WESTERN UNION COMPANY, THE

2015-12-28

Clayton, MO

Incorrect/missing disclosures or info

Money transfers: Domestic (US) money transfer

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-28

Anaheim, CA

Other transaction issues

Money transfers: International money transfer

Complaint: I sent the money XXXX dollars from Western Union ( from a store in XXXX with Operator Id XXXX ). They did not pay my money back to my country and the status says paid. They gave me another tracking number for refund. I requested the store for a refund but they denied me to pay since the status is paid for one of those tracking number. I have been a victim of fraudulence since I was not given any reason for the refund and nor their operator knows about it. The store asked me to go to bank for the refund. I had to send money to my country for a very serious reason. I make good enough money as well. Please help me with that.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-24

Carrollton, TX

Other transaction issues

Money transfers: International money transfer

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-24

Boston, MA

Loan servicing, payments, escrow account

Mortgage: VA mortgage

Complaint: Starting in 2011, until last night, I was enrolled in Paymap Inc. 's Equity Accelerator program for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage I have through XXXX. I found out last night that CFPB has taken action against Paymap for the Equity Accelerator program. How can I find out if I indeed was scammed by this program & thus received no added benefit, while I was charged an initiation fee of {$300.00} or so and also {$2.00} transaction fees for every payment. It appears as though everyone in this program was deceived. Please help.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-23

Foothill Ranch, CA

Making/receiving payments, sending money

Bank account or service: Other bank product/service

Complaint: I sent Money through My Western Union WU Pay Account Number : XXXX and for The Receiver Country The Money is on Hold.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-21

Bremen, GA

Unexpected/Other fees

Other financial service: Money order

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-21

Canton, OH

Customer service/Customer relations

Other financial service: Money order

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-12-21

NY

Other service issues

Money transfers: International money transfer

Complaint: I have been making charitable contributions of money to individuals in XXXX for approximately three years through Western Union , Inc. These are now XXXX very poor families. There is nothing unlawful or divisive about these contributions. Lately I have made nearly XXXX transactions per month of small amounts of money for these families to purchase food, clothing and other life necessities. Suddenly I was arbitrarily and capriciously blocked from using their services. An action quite contrary to their advertisement. I have sent emails as I was directed by the company 's email and spoken to several company representatives to no avail. On XXXX XXXX, 2015 I was on the phone with XXXX different individuals for more than an hour and was told by the last individual that the action was result of a " business decision ''. Each individual indicated they did not have privilege to the information relative to the reason for this action. Whereas my attempts to interact with the company for resolution have each failed I turn to this agency for assistance with resolution.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-20

Arsenal, PA

Fraud or scam

Money transfers: International money transfer

Complaint: MY XXXX XXXX XXXX $ TO XXXX. THE POST OFFICE THERE GET INVOLVED IN A FRAUD. HE GAVE : XXXX XXXX $ INSTEAD OF XXXX . BECAUSE HE CLAIMED THERE IS FEW SPELLING ERROR WHICH IS CORRECT. I WANT TO COMPLAIN FOR THIS KIND OF FRAUD. THANKS XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-19

MD

Other transaction issues

Money transfers: International money transfer

Complaint: On Thursday we sent {$8000.00} by Western Union to XXXX from our local XXXX grocery store. They said it was no problem. Western Union on Friday said it was over their limit and canceled the transaction. The big issue is that XXXX ca n't pay back the {$8000.00} because their payout limit is only {$4500.00}. We went to XXXX locations and called on XXXX others and still can not locate anyone who can pay back our {$8000.00}. This is now Saturday and we have made XXXX calls to Western Union, all we get is constant transfers and every time we need to re-explain what is going on. Every time they look up the same locals we have already visited or called. It seems we are going to have to hire an attorney to get our money back. How can you let companies operate like this. They should not be allowed to accept more than they can pay out. They get cancelations all the time and should not be allowed the accept a money transfer greater than the amount the location can pay back. Another issue is that the stores, western union agents, do n't know how much each country can receive. The max limits should be posted and easily identified and the store agents should also be responsible for knowing these or for looking them up on transactions over {$1000.00}. At this point it appears we will need to go to an attorney to get our money back but the agents should have a policy of not takin g in more than they can get back.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-19

IA

Fraud or scam

Money transfers: International money transfer

Complaint: Sent money through western union. receiver states they never received the money.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-18

Florence, AZ

Fraud or scam

Other financial service: Traveler’s/Cashier’s checks

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-18

Polson, MT

Money was not available when promised

Money transfers: International money transfer

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-18

Las Cruces, NM

Fraud or scam

Money transfers: International money transfer

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-18

Shalimar, FL

Fraud or scam

Money transfers: International money transfer

Complaint: I have a complaint against Western Union. I had made several transactions to XXXX before someone from Western decided to let me know that that area had been deemed a known area for scams. On XXXX XXXX I had made several transactions to XXXX XXXX XXXX for the purchase of a puppy I thought I had bought from a XXXX XXXX XXXX from Virginia. The transactions I had made this day totaled {$1400.00}. It was n't until Monday XXXX XXXX when I went to make another transaction that a Western Union employee stopped the transaction and took some information from me and told me that this was a flagged area for scams. At that time I was reimbursed my money in the sum of {$2200.00}. I was the stupid one after that and the individual convinced myself and my mother that the puppy was coming and that they needed the money. So we decided to send the last {$2200.00} anyway. I did file a police report because I would like to at least recoup the money I sent prior to being warned about the scam area. I want to share this with the world because this is a scam that pertains to the selling and shipping of puppies. Looking on the internet under what I thought were legitimate sites ( XXXX. ) I thought I was purchasing a XXXX puppy from a man in VA, by the name of XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) for {$450.00}. He sent me paperwork for change in ownership and everything. He said that he was going to ship the dog and that I should receive him in a day or so and that the shipping company would be contacting me. I did n't think about it at the time but he insisted that I send the money through XXXX. The money went to VA so I thought everything was good. Well the shipping company ( under the logo of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) and XXXX ) contacted me the next day to tell me that they needed {$1200.00} to provide a crate for the puppy and insurance, which would all be refunded once the puppy arrived. I in turned called the seller back and asked him if this was legit and he assured me it was, me not thinking he was in on the entire scam, I sent the money using my Debit card through XXXX and sent it Western Union. I did find it odd at the time that I was sending it to XXXX, but I figured since it was an international company that may be normal. Well the next day the shipping company kept calling and for some reason the puppy could never get on the flight coming to FL. Then Sunday they called stating that they needed another {$2200.00} for the USDA certificate and license so that the puppy could come to the state of FL and that the puppy had to go through customs. I kept telling him the puppy only came from VA why was he going through customs. He being of XXXX nationality kept saying it was part of their process. I reluctantly paid the {$2200.00} because the dog was for my mom who really wanted a XXXX and I really wanted her to have XXXX. She has XXXX XXXX and she 's on XXXX so she does n't get to leave the house very often and she wanted a companion and I thought this would make her happy and I wanted to give it to her for XXXX. It was this day reality slapped me hard in the face. Western Union had flagged XXXX and they told me that this was a scam. I was so convinced that these individuals were being honest with me that I did not listen even after Western Union gave me the {$2200.00} back. I still sent it, {$1100.00}, {$1100.00}, because I just did n't want to see the truth. But like I said reality slapped me hard in the face. All I want is the {$1400.00} back from Western Union because if they knew it was a area known for scams, they should not allow anyone to transfer to that area.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-12-18

Kenai, AK

Money was not available when promised

Money transfers: International money transfer

Complaint: I have had many frustrating experiences with Western Union over the past year ( have never used them until this year ) and this latest experience is what led to filing this complaint. I initiated an international transaction with Western Union on XXXX XXXX, 2015 in which the confirmation email states the money would be available in the receiver 's country on XXXX XXXX, 2015. The receiver went this morning to collect the funds ( XXXX XXXX, 2015 ) at a Western Union office with ID and MTCN number in hand only to be told the money was not available for pick up. I immediately contacted Western Union to find out why the money was not available only to be told that the money would not be available until XXXX XXXX, 2015 Eastern Standard Time United States and also told it would not be available until a specific time Eastern Standard Time United States. No where in the transaction details does it state anything about money availability being based on Eastern Standard Time United States and no where in the transactions details does it state a time the money would be available. It is terribly frustrating to share with the receiver when the money will be available only for them to go to a Western Union office ( which in and of itself is not an easy task ) and be told the money is not available.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-18

WA

Other transaction issues

Money transfers: Domestic (US) money transfer

Complaint: I have a mortgage with XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ). I wanted to pay on line so they transferred me to Western Union Speed Pay on the web. I put in all my information, and submitted it. After that, I realized that I may have left off a digit in the bank routing code, but there was no way I could tell as the pop-up screen was gone. I would like Western Union Speed Pay to send a confirmation or problem report to the email address I provide, it would make life simpler.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-17

Philadelphia, PA

Advertising, marketing or disclosures

Prepaid card: ID prepaid card

Complaint: On XXXX, I tried to wire money to Volkswagon Credit department in order to pay my usual car note. I elected this method today due to the " prepaid debit '' card ( as part of a XXXX package ) that was issued from Volkswagon to all victims of the latest emissions scandal. When I telephoned XXXX XXXX, I was told that I could wire the money ( volkswagon has its own account with XXXX XXXX ). I was told that I could wire the money by XXXX of XXXX methods : telephone, online or go into a local office to do so. I was also quoted the fees for each of the methods. Because of a pulled XXXX I elected the telephone method and that would include a {$27.00} fee. After all of my information had been collected the agent ( XXXX ) informed me that he could not get the wire to go through. When I asked him to explain, he stated that I needed to get Volkswagon on the line - ( I did while he was holding. ) Volkswagon explained that they had no problems in the pass using their account with clients. I explained this to the agent. He stated that perhaps I should try again in 24 hours. I asked why? What would be the difference? Frustrated, I asked to speak with his supervisor ( XXXX ). When XXXX, ( supervisor ) talked with me he explained that I needed to go into a local branch to wire the money. I told him that his advertisement states that money may be wired by phone, online or at a local branch. He stated that I needed to be " validated '' and perhaps if I went into a local branch, they could see that I had tried to send the money earlier and would oblige me. This, I explained should be 'foretold ' to your customers and the Nation-at-large. If you can not send money via phone, and have to go into a local branch, then your disclosure or advertising which is currently " false '' advertising should be changed to have the consumer go to your website to read " Terms and Agreements '' before trying to wire money or at least instruct agents to forewarn the client that the transfer may not go through because of " validation '' issues. Actually, it will not go through! This is incongruent with media advertisements from XXXX XXXX ... '' telephone, '' " online, '' or " local branch. '' I then terminated the call after telling him that I would try to transfer the money via online. He did not tell me that it would not work either. Therefore, I tried to use the online account registration that the first agent ( XXXX ) had set up for me. However, after dealing with a technical representative, trying over XXXX times, times to register, he apologized and gave me a 50 % discount to go into a local branch! Needless I believe my name and issue was already being circulated by XXXX, not to allow the transaction to go through the system. Therefore, would you please ( so that other consumers do n't have to encounter the 2-hour defeated efforts such as I ) have inform XXXX XXXX change their advertisement to state that money may not be wired by phone or online - that one will have to be validated through a local branch. That kind of information would have saved me two hours of frustration. Believe me, I understand that our nation has great fraud and security issues. I only ask that legal advertising ; informing consumers takes place in order to realize that all entities are adhering to the policies and systems such as your credible organization in order to make them work. Thank you for your valuable time in this matter. I hope that XXXX XXXX will change it methods for allowing consumers to transact business with them by being honest and up-front with the consumers. This if a form of " false advertising. '' The 50 % discount was a " pay-off '' to remain silent after I had informed them that I would be contacting you - not just for my benefit but also as advocate for others! Thank you, Blessings, PS May you and yours have a miracle-filled New Year!
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-17

Brooklyn, NY

Fraud or scam

Money transfers: Domestic (US) money transfer

Complaint: XXXX/XXXX/2015 I am received a call from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX from the " XXXX. '' the transfer of title of my name in the name of XXXX and XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX sent me the documents to transfer title. Legitimate or fake - I do not know. For a very urgent request by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, I am, XXXX/XXXX/2015, using " Western Union '' at XXXX o'clock XXXX minutes. I sent {$900.00} ( XXXX XXXX dollars ), but has received no receipts. I asked XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX send any - any ID or other official proof of his identity, he refused under various pretexts, he demanded {$900.00} ( XXXX XXXX dollars ) more to send him money for other transactions. No one I did not get released. Sensing the hype I demanded to finish the first case of the transfer of title. XXXX XXXX refused. and disconnect the phone from the network. On XXXX/XXXX/2015 I can not reach XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and continue the discussion. I 'm pretty sure that is - FRAUD!
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-16

Lynn, MA

Other service issues

Money transfers: International money transfer

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-16

Boston, MA

Fraud or scam

Money transfers: International money transfer

Complaint: In XX/XX/XXXX, I sent money from XXXX to XXXX via Western Union, while I could n't receive the money. They offered me quite a lot of solutions, which were totally useless actually. They also asked me to provide my personal information, such as my passport, my driver 's license and the address. They promised me that I would receive a refund check with Fedex tracking number, which never happened. The last email I received from them was on XX/XX/XXXX, which asked me to wait with patience and I have been waiting for a whole semester. Today after I finished my final exam and tracked this transfer on their website. I was shocked by the word " We could not find any records that match the information you provided. Please try again. '' It is my first year that I came to XXXX from XXXX. I have not idea if it is kind of fraud. BTW just in case there is confusion, this transfer was sent from the online bank of my account in XXXX to myself in XXXX.
Company Response: Closed with monetary relief

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-16

Colo Spgs, CO

Other service issues

Money transfers: Domestic (US) money transfer

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-16

Saint Paul, MN

Making/receiving payments, sending money

Bank account or service: Other bank product/service

Complaint: An impostor faked to a company that fixed my computer remotely. He told me that I was overcharged and that the company moved to XXXX. He wanted to send me a refund into my check card but the security chip on it hampered the move. He asked for my account number to wire the money and I did. I wired {$900.00} instead of XXXX I had paid to the company ( XXXX computer repairs ). He called me to say that he send {$900.00} into my account and that I could send in {$500.00}. I went to Western Union XXXX and sent it. ( Tracking number XXXX. Sender -- -XXXX . XXXX XXXX of transaction XXXX Receiver XXXX XXXX Pay out Location -- Western Union XXXX XXXX fees {$14.00} XXXX ) I will like western Union to regain and refund my money. They should verify this impostor and call XXXX law on him. I was excited to get back some holiday money but instead got exacted.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-12-15

Oxford, NC

Fraud or scam

Money transfers: International money transfer

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-15

W Springfield, MA

Money was not available when promised

Money transfers: International money transfer

Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response