Consumer Blog
Reducing wire transfer fraud at Moneygram
Moneygram is a player in the international wire transfer business, and it has agreed to a huge settlement with our office and other AGs across the country. The purpose is to warn consumers about potential for wire fraud. Here is a preview of what consumer will see as a cover sheet on all wire transfer applications.
We always say that a request to wire money when doing business is a major red flag. Con artists love wire transfers as the method of payment because the money can be collected at any transfer station in the world.
We have seen wire transfer fraud in the "Grandparents scam," foreign lotteries, adoption scams and many others - even the "hay scam" we saw in Missouri last year.
In the typical scenario, the scammer contacts an unsuspecting consumer and somehow convinces him he needs to send money. He then asks it to be done via wire transfer, often using Western Union or Moneygram.
Western Union reached a similar agreement in 2005. Here is their fraud warning - it appears as a cover page on applications.
Technorati Tags: moneygram, scam, scams, western union, wire scams, wire transfer, wire fraud, moagoconsumer, consumer protection
Posted by on July 16, 2008 2:22 pm :: Comments (4) :: Permalink
4 Responses to "Reducing wire transfer fraud at Moneygram"
says:
July 16, 2008 7:49 pm
Mr Nixon, I am glad to see that you are concerned about these wire frauds. I get at least five a week either to win a lottery or help get money out of Africa. Today is helping get crude oil to sell here. How can the internet stop these things. Thanks for your support.
says:
July 31, 2008 4:20 pm
Hi TODAY GOT A CALL, said I WAS UNEMPLOED. ASKed ME TO SEND CASH BY MONEYGRAM. I must thank you for this info. USA. I was told today to send.moneygram to this address.
says:
September 5, 2008 5:48 pm
I just received two moneygram money orders for$925.00 each. I just started checking into the scam because I do not know either of the people whose names are on the envelope or on the money order. They were sent using ups next day air and there was no note or anything with them. What is the best cousre of action to take next as I do not want to destroy them as they could be used as evidence. I would appreciate a quick reply. Thanks Josh
says:
September 8, 2008 11:31 am
To Josh:
You can file a consumer complaint with our office and send those in.
