Hello,
it's hard to say, nevertheless read on, it may save you some troubles:
Western Union advises you not to send money to someone you don't know. Only transfer money to individuals you personally know or whose identity you can verify.
If you are purchasing goods or services using the Western Union network, you do so at your own risk. Western Union does not recommend using its money transfer service in the context of business dealings with a stranger and declines all responsibility for non-delivery or the quality of goods and services.
Western Union does not recommend using its money transfer services for payment of purchases made on online auction sites.
Do not send money to a beneficiary using a false name. You will not be protected if you purchase goods or services from someone you don't know.
Remember that Western Union does not require the beneficiary to present the money transfer reference number (MTCN) to collect the funds.
Abandon any transaction for which you receive instructions or directions from strangers. This is a certain sign of fraud.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Who is this individual?
Does the money need to be sent immediately?
Does this offer seem too good to be true?
Safety is everyone's business.
Stay informed. Keep up with the latest consumer fraud. Don't hesitate to consult websites managed by national authorities.
Keep in mind that an offer that seems too good to be true often hides a fraud.
2. Are there common consumer fraud scenarios to watch out for?
Be wary of investment opportunities presented as exceptional.
Be wary of situations where someone finds your pet or a valuable item.
Beware of good deals on electronics and other equipment.
Be cautious if you're asked to pay interest before receiving a loan.
Be wary of lottery representatives, advertisers, or others who ask you to send money to claim a prize you supposedly won. Many companies run fake contests: they ask you to send money, but you receive nothing in return.
Do not pay attention to letters or emails from a supposed member of the Nigerian government or any other government asking you to accept a transfer of surplus funds from a foreign country to your bank account.
Be wary of so-called phone calls from the police asking you to send money to a family member who has allegedly been arrested or in an accident.
Ignore unsolicited letters or emails offering a very low price for rare and valuable items.
Be cautious if you receive too much money via bank draft or money order for an item you sold and are asked to send the excess back to the buyer or a third party via money transfer. Cashing bank drafts and money orders can take up to a month. If the payment turns out to be fraudulent, you could be held responsible for the entire amount withdrawn from your account.
Be cautious about job offers that require you to deposit funds into your account and transfer them to a third party.
Make sure you know who you are sending funds to. If you are purchasing goods or services and using the Western Union network to pay for your purchases, it is your responsibility to verify the reputation and legitimacy of the seller. Western Union declines all responsibility for non-delivery or the quality of goods and services received. I received a suspicious email from someone claiming to represent Western Union; what should I do?
Western Union uses digital signatures in all emails it sends to its customers. You can verify the authenticity of its digital signature through your email client (for specific instructions, check with your email provider).
If you receive an email from a company impersonating Western Union and you are not sure that the message actually comes from westernunion.com or westernunion.fr, do not click on any links. It may be a phishing attempt, a process used to fraudulently obtain sensitive information about you. Immediately forward the email to: france.customer@westernunion.fr.
Western Union will never ask you for your username, password, or credit card details via email
Common scams and frauds
Fake brands
You receive an email apparently from Western Union (or another brand that may offer a secure payment system) asking you to send money or disclose your personal and banking information. The mentioned brands never send such emails. Do not respond to such requests.
Fake bank checks
An individual sends you a check for an amount greater than the price of your item and asks you to refund the difference. Beware, in all cases, the check is fraudulent and you will have no way to recover the money you sent.
Shipping fees
An individual located abroad asks you to pay shipping fees to send you an item or animal for sale. In most cases, you will advance the shipping costs but not receive your order.
Get-rich-quick schemes, money chains, multi-level marketing offers
These offers may seem tempting but are always fraudulent systems that will cause you to lose more money than you will gain. Be vigilant, as these offers are sometimes disguised as work-from-home ads.
419 scams
You receive a message asking you to help move money from one country to another in exchange for a commission. You will be asked to advance part of the amount to unlock the transfer of that money. Do not be fooled, you will never receive any commission, and you will never see the advance paid again.
Avoid sharing your personal information and never disclose your banking details via email
When contacting someone you don't know
we recommend for your safety that you do not share overly personal information (such as your social security number).
Never share your banking information with a stranger.
Be extremely vigilant, especially since some fraudsters present themselves as belonging to a company you know.
If you receive a fraudulent email
For example, if an individual asks you for payment via Western Union), cease all communication with that individual.
If you become a victim of fraud, we advise you to file a complaint with the Regional Judicial Police Service of your city, the National Police, or the National Gendarmerie. Preferably request to speak with an investigator specializing in cybercrime.
In any case, the Central Office for the Fight Against Crime Related to Information and Communication Technologies (O.C.L.T.I.C) remains at your disposal for further information: www.securiteinfo.com 101 rue des Trois Fontanot 92 000 Nanterre Tel.:01 49 27 49
Source: http://fondation-europ-handicap.org/contents/fr/d183.html
As for me, I just received the transfer in my account even though my card was deactivated ..... my bank is going to take a hit