly am so emotionally stressed how they have humiliated me. I cannot force them to make use their service but I need to know what crime I have committed.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2016
Western Union - what a bunch of idiots. I went to send $4000 from the USA to France to a friend. I paid cash at the WU desk, got a receipt. My guy in France goes to pick up the money- The transaction is on hold. I called WU and I am on hold for about an hour waiting to get to an agent. Then the agent asks me why I am sending the money. My answer: "Because I want to, there is no why." Second: "What is he going to do with the money", my answer: "I don't know."
Operator answer: "We will refund you your money because we feel you are being a victim of international fraud." My answer: "No I am not. I am fully conscious and this is the second time I have sent money to this guy in France. I am not under duress, I have my free will as I am talking to you." Answer: "Sorry sir. We have decided to cancel the transaction." So I wasted a day, had to drive to public to the WU desk, my guy waited in Paris to pick up the money. Anyway I got my money back, went online and used MoneyGram. Worked like a charm. Western Union: bunch of idiots...
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2016
This has been a nightmare. I spent 3 hours with their reps just trying to login. Finally fixed it, then another problem showed up - the "Continue" button was not working. Finally got that fixed, and I was told that I could make a transfer without paying the fee. Sounds nice, right? Except the continue button stopped working again. hahahahahah! I just quit. Tomorrow is another day. Western Union needs to update their technology.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016
This company removed the money from my account, then declined the transaction and did not notify me that the transaction was declined by either phone or email, both of which they had on file. No one there will answer questions. I will never do business with this company again.
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2016
I tried to make a transfer with WU online. I created an account with them for that purpose. The transfer was meant to go from my bank account in the US to a person abroad, who would pick up the cash at a WU office. I provided all the data that they requested (name, bank, account number, routing number, ID in the way of driver's license number) and everything seemed to be fine. Then I clicked in the button to complete the transfer. At that point, a window popped ask prompting me to supply the username and password for my bank account. Yes, you read that right. WU wanted to have full power over my bank account.
I did not proceed with the transfer, and I immediately called them to verify this. They did verify it, their justification being that I am really the one who controls the account. Not wanting to give them full access to my bank account, I therefore attempted to cancel the transfer from my WU online account. There seems to be no possibility of doing that and, even worse, according to the record, the money had been sent. So I called them again, and they said that that meant that the transaction had been approved by WU. Excuse me? You require my bank account username and password, I refuse to give it to you, and you still approve the transaction, despite of the fact that you claim to need that information for security reasons?
The username/password policy is ridiculous and abusive to begin with - with all the data I provided they could trivially verify my credentials as the owner of the bank account. Now, failing to implement their security policy, however obnoxious it is, reveals a complete disdain for their own standards of security. These guys are either crooks, or grossly incompetent; either way, I am not going to entrust them with my money.
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2016
Money transferred through Western Union [from USA to India] gets cancelled on its own. But the e-mail notification says that "the transaction has been cancelled as per my request", which is totally absurd (looks like WU is scamming its customers). I tried 3 times to transfer money and all three times I get transaction confirmed and then transaction completed followed by a "your transaction has been cancelled as per your request."
On checking my bank account, I was seeing 3 transactions of money getting debited from my account and 3 transactions of money getting credited back (with the MTCN of each transaction). All six were in processing state. But the next morning when I checked my bank account, I'm seeing only one transaction of money getting debited (with the MTCN of the last transaction).
When the customer support was called, they are saying the amount was rejected by the receiving bank or by the Western Union Banking partner "IndusInd Bank". This same thing happened to 2 of my friends. All three of us sent money to different banks on the receiving end. So I'm guessing it is getting rejected by the Western Union Banking partner "IndusInd Bank". In this case how can I contact their banking partner?? It should be their (WU) responsibility to check with the banking partner and inform the customer properly.
This all looks like a scam to me. WU recently started giving better rates than all of its competitors and started charging $3 transaction fee. Its rates were so attractive that even with the fee sending money through WU was profitable on the receiving end and the money was getting received within 1 hr in the overseas bank. Now I'm caught in a mess and short of a lot of money for 7 business days. I will be ending up paying penalty fees for late payments in both the countries. And have put my friends also in a bad situation by referring them to Western Union.
Reviewed Sept. 20, 2016
So after the fact that the customer in front of me had to wait 50 minutes at least until the lady that was helping him told him that they can't reach the Head Office with a call, she told me I had to wait 30-60 minutes because her colleague is going in break. I kept calm. Everybody has to eat. That's not a problem. A woman in front of me complained about awful customer service because they've told her that she needs as well to wait 1 hour, which is a lot, regarding the fact that it's WESTERN UNION (fast money, right?).
Anyway, finally my turn is here. Everything went well until the lady told me that my transaction (receive money) has been canceled. Why? She obviously didn't knew. She gave me the number from WESTERN UNION-CUSTOMER SERVICE. After 10 minutes with a robot, a lady answered me. I've told her at what agency I am and that I need to receive money but my transaction had been canceled. She asked me for my (???) number. I asked 4 times what is that number because I didn't knew. She got angry and after that realised that I am a customer and only the members of WU had that number. Anyway she treated me like I was receiving money for drugs, alcohol and **, for safety reasons.
She told me the sender needs to call to WU because she can't do anything about it. Ok, the sender (my aunt) called. She was asked so many question. One of them "For what did you send the money?" She said that it is for my rent and other little things like food, clothes. They've replied that "other little things" is not a correct answer. (WHAAAT?) Now I have to explain to my landlord why I can't pay the rent.. because WUnion is a .. :) Very, very bad experience with WU. Awful customer service and not at all "fast money".
Reviewed Sept. 18, 2016
I am 61 years old and have used Western Union off and on for most of my adult life. I recently had an internet transaction where I wanted to send a relative $120 which got held up in Western Union's "Compliance Dept.". I phoned Western Union the following day and all the Customer Service Dept. rep. seemed to want to do was argue with me. I asked that the transaction be cancelled. Three and a half weeks later my credit card bill arrives in the mail and the credit card charges from Western Union are on the bill, so I phone Western Union's Customer Service Dept. about having the charges credited.
After the Western Union rep. confirms that the transaction has not been completed they begin the process of passing me from one person to another arguing with me and stonewalling about crediting my credit card account. Ultimately I contacted my credit card company and disputed the charges, even though this will likely take a little longer to get the issue resolved. What a lousy company with horrible customer service Western Union has evolved into. I will never use Western Union again for anything. I instead used "Moneygram" in Walmart for this transaction, and what a much more pleasant experience, and at a lower cost. I would describe my last experience with Western Union as theft by credit card.
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2016
Money was send to me two days ago... I went to the local agency and they told me that my account is under review which I do not understand. I emailed the offices in USA and they told me that I must just go and collect the money. I went Again and the same thing was said... I am not a criminal nor dealing with drugs or money laundry. This was send to me from my boyfriend whenever he is in the States... I just don't understand..
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2016
1 September 2016: I initiated a money transfer with Western Union, and sent them 200 British pounds (a lot of money to me), on that day, for transfer to my friend abroad. The next day they initially put the transaction on hold, then cancelled it, without giving a reason. It is now 15 September, and I am still awaiting the return of my money, and have had such little reassurance from them that I honestly believe they will just keep the money. It is like fraud. They did receive the money as a WU representative told me on the phone that they had received it. I have also done this transaction 4 or 5 times before and not had a problem until now. If I had known what was to happen with this transaction, I would never have used them to begin with. I have had to do all the running to try and get the money back, with no success. Various e-mails and phone calls were all met with varying explanations, and nobody took charge of the problem.
Every time I have phoned, I have had to speak to someone new, re-explain every time. In one call I was told the money was sent back to me, it must be your bank at fault. A few days later, another, different representative said, "The money will be in your account this afternoon or by tomorrow." Three days later I still have not received the money back. I spoke to my bank, who I trust, who said that WU could use an express transfer facility which would transfer the money in just hours, but they haven't. WU have given no information about why this money has not been returned, it is truly appalling. In years of doing a multitude of transactions online with different organisations, I have never had such an issue with anyone until this experience with WU. I have now read other people's experiences with them, and totally concur with their warnings. I strongly advise people to avoid using Western Union for any financial transactions.
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2016
I have used Western Union for a few years off and on. Always sending small amounts, fifty dollars to family and friends for funerals, gifts, etc. Recently Western Union, blocked my account. It was a fifty dollar transaction. They asked me who I was and requested my identity, etc. After gladly sending what they asked for, they closed my account. I tried to reason with them but you only speak to foreigners who can't speak good English and they give you no explanation. I don't recommend them at all. But I did come across with two companies, Sharemoney.com and Moneygram.com, both who were professional enough to ask for my identity and clarification and now I am free to send money to my loved ones. Overall their exchange rates are better as well. In conclusion, stay away from Western Union.
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2016
Hi All, I always do the money transfer with best possible conversion. This time I used Western Union and everything went smooth until I see my bank account which was charged $25 extra for money transfer. This all happened because the Western Union didn't disclose the process of ACH. It was said 3 to 4 business days for money transfer, If it is 3 to 4 business days no one will think of ACH. Even they gave more money per dollar at the end with bank charges $25 more it is loss and very less for me.
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2016
Never used Western Union again. NEVER. They declined for urgent send and put on hold, they said for their protection. The lady who ask me questions make it sound like I am committed crime and doing money laundering, she going to contact Federal Bureau to question me where the money come from. Ridiculous, they don't care. Really don't!!! Never ever used their service. NEVER!!! Disappointed!!
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2016
I always send money to my dad direct to bank. In 1 transaction, they did it for person instead of direct to bank. It was usual for me, so I didn't ask my dad, neither did he ask me if I sent it. I happened to view his passbook after a month and realize that money didn't come in. I didn't have the MTCN by then. I called them and they said I need to visit the agent location. The agent at the agent location said that they can't do anything. Anyhow, they called Western Union. WU said I'd receive a cheque. But, I'll get a call from them to confirm my address first. No call for 3 days.
I called them - no transaction/processing on file. The agent on call this time said she changed the receiver to me so I would get the refund on the same agent location. I went there. New faces now. They said, "We can't give you anything." They called customer service again and she said we processed. I asked for a reference number. No reference number is given. I've been chasing them for my money. They have asked to wait for 7 - 14 days. I have no idea still. Will never use them for money sending ever again. I strongly suggest no one does.
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2016
I tried to transfer money via Western Union, to help pay for funeral expenses, other than the cremation that we had already paid for. Western Union put a hold on the money, forced me to call and answer personal questions, such as, "What was the reason?" "Who had died?" "What was her relationship to me?" "What was the relationship to the person I was trying to send money to?" This was stupid. I was paying cash, no card. No one was trying to fraud anyone. We were trying to pay for obituaries in the papers. I WILL NEVER USE WESTERN UNION AGAIN!!! I HOPE THEY GO OUT OF BUSINESS, AND SOON!!!
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2016
Today, I experienced the dark side of WU. They quickly accepted my money, immediately put a "hold" on the funds and required me to call to verify "personal information" before release. During the 29-minute phone call, I was every possible unimportant question possible and was threatened to have my transaction remain on hold unless I continued to answer all their questions: Why are you sending the money? Who is the person who is receiving it? How will they spend the funds (and 'for expenses' is not an acceptable answer)? How long have you known this person? Where did you meet and how?" And the list goes on. It felt like being a suspect trying to get through immigration. And this was for one in-state transaction. Truth: I was taken hostage and forced to complete what was quite obvious a survey. Incidentally, the poor girl asking the questions is in the Philippines and being paid dimes on the dollar, no doubt.
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2016
Do not waste your time or money with Western Union. You are in for a world of grief. First off, ATM cards are set up for a low cash limit, and the people at WU don't know this. Second, if you plan on sending a substantial amount of money, you will have to verify transaction details. This means you will be spending at least an hour on the phone, "for security reasons" and for "your safety" because WU thinks you may be defrauded. They will ask you all kinds of questions. Some of them the same, some of them two or three times.
Then, what they will do next is decline to send your money. Again, for security reasons. And for security reasons, they cannot tell you why. If you can, like I said, avoid them. You're in for a ride if you can't. Particularly if the amount you're sending is large ($2,500). Oh, and for all that "speed and ease of sending money", expect to pay a substantial fee--I paid $176.00. Their advertising on $8.00 for $1,000 is false. Ended up with money orders, sent them down overnight. Cheaper. Less hassle.
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2016
Western Union will not send my money to my step daughter to go to school!! We used WU weekly and gladly paid the fees because it was the most convenient way to send. But this past weekend, just before my step daughter goes back to school, they decide to refund any transaction I try to send her. I called and was transferred to 3 departments and in the end, all I get is "business policy" crap. I send through my personal online banking account. You would think that would be even more secure and less likely to be suspected of suspicious activity as doing anything illegal would go against my banking guidelines.
I work for a worldwide bank so I know about fraud and anti money laundering. I'm trained to watch for it myself. I know they must be looking at our transaction frequency and thinking we are committing one or both. But we are not! We are simply trying to give our family money for food, to clothe themselves and get an education. And I know the consequences of committing fraud. I could lose my job, get fined and even jail time! We are not criminals! Thank God for WorldRemit. WorldRemit allows us to do cash transfers online to a local bank. I've noticed the exchange rate is higher than WU and the fees are lower. Win Win. So I guess I should say thank you WU. Thank you for not allowing me to send my step daughter money for life's essentials until we can get her paperwork done and bring her to Canada.
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2016
I made a transaction online, the MTCN number was not generated. I called Western Union as it was a significant amount of money and to cancel off the transaction. Although, it was there black and white in front of them they were unable to do so... This is an organisation that deals with people's hard earned cash, they were unreliable and it scared me. I had to call my bank to cancel off the transaction. When I spoke to the manager Maria, saying I will complain, she told me it was a free country and I can do what I like. Never before have I met with such rudeness and insolence, which makes me wonder how an organisation such as this is still flourishing with such absence of non existent customer services.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016
Absolutely ridiculous. If you have money to throw away, or don't need it for 10 days, or you have no emergency, and if you think it won't happen to you because you have used them before, or if you think you have given them all your IDs, you are SO SO WRONG. They can decline a transfer whenever they wish without any reason and leave you out of pocket for DAYS. Forget the emergency. DO NOT TRANSFER MONEY WITH WESTERN UNION. I TOLD YOU SO!
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2016
They don't care. They really don't. I had a crisis and they failed. So awful I had to share. My gas light is on. I have to get work. Had my mom tried the app and website and even called but they do not care. The rep in in another country English is not her first language. Hard to understand what she is saying. Hard to follow. Very stressful. My Grandmother is really sick and is stuck in bed. My mom is her caretaker. She cannot just leave her and send the money. My grandmother is 80 something. The rep talks to me and my mom like we are criminals. She did not care. Really awful experience.
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2016
On Aug 16 I sent a friend $50.00 because he was in need. When he went to pick it up he was denied, for security reasons. He was told to fax or email a photocopy of his ID and he should have it in 10 min. 1 hr later he was told he had to do it again because it came out blurry. He tried and was still refused! Now it was becoming suspicious. He was advised to call me, the sender and have me call their customer service. When I did they informed me his name was similar to a person who has used WU for criminal activities. Now they wanted the following info: his address, father's name, birthdays, my relationship to him, purpose of money. Needless to say I was livid considering half of this list is already on his ID! I asked to cancel this transaction they told me neither one of us could receive the money until we gave them all the info they wanted. I feel WU went too far! All this for 50.00?
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2016
I sent 2900 to Mexico on 8/19/2016. The person in Mexico could not pick it up because the Western Union agency could not pay more that 725 dollars per transaction. What? I called Western Union to give me my money back, went back to the store (today) and they did not have enough cash. What? Plus they would not give me the 30 dollars fee back. So, I think they are scammers. They should know the law, that nobody can send more than 725 dollars to Mexico. So I lost 30 dollars but I won't ever again use their service. Wire the money from a bank account to another bank account in Mexico. I will write a note on a newspaper in Mexico City to complain about the corrupt government that puts all these burdens on the poor.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2016
I tried to send a relative money using a credit card transaction on the website. WU cancelled the transaction but didn't refund my money immediately. I had to call and it's been over 2 weeks and they still haven't given me a refund! If they cancel the transaction you should expect they will cancel and refund your money and not let it sit in their account collecting interest while you don't have use of your money!
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2016
I sent 400 dollars on June 17, 2016 at 2:15 pm MDT from Smiths in Price, Utah. I sent it to my brother Rowlley ** in Broomfield, N.M. He never was able to pick it up. I contacted Western Union 5 times. They keep telling me it was picked up. 2 of their reps. tell me I will get a refund within 2 to 3 days. It never happens. The lady in Broomfield that runs Western Union at The Farmers Market is Dora ** says it was there but cannot be picked up. Western Union reps say the investigation shows Dora ** saying it was picked up by my brother. We think she stole it.
Updated review: Aug. 15, 2016
Update: After a long talk with my bank and the Western Union looking through my statement. I wasn't charged twice I don't know how it works with the Western Union but it seems that even though i sent the money there's a delay in getting charged from your card. I went over and over for hours and everything is correct and matched up perfectly. I don't know why there's a delay in getting charged but it does, they told me it's the system but I really don't think they know why. Either way, it's good I didn't get charged twice but I would recommend they update their system or improve it. I'll still be using the online but I'll be more observation when I send the money and prevent any more problems. Took me a week but was able to get some results, hope many take warn when using the Western Union online. Check it twice and keep on checking.
Original Review: Aug. 5, 2016
Hi. I've been using WU for a long while now sending money over the counter. Hated the long lines but had no problems. Recently this year I started using their app. At first didn't have any problems until recently when I sent money to a relative of mine overseas. Had no problems. It went through and they got it, but a few days later I got alert from my bank that I was getting charged again for the same amount. So I called the service department to check what had happened. The person was very nice and informative. He told me that they were having problems with a third party that handles money transfer I think World Pay but can't remember. Anyway that I shouldn't worry cause I wouldn't get charged since it just a minor glitch in the system.
But yesterday I got charged for the amount and I had to call to see why I was charged again. This time the person I got didn't really help much - told me the same thing. I asked "How long will it take to get my refund?" She said she wouldn't know cause it's a third party and it was up to them how long it will take to refund my money. I was just curious here, Has anyone actually gotten their money refunded back or had any results from receiving back their money? I'm going to call today and find out if I can contact the third party and see if I can get my refund back. If anyone has more information on this I would really appreciate it. Thanks have a great.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2016
I cancelled a transaction on July 17th because Western Union wouldn't accept the ID of the receiver, and today is August the 4th 2016 and I still haven't received my refund. I was told the refund would take 5 to 7 business days. On July 25th six days later I received a phone call from Western Union informing me that my money would be refunded back to my account the following day on Tuesday July 26th. Tuesday evening no refund, Wednesday evening no refund. I called Thursday evening July 28th and was transferred around, the "it's not my department" line, and when I was finally connected to the internet department I was told Western Union's third party payment processor is experiencing a service disruption.
I called Western Union every day and was told the same story and that my case was being sent to the main office, seems like all the customer services reps are offshore. Even when you ask to speak to a supervisor you just get transferred to another call center with someone else whose native language isn't English. Today I called the number listed as the US corporate office and still end up in a call center somewhere and was given the same story service disruption and that I have to wait for Western Union to call me. I even tried live chat (August the 4th at 2:15PM EST) and was told the same thing with one difference, my refund is being processed again. If there is a third party system disruption how can my refund be processed again. Here's the text from my conversation:
"I know it can be frustrating, the refund attempt was made today and we expect that the funds will be back in your account soon." "We are very sorry for the inconvenience. Western Union's third party payment processor is experiencing a service disruption which has caused a delay in processing the refund. We have processed the refund again and we expect it to be back in your account in the next 7 days." "I apologize for the inconvenience, Philip, but that's the information our payment processor provided. They have made another attempt and expect it to be back in your account in the next 7 business days."
I don't know how a multi-million dollar company depends on a third party company to issue refunds and that companies system is down for over 10 days, someone needs to be fired. If I do get my refund in 7 days that will be almost 4 weeks later. Unacceptable. I am calling my bank to see what they can do. The worst customer service and the worst online transaction I've ever had. Won't do business again and I've done a lot of business with Western Union for over 30 years.
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2016
I tried to send money to my niece today for my great niece's first birthday in Missouri. Paid $12 for the monies in minutes, yea right! Two hours later my niece calls me to let me know that the transaction is still being processed. I called WU only to be told the transaction had been declined due to previous transaction history. What history? I've never sent money by WU or any other service before!!?? I was told by the agent that couldn't speak English very clear that it would take 1-12 hours for me to receive a phone call from a different agent to let me know that my money is released for me to return to where I sent it from so I may pick it up!!!! Seriously is this a joke or what?! From what I'm reading on here I may never see that $100 again. I will never ever use this company again if I have to send money to anyone.
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2016
I have a stack of complaint letters with numerous cases of incompetence by Western Union. Moving call centers to the Philippines years ago was a huge mistake! I've been a customer of WU for years having sent thousands and constantly told I'm a loyal or valued customer. Please... you don't put on hold, escalate 4 levels, cancel and even send notifications saying the money is ready and then inform the customer that their transaction is being reviewed once again all the time saying how valued I am. I was told someone has the same name as me and they're banned from using WU. Guess what WU? I don't care because you have my driver's license & passport on file although you continually ask for it over and over again.
If there is really someone with the same name, simply check the documentation and not delay or cancel my transactions. I've never met such incompetence with patronizing ignorant requests or comments as what's coming out of WU in the Philippines. They read a script that they won't deviate from and unlike the U.S. where "the customer is always right", they treat you like you're doing them a favor. I've written to the headquarters in Colorado and they're just as incompetent and patronizing as the fools in the Philippines. I can't wait for another alternative to ditch these incompetent people. They do "nothing" to facilitate but everything possible to obstruct and delay. They have a lot to learn about customer service. Mostly, when they lose their customers, they will be out of business. Their service is deplorable and atrocious.
Reviewed July 31, 2016
I tried to use WU Pay because it is the lowest fee to send money to a lithuanian person who had done some work for my grant. All my transaction attempts were declined - multiple times over two months. I was told that I could only send money by going in person to a store and providing cash. I was given a promotional discount, which reduced the fee, but the hassle of calling and calling and then having to go in person was very unpleasant. While I have excellent credit, this should be immaterial, since with WU Pay, I send Western Union money using my bank's online banking service, so western union can't possibly lose money on me.
I then went to moneygram to pay several other individuals in other countries and had no problems. Unfortunately the lithuanian wants western union. Western union operators were generally unhelpful, and spoke with such strong accents that they were difficult to understand. They muttered in a way similar to the kind of slurring that you get when a scammer calls and they slur the name of their company so you can't quite hear it. There were frequent hangups. I was given email addresses to write to for complaints.
Reviewed July 28, 2016
A family friend transferred some money to me from China. I went to the agent in order to receive the money. He entered the details and it came up. I can view the screen from where I was standing. The agent proceeded to payout but an error pop-up saying my identity needs to be verified. I was told by the agent to wait for 10 to 15 minutes. After 20 minutes I was told by the agent that the transaction cannot be found again. I asked what that means. He said the MTCN no longer contains any transfer details, that I should contact the seller to go back to the same place where the transfer was initiated to complain about the issue. I did, he went back, and he was told that my name was blocked from receiving because it matches the name of another person who has been blocked. He cancelled the transfer and send via bank transfer. I received without headache.
I know Western Union does not care about any negative reviews here because they think they are doing what is right. I do not recommend anyone to use Western Union. Even if you use them for many years without problem, your day is coming. It's just like death, just expect the surprise, especially when you needed their service the most.
Reviewed July 28, 2016
I sent a money transfer July 2016. Western Union stop my transfer asking me personal information and said they will refund my 310.00 dollars. I had to wait 5 business days - to get my refund call my card holder so I call my card holder. Western Union has sent nothing. They try to tell me my money already been refunded. Liars Lists. I get alerts on my credit card no 310.00 dollars never been return. Called many time. Operators lie each time barely speak proper English. Tell you the same thing sending it now. Always thought a honest business would never rob me. Boy I was wrong and disappointed. They are worse than a thief on the street stealing people money that trusted them. I work hard for my money and if I want to spend it no one has a right to tell me how to spend it. Sign a very angry customer.
Reviewed July 21, 2016
On Saturday July 9, 2016 a friend of mine was pickpocketed in Panama City Panama. I attempted to send her $150 via Western Union's online services. I first used a credit card number but was then prompted to give a debit card so that I would not be charged "cash advance" charges. WU charged an additional fees of $15, so $165 total funds were pending on my debit account. Shortly after the online transaction, my transfer was placed on "hold" and I was requested to send a copy of my driver's license (which I did, and now regret). I then received an email stating: "As a result of reviewing MTCN **, Western Union cannot complete this transaction because the sender is not permitted to use Western Union to send and receive money. File Date (MM/DD/YY): JUL/09/2016. Sending Agent: **. Western Union has refunded the senders money and any fees."
I was asked to send various other documents to be "reinstated" with their services. I became quite skeptical and I googled "why was my transfer denied with Western Union?" I encountered thousands of people across the world complaining of the same scam. Western Union debits the transaction amount plus fees. Western Union tells you that you are blacklisted and does not provide any reason. Western Union never credits back the sum of the original transaction and steals your monies.
I used Moneygram less than 1 hour after encountering my denial from Western Union without any problem or a "blacklisting" scare tactic. I filed a complaint with my bank on July 11, 2016 and my bank denied the pending charge. Another transaction from Western Union in the amount $165.00 was transacted on July 18, and my bank suggested that I cancel my debit card and file a fraud complaint against the company. In an attempt rectify the situation and receive my credit so that I did not have to cancel my card, I called Western Union today 7/21/16 and was transferred 2 times to a final phone number of 1-877-989-3268 and spoke to Lizell extension ** and the managing supervisor Alice **. They both claim that only the initial transaction on 7/9/16 took place and deny a second charge on my card on 7/18/16.
When I asked why I have not received a refund in over 12 days, they both told me that "western union is experiencing a processor problem, and there has been a disruption of the service". Neither had access to email in order to send me a written confirmation on this problem. Alice said the problem COULD be rectified in 24 hours, but I have no proof of that. So, I'm writing here today to request that my case be escalated TODAY and my monies be returned by tomorrow 7/22/16 before I file a case with my bank and the local authorities and media. I shouldn't have to wait over 12 days for a refund of a monies that were never transacted. I am also writing to help or warn other people about Western Union's scam - DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR DEBIT CARD, driver's license, bank statement or any other personal information that they may ask for! Read the numerous complaints here and google Western Union!
Updated review: Jan. 6, 2021
Apparently, a class action was implemented and I received a full refund of my $800 from Western Union. I have updated my rating from a 1 to a 2 because the company did not act on its own to resolve these issues with its clients. It took a class action to bring a resolution. I still feel this is not a protected manner in which to send funds.
Original Review: July 15, 2016
Q&A Protected Funds - I am tired of WU taking advantage of the homeless and making excuses for the errors. I am a teacher and I sent $800 to help my disabled sister. WU allowed someone to steal the money. When I called they quoted me policy and just told me to seek jurisdiction and no refund.
Reviewed July 15, 2016
Today I tried to wire my husband $ to Sao Tome, Africa with Western Union. I spoke with a customer service agent (the whole thing took about an hour). He not only entered my home address wrong (after I repeated the zip code multiple times - I had to call back to correct this) but then, he failed to enter the CORRECT country in Africa where the money should go! At one point he said to me "South Africa" and I corrected him. I repeatedly said, "it's Sao Tome, NOT South Africa." I asked whether he needed the address of the Western Union office in Sao Tome? His response: "No. It doesn't matter where in Africa - he can pick up the $ anywhere in Africa". And I said: "Really?? Anywhere? Africa is a continent with many countries and different currencies! I don't need to specify which one?" He said "No."
In the end, my money went to South Africa and my husband in Sao Tome was unable to get his money. This man has no business being a service agent transferring people's funds - he failed to understand basic information/world geography/and how Western Union funds are transferred. If this is who Western Union hires, I am amazed that they are still in business after all these years!?!
Reviewed July 13, 2016
They are fast and don't keep you waiting long. The problem is the discrepancies on their exchange rates via their website. I sent money internationally and the exchange rate on their website said $1= 2.184TND yet after I sent the money it was exchanged for only $1=2.06TND. A $70 difference! So I called their number they give for any discrepancies you may find. I told them there is a huge difference and that they made a mistake. They asked if I found the rate off Google like I am stupid. So I said "no I found on YOUR website." She said, "oh I see let me check." So she came back and said I was wrong and the rating today is $1= 2.19TND. And the only explanation she had was that rates fluctuate dramatically sometimes.
So I said, a little sarcastically, "so you're saying right at the moment I sent it dropped down from $1=2.184 TND to $1=2.06,TND, then went right back up to $1=1.9TND after I sent it??" And she says yes, that must be exactly what happened. So my thoughts are, this is ridiculous and outrageous! Sure rates drop but not like that right at the second someone sends! Sounds like a nice little excuse to not pay as much! I will not use this company again unless there is no other choice! I won't work with a company who takes your money.
Reviewed July 5, 2016
I was sent money three different transactions and getting to Western Union location I was told "money received." I asked "by who?" They replied "by receiver," and I told them "am the original receiver." I called the sender to request for PROOF OF PAYMENT to know where my money was picked up. Western Union said they are investigating, checking cameras. Whereas there is no camera anywhere and told sender to check back after 20 days. Please can anyone advise me easiest way to get PROOF OF PAYMENT from Western Union and I will handle the rest investigation.
Reviewed July 5, 2016
In September 2011 I have transferred money with Western Union on behalf of my cousin, the receiver's name was differed one letter from the ID. Western Union did not deliver the money to the receiver nor refunded it to me. Simply they took the money. And whenever I call to ask about my money they just promise to refund it and nothing happened till now. That was the worst experience for me with a company I dealt with for more than 15 years. I will not get back to do business with them and I will never recommend anyone to go there.
Reviewed July 4, 2016
These guys are fast in debited the US accounts (do it on the same day as the transaction initiation), keep the money for 5 -7 business days and to tell you that the receiver bank rejected! They don't give any more details or information as to why it got rejected nor any information on the transfer they attempted. And that leads to cancellation of the transaction and the refund process starts, which takes another 7 business days to complete. In all they keep the money for over 2 weeks and make us go through number of calls and mails and online chatting to of no effect. Simply said, these people use the money float for the two weeks and fool the customers. No way I would recommend Western Union to anyone.
Reviewed July 1, 2016
Worst customer service I have ever had. Representatives rude and unprofessional, asked inappropriate questions and wasn't there to help at all. I tried to send money but they refused to accept it, and couldn't tell me a reason why. Then I tried to get my money back and it took me 2 days because not every Western Union branch have enough money on premises. And I called customer service in advance to find out where I can go to pick my money up. 3 times they gave me wrong information. I have been a customer for over 9 years and after all this I would never recommend to anyone to work with this company! And supervisor Merry ID** is the worst.
Reviewed June 29, 2016
I have been making transfers by Western Union for many years. Some three months ago WU changed their website. Since then, I have not been able to make transfers online using Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Each time I email WU with my experience I get a reply requesting I fill in all the information of the failures, which of course I do. I then get a reply asking me to clear all my cookies and cache, which I do. I then get a reply telling me to go to a WU agent or send via SOFOFT or make a telephone transfer using the promotion code supplied, which I don't want to do as it is inconvenient.
Not only that but I had already informed WU that ALL modes of making transfers had not been possible. However due to an urgent need to transfer I went to a WU agent who tried to make the transfer only to be informed my account had been blocked. It is impossible to communicate with this company. So in future I will be sending money via AZIMO who only charge £1,00 but only to the receivers bank.
Reviewed June 27, 2016
CAVEAT EMPTOR. My son called and needed money as he had an emergency. I could not think of a way to get him the money quickly and when someone mentioned Western Union I jumped at it. "Money in minutes" is western union's motto... That was 4 days ago and still no money. Initially western union contacted the bank to handle the transfer which prompted the bank to take the money from my account and place it into pending (pending means you cannot use it). Western union then proceeded to not fulfill its promise on the transfer. After almost an hour of being on the phone I was finally told that the system was down and they would have to refund the money. Now western union tells me that it takes 7 to 10 days for them to complete the refund. I asked them "How can you offer to transfer money in minutes be unable to do so and then take 7 to 10 days to return it?" No response. So I asked to speak to a supervisor.
The supervisor told me they cancelled the transaction the same day and the bank has my money, well yes technically they do but western union bureaucracy is holding up the process; since all the bank knows is that I made a transaction with western union and now it needs the transaction to be reversed before it can release the funds. In retrospect my son is only a 7 hour drive away. I could have saved myself time and a lot of grief if I had driven out to him.
Reviewed June 26, 2016
I have been sending money overseas to my nephew for months. The very first time I tried to send money I used his middle name instead of last name, which he goes by. It just wasn't changed on his ID. After being told they could not complete the transfer I had to cancel that transaction and place another. I was assured that the $200 would be put back on my credit card within one to seven business days. Throughout this time I continue to send money no problems. After two months and Western Union had not refunded my credit card. I contacted the Credit Card Company who immediately opened up a case against Western Union and Capital One put the money back on my card.
Long story short Western Union has blocked me from sending money from the mobile app. They have made it impossible for me to use any online services they offer. I must find an agent location and pay cash. Which is just hard due to the seven hour time difference and the urgency of the money that is needed. I have been given the run around by Western Union for days! If this was not the only way for my nephew to receive money I would never use Western Union! I thought they were a respectable business. But that is far from the truth. They have given me four different reasons as to why I can't send money. Change of address. The apt number in second address line. Tried too many times to change it. Doesn't match my profile.
I have sent pictures of my credit card statement with address to their webcare site. Nothing. I get an email stating the address is wrong. Unfortunately this didn't happen until my credit card went after them for the money from a cancelled transaction! This is the worst company ever! Their customer service is terrible. No help whatsoever!! I strongly suggest if you have another option besides Western Union I would use it...
Reviewed June 21, 2016
Western Union withdrew money out of my checking account, declined my transfer on account that it was taken out of a credit card (scary. This is what they have in their system, when the transaction came from a checking account with a major bank). Needless to say that the transfer to my folks did not go through. I checked with my bank to see whether the money was transferred to Western Union and it did OUT OF CHECKING not a credit card. Meanwhile the agent at Western Union is insisting on getting my bank card information and to admit that I used my card to effect the transfer, something which clearly is false and did not occur. They won't refund my money back to my bank. They told me that I have to contact my own bank to start the dispute process. Do not deal with Western Union.
Reviewed June 21, 2016
My client send me some money from UK to Bangladesh via WU Bank Transfer. It's already 9 days & still the money didn't arrived. I check my bank info, it was OK. I contacted my bank, they said no transaction. Really dissatisfied.
Reviewed June 20, 2016
On April 12, 2016 I paid for a money transfer to an individual in LA. Later that day, someone presented an ID with information that was close but the name was misspelled and the address didn't match. During the next few minutes, I received several texts from the scammer stating the name was spelled incorrectly and that the Western Union employee would not give him the money (good). However, after a few minutes of badgering, the Western Union employee turned over the funds anyway (bad). In a nutshell, this was a scam. HOWEVER, money was turned over to someone whose ID did not match 100% the information in the order. Why did this happen? Was the Western Union employee perhaps involved in the scam? I dont know but I do know that Western Union did not follow its own policies.
On April 13 and April 14, 2016 I spoke to Western Union supervisors in the Records Validation, Consumer Protection, and Security departments. Different supervisors (Mark, Alexis, Ana) looked into this and stated that their records show that the ID did not match the order (oops). A representative from my bank listened in on these calls and can verify the information. However, Western Union has declined to speak with her.
Every time I call Western Union, I get another story or I am transferred to "someone who can help." No one at Western Union appears to be empowered to correct an obvious mistake. After getting the runaround from Western Union for several weeks now, I have filed a police report and a detective is now working on the case. Bottom line: DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING IN WESTERN UNION'S TERMS & CONDITIONS OR POLICIES. They don't follow them and they will not support a customer when one of their employees makes an error.
Reviewed June 14, 2016
We have a 501 (c) 3 charity that sends money to Kenya to pay for students to attend good schools. They refused to send our money. Western Union does not want to help poor students in Africa. Don't use them!!!
Reviewed June 13, 2016
I used the app on my phone and it was great, very convenient! There's an 800 limit before you have to verify your id with them. So I attempted to do that and received an email just saying they would be in touch. So I phoned customer service next day and the guy told me where to email my id documents and what's required. So I duly did that that afternoon. I was told it takes 48 hrs on working days.
11 days later and several calls and emails to Western Union and I am still no closer to getting my id verified online to use my online account. All they tell me over the phone is the obvious, that I can use any Western Union agent nearby. I knew that already! Talk about stating the obvious! So no, their customer service and id verification unit are absolute rubbish! Use the online service if you just need to send occasional money, otherwise don't bother. And I still have no idea when my id will be verified now after sending the right documents 3 times now! Utter rubbish!
Reviewed June 11, 2016
I was super excited about getting my Western Union Mastercard. Couldn't wait to use it. I am a traveling sales agent and this was going to be perfect. My boss sent my money Western Union. When I called last night to have it transfer to my Western Union Mastercard I was told they don't offer that. The service is offered on my Western Union account. The customer service told me I could pick it up my money at any Western Union agency at 6 am on June 11th. And this wasn't true.
So, then I go to a Western Union agent and now Western Union has cancelled the transfer and I can't get my money. I call my boss. We call 3-way to Western Union. The manager had no explanation as to why they would cancel and refund his money in 7 business days. Now he has to go back to Western Union to resend more money. I hope he gets his money back from his first transaction. I have seen many reviews that Western Union is not refunding customers the money they sent. I am not happy about this at all. I have been a customer for years.
Reviewed June 1, 2016
I used WU to send my daughter in Saint Petersburg Russia a 200 dollar transfer. A month later I learned WU was not able to deliver the funds and failed to contact me. I called their phone center and their recording machine was terrible. After 3 or 4 Calls I finally got through to a human. WU was not able to make the transfer. My daughter has received funds from me before with no problem. I have used Western Union for over 30 years and never a problem. Sending or receiving small to very large transfers. They could resolve a problem quickly. Now it's a joke with the recording machine system which is slow and cumbersome. The audio on their end had a serious echo and I couldn't hear the rep and the rep had problems hearing me.
Reviewed June 1, 2016
I tried to do the transaction online but the website used my old address, even though I had done an update - this caused 3 days of hell. So after being on hold for up to 45 minutes then being transferred to the wrong person and holding again for 22 minutes, I did it through a credit card - higher fees, lower conversion rate of course. I spoke to people in Dominican Republic, India, Philippines and after 4 days I think it is finally going to happen. Now I have to fight with them to get the refund through my bank as after all that, the transaction went through, I did not bother to give all the details. Why? It's just more frustrating. NEVER AGAIN. WESTERN UNION IS A MESS.
Reviewed May 25, 2016
Everything started out pretty good. I managed to money to my girlfriend in Philippines 5-6 times. Then she suddenly was rejected by Western U. After this I send to her friend a couple of times and once to her boyfriend. Then suddenly I was rejected by WU. I mailed an inquiring mail to WU trying to understand what went wrong, and if I did something not legal and this started a la vine of mails back and forth. The short story is that WU asked me to send them salary and bank statements, ID from all the people receiving money, explanation of the relationships, and so on and on. Really ** incredible.
In the beginning I tried to be understanding but they continued being more and more rigid. I kept asking why and what went wrong, but same answer - bank statement etc. Finally I got more and more clear - so to speak - with them, and just yesterday they sent me following message: "We have reviewed your reinstatement request and have decided to uphold our previous decision on this matter. This means Western Union will not accept any money transfers from you as sender and will not pay out any money transfers to you as receiver."
Western Union's Money Transfer Service Terms and Conditions provide that Western Union and its agents have the right to refuse service to any person. Accordingly, Western Union has made the business decision to refuse and refund any transactions you may attempt to send or receive in the future. Well Western Dis'Union I couldn't care less. You're just another Big Brother. So 5 min. later I simply made an account with Worldremit. This works perfect.
Reviewed May 21, 2016
Our friends and as our employers too, we are doing a business here in the Philippines as offshore IT service provider for our clients overseas. Then usually they send money from Western Union to us and we been doing this for long time now. But a week ago they send money as payroll for our friends/staff but Western Union block the transfer and without telling why and yet they haven't return the money. Although the trust on Western Union continue as my friend/employer send another money for us. Friend/employee here in the Philippines will be able to go on with our lives and yet WESTERN UNION block again that hard earn money that is meant for our friend/staff. This is really frustrating and now our friend/staff are affected with the actions of Western Union.
Reviewed May 16, 2016
I sent my friend some money and she never picked it up. I requested a refund and nothing. They say it was sent to my bank but my bank sees no such transaction. They said they did their part. They took over a year to send me a long email telling me to contact Banque de France. Thieves!!!
Reviewed May 15, 2016
I attempted to make an emergency payment overseas and was advised to use Western Union. The quickest way to make payments??? An absolute nightmare. The first payment was rejected and I waited 12 days for a refund. I've now corrected what was apparently my error, paid and now been told that the second payment has been rejected. So two weeks later and the payment is still not made. Don't waste your time. Avoid Western Union at all costs.
Reviewed May 13, 2016
I sent money online which I cancel straight away because there's a wrong details. They said I will get my money back 1-7 days. This transaction was April 4. But until now, nothing. I rang and contacted them by email and phone. Now they told me they didn't deducted any money and I didn't get charged for it. But in my bank detail it's clear they took the money. Now opening dispute with my bank... worst transaction.
Reviewed May 12, 2016
Western Union is giving me a hard time in getting a refund. I sent 100 bucks to my nephew in Texas and he only had a temporary ID so they wouldn't release the money, which is understandable so I asked for a refund so I could send him a money order instead. I spoke to three individuals that all said that due to compliance and regulation I would have to submit a letter with my nephews name, address, DOB and so on!!! I was beyond pissed off that this time! I told them, "That was stupid and unnecessary, cant you just put my money back on the card or give me a refund!" Nope they want a letter stating who he is to me and why I'm sending him money!!! Not your business. Just give me my money back!
Reviewed May 10, 2016
A little known fact: Western Union claims that they guarantee and protect their money orders, which is completely false!!! When buying a money order, there are signs stating that your "money is protected", and on their money order forms it states "Should the item (money order) bear any unauthorized signature, be stolen, improperly completed or altered, issuer will either 'stop payment' herein or charge back against any endorsement"... lies!!!
First, after a fifteen day waiting period, if the M/O is any of the mentioned above, the customer must first file for a photocopy of the check (up to 30 days). This means by this time it will have been cashed... Second, after receiving the photocopy, Western Union will have to research who cashed it even if it is on the back of the check (another week). Next, the customer must wait and receive a "forgery kit" for filing for a refund (up to two more weeks). Third, after filing out the papers, and they are returned to Western Union, they send it to the "cashing bank" WHO HAS THE FINAL SAY" as to whether they consider it wrongly cashed and this "investigation" can take up to 120 days. (That's a total of 186 days or over six months). This does not mean you get your money back, just the end of the process. Don't buy from them. Fair warning!!!
Reviewed May 2, 2016
Tried to send money to a relative in Panama and the recipient got the run around about getting the funds. After much deliberation I decided to cancel and get a refund for $300.00 I paid through Bill Pay to Western Union. I tried to contact them to make this happen and got the biggest run around as if it was their money. I was given about 4 to 5 different numbers to talk to someone who could assist me. Their phone connections were awful and there was feedback when trying to talk to them. After about 10-15 minutes someone told me that it would be refunded, however it would take 5-7 days for it to be put back in NY account. I consider this a form of extortion on their part and highly recommend that the FTC get involved. I read on this site that I'm not the only one who has experienced this problem. It is time for something to be done about this.
Reviewed April 30, 2016
This is the story of a Western Union failure. This past Wednesday, 27 April, 2016, I went online to www.westernunion.ca and created a login. After registering, I attempted to set up a transfer from Canada to Cuba. I was notified that transfers from my location to Cuba was not available online, and that I would have to go to a Western Union branch location.
I went to a WU branch location, and completed the forms, and the agent behind the counter advised that the funds would be in Cuba the next day, and that I should send the recipient the MTCN number so that they could receive the funds. I was also told that I did not need to specify a location within Cuba where it would be sent, as the receiver could go to any WU location in Cuba to pick it up with the MTCN number.
The next two days, the receiver in Cuba attended their local WU location 4 times without success. Each time she was advised that the MTCN was incorrect or the funds had not arrived. Then, on Friday, I called the Customer Service line for WU, and was told, after more than 30 minutes of wandering around the phone lines speaking to various agents, that, in fact, the funds had been sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the US Military Base, and not Cuba, the country.
After this was discovered, the agent on the phone tried to switch the destination, saying that it should only take a minute, please hold the line. After several minutes, and 2 supervisors later, the agent finally came to the conclusion that they would not be able to switch the destination, and that I would have to go down to the store and pick up the funds, and then re-enter the transaction once again.
I was also told by (I think it was the third supervisor, by then) that I was able to do a transaction on the phone to send money to Cuba, and that all I had to do was provide a credit card number. I advised that at the WU branch, when I had asked to use a credit card, I was told that I could not use a credit card, and had to use a debit card.
So, after asking several different ways, I found out that there was no way I could get them to take the funds that I had given them, and create a new transaction, and send the funds again. I was told again that I needed to pick up the funds at a store, and that they couldn't put the funds back on any card, debit or credit. I told them that's fine, I'd like to send different funds to Cuba, using a credit card that they had just suggested. I was then told that, in fact, they had spoken in error, and I did, in fact, need to attend a WU branch to not only pick up the funds, but also to send the funds again. Even if I was willing to use different funds than the original $400 USD I was trying to send, I would still need to do this at a branch.
So, I went to the WU branch location, and was given a cash refund, as they told me that they couldn't put it back on a card. I told them that was fine, now I'd like to send money using another card, debit or credit, or the cash I was given, and send it to Cuba. I also told the agent that I was advised by the WU hotline agent that I could get this agent to call in the WU Hotline, and I would have some sort of promotion code put on my transaction so that I would be given a benefit for the inconvenience.
The agent called the special agent's hotline, and was put on hold for about 20 minutes with no answer. I was then told that, in fact, Cuba had been removed from their system, and the only place that Cuba was found was, in fact, the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba US Military Base, and that regular Cuba was no longer available as an option. So I went home, having not sent any funds to Cuba.
The next day, Saturday, I called the WU Hotline again, and spoke to the first person about my situation. I was told that she was sorry, and she'd try to help. She then told me that if I went back to the WU branch, I could pick up a black telephone at the branch, and tell them that I needed to transfer funds to Cuba, and then they would give me a PIN code, and then I would bring that PIN code to the agent behind the counter, and then they would enter that PIN code, and then the agent would be able to access or unlock the feature of sending money from Canada to Cuba, something that they don't normally have, or recently just had taken away, and can be returned, with permission.
I was then told by this agent on the phone that perhaps someone at her office might know of a way to do it on the web, so she was going to send me to her supervisor. With supervisor number one, I was told that, in fact, the system wasn't letting her send me any funds because I had exceeded the $500 dollars allowed for every 3 months. I told her that, in fact, I hadn't sent any funds at all, and that was never given an opportunity to send even one dollar, let alone $500, and that I hadn't identified myself, so she would have no idea whether or not I had exceeded the limit at all. I then told her I needed to speak to someone else who actually understands the system, because she wasn't making any sense.
Then, from the second supervisor, I was told that they couldn't process the transaction at all over the phone, or on the web, but only at certain locations. I then said, "which locations?" And then told her that I had no interest in driving to 20 locations to ask them if it was possible. I was then told that this supervisor would call around, if I'd wait on hold, and they'd check. I then gave my postal code, and waited for 20 minutes while she called around to various WU branches in my area.
At this point the call passed the one hour mark. The second supervisor returned and told me that she couldn't find any location in my area to transfer funds to Cuba. I said, "Ok, where can I go to do it?" I was then told that I couldn't do it at all from Canada, from any WU location, and that they couldn't help me at all.After I explained that this doesn't make any sense, because the US WU website allows them to send funds to Cuba, but I couldn't register with them because I wasn't in the US, and they required me to provide a credit card that billed to an address including a US state meaning I couldn't register on the US site while living in Canada.
I said that if the US site allows transfers to Cuba, Canada must as well. I was then told that there were, in fact, WU locations in Canada, in my area, where I could transfer funds from Canada to Cuba, but that I would have to go to each individual location and ask them. I then asked why she hadn't told me that, and wasn't she just calling around a minute ago to a number of locations and was told "no", in fact, that location wasn't able to send funds to Cuba?
Supervisor 2 then told me that she was told by each of these locations that they could not tell her for security reasons, and that the client would have to come to the branch and ask on their own. She said that the WU branch could only tell the client, and not the agent, because it was a secret. I then realized that I was speaking to another complete imbecile, or at least, a person who was obviously making things up because she has no idea what she's doing. I said I'd like to talk to her boss.
The next person, Supervisor 3, told me that she was the manager of the office, the boss of all bosses, and that she was the highest authority in that call centre. I said, "ok, where are you?" For security reasons, she could not tell me. I then asked, "what country?" The Philippines. Wait, was she thinking that if I had a street address in the Philippines, that I would travel there to do harm?
Supervisor 3 then told me that she had spoken to her colleague, Supervisor 2, and had been told of the issues. I then pointed out that it was obviously a crazy idea, and that, in fact, the WU branch agent would never tell a WE call centre staff member that they were not able to divulge whether or not that particular location was able to send money to Cuba due to security reasons. Supervisor 3 then told me that she, as a manager, had the authority to call each WU branch in my area, and find one that allows transfers to Cuba. Supervisor 2 didn't have the authority to ask, because it was a secret, but she, Supervisor 3, the manager of that office, was of a sufficient security clearance level to obtain the information.
I pointed out to her that it couldn't possibly be that she was the boss of all of the other staff and supervisors in that office, because she wasn't making any sense either. I said that I couldn't understand how she cashed her pay cheque if she, as the highest manager in that building, did not know what was going on or how to do anything. The sheer lack of logic was nearly causing a short in my own brain. She gave me her employee number, Manager **, and told me that she would call me back as soon as she found a WU branch location that would allow transfers to Cuba.
After 4 days, and speaking to at least 12 employees of WU, not a single person can tell me how to complete a single transaction, to send $400 USD from Canada to Cuba. It's possible, if I go into a local WU branch, and whisper the right secret phrase to the right person, on the right day, I might be able to find out for myself. But then, I'd have to know what that secret phrase is, and where that certain location is. Nobody seems to know.
The sheer manpower involved in this ridiculous level of incompetence causes one to lose the ability to find reason in anything at all - I can't begin to imagine what incredibly talented genius designed this system, or trained these people. I feel like I've fallen down a rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland, and landed in a world where each person I talk to is "developmentally differently abled" - or whatever the current political correct term is for people of diminished capacity. If I spend hours on the phone, passing through layer after layer of third world incompetence, and not a single person can help me, what hope does Western Union have as a company? It's been around for 160 years - which of those years was the year that it decided to be this lousy?
Reviewed April 29, 2016
This is my first time using the Western Union for the money transfer and had really bad experience. My transfer is not approved and when called customer service they pass on one after another wasting almost two hours on phone with no results. I am never going to use Western Union again.
Reviewed April 28, 2016
Dear Western Union Advocate, I intended to blog about the bad customer service I received or post my complaint on a review or complaint board, however this advocate email address came up in my search and I thought why not complain to a Western Union advocate first. This is my story: In early December I was searching for secret shopper jobs and gave my address in the search. December 19th I received a letter from a secret shopper service. Enclosed was a US PO money order for $991.32. My assignment was to deposit the money order in my account or cash it and send then send $720.00 to ** @ **. The WU fee was $60 and I was to keep the rest.
I deposited the MO on Saturday and Tuesday the bank told me it had cleared so Tuesday 12/22/15 I went to a J&J Market on Haddon Ave in Haddon Township and sent the money. Christmas eve 12/24/15 I checked my account online and saw that actually the money order had not cleared (TD bank should not have cleared it until it is truly cleared but that is another issue). I knew I had been scammed and was so angry at myself. Stupid me didn't even think to call WU or going to J&J market to stop payment to **. Saturday 12/26/15 I got sick and was hospitalized until March 8th 2016. While I was in the hospital WU sent a letter saying the money had never been claimed. You can imagine how pleased I was. I wrote a letter from my hospital bed immediately explaining and asked WU to please hold my money until I could go back to J&J market and collect my money back.
Friday March 11th I was able to go to J&J market but the cashier told me it was too large an amount to pay out. I went to a nearby Walgreens and the amount was too large to collect there also. On March 15th I wrote a letter explaining my situation. I enclosed a copy of the original transaction receipt, the letter WU sent me (telling me the money had never been picked up), a copy of the letter the secret shopper sent me, a copy of the PO Money order, a copy of my bank statement saying the MO was fraudulent and my ID. This was all sent Certified mail. I also suggested it be forwarded it to WUs fraud department. I have also reported the fraud to the US PO. After waiting patiently for two weeks no one from WU called or emailed. On Wednesday April 6th my brother came to visit and take me on errands.
I called WU, to ask where I could pick up the money and the representative who helped me told me WU had received the information I sent and was sending me a check at my new address. Two more weeks went by and nothing. April 19th I called again and was told the problem was I had a different address from the one I had when I sent the WU money. OK that seemed reasonable. I had a verification letter from the PO with my new address from the old one and made a copy and sent that to your office, certified on the 19th. A week later I still receive no email, no phone call. I had to call this morning and had to escalate from rep to supervisor to manager and still the manager couldn't satisfy me. (John **) John insisted I had to send in notarized proof of change of address. I couldn't believe it! He could see the letter I sent verifying my change of address form the US Post office a government agency.
I explained to John I live in very rural area and am still convalescing from my illness and would not be able to get to a notary, nor did I have the money to pay for the notary. I told him what I wanted was him to say, "I'm so sorry Eileen that you have been through such an ordeal and the verification letter from the PO is good enough and we will mail you the check today." But of course that didn't happen. I suggested he send the check in the mail to my original address care of the Kathy ** who I rented a room from and he did finally agree to that. So I believe the check has been sent to me c/o Kathy **. I would appreciate you following up to see that indeed it was sent to Eileen **, c/o Kathy **. If you care to follow up with me my email is ** and the Lakeside Manor Home phone is **. If my check is received by my ex-landlord in a reasonable amount of time I will not blog my story.
Western Union Company Information
- Company Name:
- Western Union
- Website:
- www.westernunion.com