Consumer complaint received 2026-03-17 00:00:00
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — International money transfer
Issue: Other transaction problem — 
Company: WESTERN UNION COMPANY, THE
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
XXXX of XXXX XXXX XX/XX/year> On XX/XX/year>, I was contacted by an individual who later turned out to be a scammer. During this interaction, I was pressured and manipulated into believing that I needed to send money urgently. Approximately around XXXX XXXX, the scammer contacted me and created a sense of urgency and fear. I was told that immediate action was required, and I felt threatened and under pressure to comply. Around XXXX XXXX to XXXX XXXX, the scammer instructed me to go to XXXX XXXX to send money. I remained on the phone with the individual during this time. They guided me step-by-step through the process and did not allow me time to think or verify the situation. At approximately XXXX XXXX XXXX, I completed the transaction for {$4800.00} through XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ). The scammer remained on the phone with me during the transaction to ensure it was completed. Shortly after, at approximately XXXX XXXX XXXX, the funds were picked up in the XXXX XXXX. This occurred within a very short time after the transaction, which is a known red flag for fraudulent activity. Throughout this entire process, I was under pressure, fear, and manipulation. I did not make this decision freely or with full understanding. This was a fraud-induced and coerced transaction. I reported the fraud to Western Union on XX/XX/year>. However, my claim was denied without a meaningful investigation into the coercion, threats, and circumstances surrounding the transaction. I am submitting this complaint regarding Western Unions handling of my fraud claim for a {$4800.00} money transfer sent on XX/XX/year> ( MTCN XXXX ). I was a victim of a scam and was actively manipulated, pressured, and threatened into sending this money. During the transaction, I was on the phone with the scammer, who instructed me step-by-step and remained on the line to ensure I completed the transfer. I did not make this transaction under normal or informed circumstances. This was a fraud-induced and coerced transaction. The recipient obtained the tracking number ( XXXX ) directly through the scam process. Western Union is relying solely on the fact that the receiver presented identification and correct transaction details ; however, this does not address the core issue that the transaction itself was the result of fraud and coercion. Additionally, the funds were picked up within less than XXXX hour of being sent, which is a known red flag for fraudulent activity. Despite this, Western Union did not appear to conduct a meaningful fraud investigation into the circumstances of the transaction. Instead, Western Union denied my claim based on general policy warnings and acknowledgments, without addressing the documented fraud, coercion, and manipulation involved in this case. I am requesting a full reinvestigation into this matter, specifically focusing on the fraud circumstances, the rapid pickup of funds, and whether appropriate safeguards were followed in identifying and preventing fraudulent transactions. I am also requesting that Western Union provide a detailed explanation of what fraud investigation steps were taken beyond confirming that the receiver presented identification. This was not a voluntary or informed transaction. I was a victim of fraud and coercion, and I am seeking a fair review of my claim based on these facts.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation