KarynSolo wrote:
The way I see it is this, we can go out in the community and educate, we can educate on sites like this, BUT we also need a little help from companies like Western Union in backing us up and at least posting something. For them it takes a few minutes and a computer and printer to make a sign, we are the ones going out and reaching out to the public that they serve.
If my company did money transfers, I would much rather help prevent scams and keep a clean name than what western union is doing and say nothing and gain a bad rap.
*finishes laughing, takes a few breaths, and starts typing*
Ok, do you people not read a single damned word I say? Western Union HAS information on their website. I've told you where to look, and I've even given you the damned link! Here it is again:
http://www.westernunion.com/info/faqSecurity.aspClick on that! Read it! To be specific, read numbers 2 and 8! I'll even do you the favor of posting them here, to make it easy for you!
The Western Union site you obviously don't care to look at because it would prove you wrong! wrote:
2. Are there common consumer fraud scenarios to be aware of?
Be wary if you are required to pay a fee before receiving a loan.
Beware of sweepstakes, prize or lottery company representatives who tell you to transfer money to them in order to claim a prize you've won. There are many companies running fraudulent contests that ask you to transfer them money but give you nothing in return.
Beware of unsolicited letters or emails from a Nigerian or other foreign government official requesting assistance in the transfer of excess funds from a foreign country into your bank account. Beware of telephone calls from the police claiming someone you know has been in an accident or arrested and is requesting money.
Beware of unsolicited letters or emails offering an unrealistic price for expensive or difficult to find merchandise.
Make sure you know to whom you are sending money. If you are purchasing goods or services and paying through the Western Union network, it is your responsibility to verify the reputation and legitimacy of the seller. Western Union is not responsible for the non-receipt or quality of any goods or services.
8. What can I do if I suspect fraud or am a victim of fraud?
Contact your State Attorney General's Office of Consumer Affairs if you are uncertain or suspicious of a telephone, mail or email solicitation.
If you feel you have been the victim of fraud, you can access the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) at
http://www.ifccfbi.gov/ or contact the Federal Trade Commission through their web site at
http://www.ftc.gov/.
What more do you want them to do?? Create a series of popups that require you to read them, and type up a little essay before they let you into the website to send money? They've GOT information on their site.
And look! Go to
http://www.autotrader.com and scroll to the bottom of the page. (Which, by the way, isn't a long scroll down) You'll find this!
www.autotrader.com wrote:
Fraud Awareness Tips
Common-sense advice for Buyers and Sellers.
Common-Sense Advice for Sellers
Selling a car online is a lot like advertising through a classified ad in the newspaper. When you sell your car using AutoTrader.com, use the same good judgment as you would if you were selling through the newspaper classifieds. Whether you’re communicating with potential buyers over the phone or via the Internet, the following tips can help you protect yourself against fraud so you can sell with confidence.
Confirm contact information. Before you transfer the title and turn over the keys, be sure you know how to contact the buyer if you need to. Verify the buyer’s address and phone number—an email address is not enough. And be particularly careful if the buyer is located overseas.
Secure payment first. Don’t transfer the title until you have the equivalent of cash at the agreed upon purchase price. If the buyer pays by check, wait until the check clears before transferring the title. Even if the buyer pays with a certified check, call the issuing bank to confirm the check has cleared.Use caution if the buyer proposes a complicated payment arrangement, such as a payment process that involves multiple steps, receiving payment through a friend or agent of the actual buyer or receiving a check for more than the purchase price and writing the buyer a check for the difference.
Consider escrow services. For additional comfort, you may prefer using a reliable escrow service. You can hold your car until an escrow service verifies it has received payment from the buyer. Shop carefully and choose an escrow service that is fully licensed and accredited. Additionally, make sure you understand all terms of the escrow arrangement.
As in all consumer transactions, there is no substitute for a healthy skepticism and your own good judgment. Remember, if a deal seems "too good to be true," it probably is.
Those were just two websites that I've seen people bitch about wanting fraud information posted on. Granted, Western Unions fraud information is posted via a small link at the bottom of their page, but it's there! Auto Trader's fraud information is obvious.
Yack, yack, yack... Bitch and moan. Get out and educate people. Don't sit around on your a$$ (Emotional ICU or not) and point fingers saying, "Well, if only this company would have done something, I wouldn't be out all that money..."
Pissed-off Spawn