Is Western Union Safe?

Western Union uses identity verification, encryption, and fraud monitoring to ensure secure and reliable money transfers around the world.

 

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Smarter. Safer. Together. Learn how to #BeFraudSmart

Smarter. Safer. Together.

Learn how to #BeFraudSmart

We keep your funds and personal information secure.

Reliable online transfers backed by encryption and fraud protection.

Send money with confidence to more than 200 countries.

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Send money with confidence

Your money is important to you. When you send money to family and friends, you want a service that helps protect your personal information and supports your transfer from start to finish.

 

Western Union has been helping move money around the world for more than 160 years. With a long global history and a broad international network, we work every day to make money transfers more reliable and easier to track.

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Key safety features

Data encryption

Western Union encrypts your personal and payment information for your protection during a transfer. This includes things like your credit card numbers, user ID, and password.

Begin a money transfer

Verification

Identity verification helps ensure the right transfer goes to the right person. For large money transfers, Western Union may require additional verifications like disclosing the source of funds.

Register for an account

Fraud protection

Western Union helps customers spot and avoid scams through fraud-awareness tools and consumer education. Recognize the warning signs before you send.

Report fraud

Transfer tracking

Every Western Union money transfer includes a 10-digit Money Transfer Control Number you can use to follow your money and ensure the right person collects the funds.

Track a transfer

Safely send money with our app

Use our international money transfer app as a secure and convenient way to move money

Start a transfer in the app and complete it at a Western Union location near you.

Protect personal and financial information with secure encryption.

Track your money transfer as soon as you press send.

Turn on biometric security options like Touch ID.

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Rating as of April 2026

Verifying your identity

Depending on the transfer, both senders and receivers may need to verify their identity. This helps confirm the right people are part of a transfer and reduce instances of fraud or wrong payment.

• Senders can quickly verify their identity to increase their transfer limits.
• For most users, verification takes 5 minutes or less, and you only need to do it once.
• Receivers show a valid government-issued photo ID to complete a cash pickup.


Fraud prevention tips


While Western Union implements security measures to help ensure safe money transfers, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from scams before you send money online.

Only send money to people you know and trust.

Use caution if someone asks for money to claim a prize, lottery winnings, or a sweepstakes reward.

Don’t send money to pay a loan fee or other upfront charge.

Pause if you get an urgent call about an emergency, arrest, or accident involving someone you know.

Be wary of messages offering expensive items at unrealistic prices.

Double-check who you’re paying for goods or services.

Frequently asked questions

What is the safest way to send money?

Sending money safely online starts with using a trusted money transfer provider like Western Union. Send only to people you know and double-check the receiver’s details before you confirm the transfer. You should also know and watch out for warnings signs of potential scams, such as someone pressuring you to act fast.

Is the Western Union app safe?

Yes, the Western Union app uses encryption, identity verification, biometric ID, and other security protocols to protect your personal and financial information.

How do I verify my identity with Western Union?

To verify your identity, log in to your Western Union profile online or in the app and follow the prompts. You’ll usually need a government-issued ID.  For some large transfers, you may be asked for extra verification documents.