Following are some common scams to be aware of while sending money:

• Someone asked you to pay a fee before receiving a loan.
• Sweepstakes, prize or lottery company representatives asking you to transfer money to them to claim a prize you’ve won. Many companies are running fraudulent contests that ask you to transfer money to them but give you nothing in return.
• Unsolicited letters or emails from Nigerian or other foreign government officials requesting assistance in the transfer of excess funds from a foreign country into your bank account.
• Telephone calls from the police claiming that someone you know has been in an accident, been arrested or kidnapped and is requesting money.
• Unsolicited letters or emails offering an unrealistic price for expensive or rare merchandise.
• Unsolicited letters or emails offering a job.

Make sure you know who you are sending money to. 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 or this kind of use of the service.