When It's Safe to Send Payment Through Western Union?

5 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
  • |
I heard that it's risky to send payment to supplier abroad through WU but some are successful with it. I try to do my risk management well so try to stay away from this form of payment but what if I have someone I trust there like someone from China who offers independent mediation services for finding product or photographic product etc.?

I have heard of cases where people were scammed but I haven't heard it all so I want to know known cases where things gone wrong and whether risks still apply if I send payment to someone I trust. Are there outside risks involved when it comes to sending transaction number through email, chats etc. because what if public computer is used and someone sees that number or someone who gets access to cellphone's chat and stuff like that?
#payment #safe #send #union #western
  • Profile picture of the author violet0176
    A little common sense goes a long way. I have found no reason in 2015 to pay a Supplier using Western Union. If the Supplier isn't capable of establishing a PayPal account or other 'safe' method of payment, there is no reason to do business with them. In my opinion, of course.

    For every Supplier that only accepts Western Union there are hundreds that also accept safer forms of payment, so why gamble with your money? Do your due diligence and find a safe, professional Supplier. Or take the risk and leave yourself open to fraud.

    As the saying goes..."A fool and his money are soon parted."
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10384429].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Western Union is commonly associated with scams. I have seen quite a few myself.
    As Violet said, forget using it. NEVER use it because there will NEVER be a need to do so.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10384913].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Oziboomer
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      Western Union is commonly associated with scams. I have seen quite a few myself.
      As Violet said, forget using it. NEVER use it because there will NEVER be a need to do so.
      Never?

      There are many Chinese suppliers who will accept Paypal if you offer to pay the fees.

      If you have a relationship with a supplier and there is a degree of trust then there is nothing wrong with Western Union....but it does come down to the relationship.

      Offer to pay via Paypal and offer to pay the fees.....that usually works.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10385197].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rumifdx
    Originally Posted by Boris_yo View Post

    I heard that it's risky to send payment to supplier abroad through WU but some are successful with it. I try to do my risk management well so try to stay away from this form of payment but what if I have someone I trust there like someone from China who offers independent mediation services for finding product or photographic product etc.?

    I have heard of cases where people were scammed but I haven't heard it all so I want to know known cases where things gone wrong and whether risks still apply if I send payment to someone I trust. Are there outside risks involved when it comes to sending transaction number through email, chats etc. because what if public computer is used and someone sees that number or someone who gets access to cellphone's chat and stuff like that?
    I would only pay through WU if it is for samples, let's say no more than 50 bucks. It will be easier and quicker than a T/T transfer. However Paypal is best.

    As they said before, common sense goes a long way. For anything over $100 I would ask for Paypal or escrow services.
    Signature
    Where there's a will, there is a way
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10385062].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Boris_yo
      But what if you want to use real cash? What other methods are safer to pay with cash to someone abroad? I heard about bank draft but how safe it is unless you use express carrier to deliver from door to door with signature of receipt and whatnot. I know that in US in old time mailing check was the only way to make purchases and wonder if it's same bank draft I mentioned.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10385286].message }}

Trending Topics