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Original poster

What's a Western Union money transfer & is it safe?

22 replies

LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 19:29

Sold a car on Ebay (cash on collection) and the guy is sending his brother tonight (he lives in America and wants to ship it ) and said his brother would bring cash, but keeps pressing us to take it via this western union thing. We aren't, but wondered about it... is it safe?
Thanks

OP posts:
FAQinglovely · 16/04/2009 19:32

no no no no no!!!!

Western Union is a genuine money transfer service HOWEVER it is not secure and is often used for scams...........

poopscoop · 16/04/2009 19:33

NO NO NO NO

avoid

Original poster
LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 19:33

Thought so... I am worried this guy is going to give him fake cash now - who ships a £800 car to America?

OP posts:
poopscoop · 16/04/2009 19:34

i would be very wary of them coming to you after hearing that. Bet they are not genuine, what sort of car is it tht they need to have shipped to america?

alarm bells are ringing for me.

SoupDragon · 16/04/2009 19:35

It's about as unsafe as you can get wrt ebay!

TBH I'd cancel the transaction.

what sort of car is it?

poopscoop · 16/04/2009 19:35

There you have it, this happens all the time. They are bringing cash for an 600 car they have never seen, let alone driven.

I am panicking for you, plerae be careful

tiggerlovestobounce · 16/04/2009 19:36

This is a total con. I dont think they willl turn up.

poopscoop · 16/04/2009 19:37

Yes, but what happens if they do turn up, they are going to try to con them. What if they bring fake notes? How can she tell?What should she do?

tiggerlovestobounce · 16/04/2009 19:43

They probably wont turn up. Everytime I have advertised on Guntree to sell stuff I get the same thing - someone desparately wants to but whatever Im selling, but they live outwith the UK so will have to send the money with western union.
I wouldnt touch it with a bargepole. If you are concerned then dont sell them the car, or use an escrow service. Though you are unlikley to ever see them.

Daisymoosteiner · 16/04/2009 19:47

If you've got £800 worth of fake notes then you there wouldn't be any need to use Western Union, surely?

I bet they won't turn up.

Original poster
LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 19:50

It's a Jaguar (so rare in USA I guess...) but it's got an engine problem... He's due @ 8 so we'll see, I doubt he'll turn up. Is +3 USA? (telephone)
sorry, bouncy baby

OP posts:
Original poster
LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 19:53

DH is dealing with it, cars parked at MILs which is a shame as I can (usually) spot fake notes (waxy feel, odd foil strip etc) I am conjuring up images of it being used as a getaway car & allsorts now! Guys invoice address was Cyprus... Can't do a 2nd chance offer for a while though. Darn ebay! Thanks guy

OP posts:
TheButterflyEffect · 16/04/2009 20:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 20:12

No, a regular 1998 one. Oh well, time will tell - he's due at 8.

OP posts:
TheButterflyEffect · 16/04/2009 20:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 16/04/2009 20:32

Did he turn up?

Original poster
LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 20:36

No, DH trying to call him now. We aren't suprised but geez am I pissed off.

OP posts:
poopscoop · 16/04/2009 22:33

How did it go? Wonder if it is one of those cons where an innocent ebay account has been hacked into and used to offer you the money for the car?

The true account holder usually knows nothing about it until well after the sale ends.

What is their feedback like? If all positive i bet they know nothing about it.

Original poster
LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 22:55

Feedback of 2. Was their account as holders address was Cyprus (despite saying location USA) and I just googled the code as being Cyprus (American man though (or fake accent)) He didn't turn up, no one answered phone so have done a second chance offer. What wankers

OP posts:
poopscoop · 17/04/2009 10:30

oh that's a shame. but may have been a lucky escape. PITA though. bastards.

Original poster
LadyOfWaffle · 17/04/2009 10:32

Guy who was next bidder is coming Thursday to collect it now - he seems to buy alot of broken cars so fingers crossed

OP posts:
poopscoop · 17/04/2009 10:35

Oh good, that sounds much more hopeful

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