Fraud resource center

Be Resourceful, Get Educated and Stop Fraud

Keep informed and stay protected. The more information you have, the better you can shield yourself against criminals. Report fraud, stay updated on the latest scams, and learn how to detect con artists with these additional resources.

Fraud types

Learn more about the tricks fraudsters use to lure in victims.

Report fraud

Reporting fraud can lead to more awareness and better education.

Stay Informed

Western Union is helping to protect consumers from falling victim to money transfer scams through education and awareness.

Follow our alerts and updates

Third-party resources

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

European Union Agency for Network and Information Security

UK European Consumer Centre

French Network and Information Security Agency (ANSSI)

Protect yourself from fraud

Only use Western Union to send money to friends and family. Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
Scammers sometimes encourage people to transfer money. Do not transfer money to anyone who asks you to send them money:

For an emergency situation you haven’t confirmed.
For an online purchase.
For anti‐virus protection.
For a deposit or payment on a rental property.
To claim lottery or prize winnings.
To pay taxes.
For a donation to charity.
For a mystery shopping assignment.
For a job opportunity.
For a credit card or loan fee.
To resolve an immigration matter.
To pay for something in response to a telemarketing call.

If you transfer money, the person you’re sending it to gets the money quickly. After the money is paid, Western Union may not be able to give you a refund, even if you are the victim of fraud, except under limited circumstances.

If you believe that you are the victim of fraud, call the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 0805 980 074.

Report a fraud claim

Fraud awareness brochures