Does anyone know of any Western Union money order scams?

Question

I just sold a high dollar item on ebay and the buyer is going to pay with a Western Union money order. The buyer has zero feedback, so I don't know if they are trustworthy. They also wanted to make their own arrangements via DHL for package pick up. I told them I would make the arrangements for the pick up after the money order clears the bank. So, does anyone know if there are any scams I should know about? Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

They want you to use DHL. Because if it involves the US Mail, and there's fraud involved, it becomes mail fraud, which is a federal offense. There would be no federal fraud charges by going through DHL.



A money order from Western Union doesn't necessarily send off any warning signs. But don't send the item when the bank makes the money available to you. The bank has to make it available in 5 business days, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will clear. Wait at least 10 business days after you deposit the money order to make sure it doesn't come back. Or better yet, take it to a Western Union agent and see if they will cash it.

Answer 2

If you visit the Western Union website, it clearly states Western Union is NOT to be used for sending money to people you don't know. Though this doesn't apply to you, as most scams are perpetrated by the receiver of the money.



There's a few. Western Union lists them:

http://www.westernunion.com/info/faqSecurity.asp



http://scams.flipshark.com/westernunion.html

Answer 3

ya, Buyer is from nigeria i can tell.. He will send you counterfeit check or send you confirmation of payment via email... Leave negative feedback immediately to warn others sellers... and also let ebay know also...



my Advice: Don't deal with anyone from a foreign country or accept Checks/M.O's from strangers and never ever use wire transfer services.. you risk losing your $$ and your mind.

Answer 4

not only may it clear the bank, temporarily but, later, your bank may tell you that you are a co-victim of fraud. there are lots of fraudulent schemes out there with very real looking documents, such as money orders. be very careful about foreign countries such as NIGERIA