When calling Western Union, customers are greeted with the option to hear messages in English, Spanish or French before a recording directs callers to visit Western Union's website for faster service. If you remain on the line, the automated system first asks if you're calling to report fraud or have a fraud-related concern/question. I said no and moved on to the next choices.
Callers are prompted to tell the automated system in a few words exactly what they need. I wanted to learn about the process for transferring money over the phone as well as online, so I chose to say "send money." I was then directed to say whether I would send money using cash, card or my bank account, and also if my transfer preference would be over the phone, through the website or a Western Union app.
After listening to a two-minute recording about avoiding becoming a fraud victim, I was given the option to send money to family and friends over the phone through the automated menu. Callers are warned not to transfer money to unknown recipients as well as for emergencies, job opportunities, telemarketing requests, tax payments or charities. Rather than proceed with the menu, I attempted to reach a customer service representative to ask some questions.
There’s no option for speaking with someone, so I pressed 0, which did nothing. Next, I said the word "operator" into the phone, and the recording told me to hold while being transferred to an agent. A brief pause led to a live representative who immediately asked if I was sending money from North America. Instead, I jumped into my questions about the process of wiring funds.
She proceeded to explain I could send money now over the phone for a small fee or download Western Union’s mobile app to make my first transfer for free. You set up an account as part of the app and can monitor your transfers. This seemed like a winning option, yet I hesitated to proceed with the app due to security issues. The rep assured me thousands of customers use the app, and as long as I’m sending money to people I know, it would be fine. Additionally, the app allows you to track your transfer as it's in process.
Making transfers online from a home computer or laptop via Western Union’s website is another choice. She was very quick to answer my questions while also ready to end the call if I wasn’t interested in proceeding with a transaction over the phone. I did have one other question: How soon after confirming the transfer would I know the funds had been securely sent? Western Union would send me an email within five minutes, she explained. The recipient would need to show a valid ID to access the funds. Overall, the call was helpful, as all my questions were answered and concerns addressed.