qqq

With the different ways of transmitting money around the world, is there still a need to use Western Union anymore? To me, using Western Union is like using the post office when email is so much faster.

paymeplease

The only way we've used Western Union is to send money to my sister-in-law down in Miami, Florida. She doesn't have a computer so online methods won't work. She needs money fast every once in a while so that's where Western Union comes in. It's one of the most expensive ways to send her money, though.

qqq

I do have to admit that about 25 years ago, my girlfriend, needed some money and I sent it via Western Union since she was across the country from me. Guess there will always be people who don't have computers and need money the old fashioned way.

Obi

I don't know why people still use it for business stuff, when everywhere on the internet even their own site warns about scams that people are pulling off using this service.

fickler74

Some people don't have the time or never use the email by internet to send money to their loved ones. Western Union is like an ATM machine but the difference is that in WU as a receiver you will be asked some proof for verification like your ID card, the name, telephone number, home address, the amount of money sent to you and the control number of the sender who sent you money while as a sender you will provide a valid ID, your recipient's name, amount of money, your name, your home address, your phone number to the WU to be able to send money to your loved ones. The sender will have to pay a charge fee for the WU commission service, and the receiver will receive the money from WU without any charges.

SewMe

When I think of Western Union I think of scams. I know there are places that use it in legit ways but I can't get over the amount of scammers who use it as well. I would never use Western Union to send money to someone.

AlleyCat

I totally agree with you Sew. Western Union needs to find a way to get their name and reputation back from all the crooks. I was looking for a Summer vacation spot and the guy wanted me to Western Union the deposit or send cash! The property was in Florida, but he was in Washington and the owner of the property was in Texas. I smelled a rat and called him on it but I haven't heard back. You know some poor sap is going to fall for his scam.

ecurrencyfan

It's too bad the bad guys out there have to use something like Western Union and tarnish their name and reputation. I don't use their service since I use other means to transfer money but WU is one of the oldest companies around for money transfers and that should mean something.

qqq

Bad news that scammers have used Western Union and ended up ruining the name of an age-old company. Is there anything Western Union can do to prevent this? Not that it's their fault when people are scammed, but if they (WU) could somehow help, that would be great.

MovingSoon

I agree that it is not their fault but they could work at improving their service. Honestly, for the oldest service out there it kind of shows-they haven't kept pace with developments.