Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to provide additional information?

What will I be asked to do?

When will I be asked to provide additional information?

Will my information be safe?

How will Western Union use my personal information?

What additional documents may I need to provide?

What if I did not have the documents ready when Western Union asked for them?

If I provided identity documents for an online transfer, will I need to provide them again for an in-person transfer?

I was asked for an additional interview. Why?

Can my transfer still get rejected? What can I do?

What if I choose not to share my information?

Where can I learn more about this legal requirement?

What should I do if I have questions that aren’t answered here?

 


 

Why do I need to provide additional information?

All financial institutions, including Western Union, are required to collect additional identity information to know their customers better. When we understand who is sending money to whom, we can help protect your money from being used for illegal activities.  

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What will I be asked to do?

Depending on your transaction amount, type, and location, some or all of the following may be required:

  • • You may be asked to provide your photo identification document and your address.
  • • You may be asked questions by the agent.
  • • You may be required to send us additional documentation.
  • • You may be asked for a telephone interview. 

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When will I be asked to provide additional information?

Sometimes local or global rules and regulations require us to collect additional information from people sending money online or at an agent location. These requirements are based on transfer amounts, receiver's country, and other factors.

Find more details in our privacy statement or in the terms and conditions on your money transfer receipt.

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Will my information be safe?

The information you provide is for Western Union internal use only. The transfer and storage of your personal information will be handled in accordance with the privacy statement and will not be shared with third parties, other than required by law or to meet regulatory requirements.

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How will Western Union use my personal information?

Western Union says how we use your personal information in our money transfer terms and conditions. This information is available on the form or receipt that you receive and sign when you send or receive money. You can also find details in our online privacy statement. If you have any further questions, please contact us using the personal information section of the terms and conditions or via the Contact Us section.

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What additional documents may I need to provide?

  • Photo ID documents:*
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  • Proof of address documents:**
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* Proof of address documents must have been issued within the last 3 months and sent to you at your home address. 

** The local authority letter can be original or printed from the Internet.

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What if I did not have the documents ready when Western Union asked for them?

You can upload the documents online at upload.wu.com. Always use your full name as it appears in your documents. 

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If I provided identity documents for an online transfer, will I need to provide them again for an in-person transfer?

Yes. Requirements are different for online and in-person transactions. If you already provided the required documents to complete an earlier online transaction, you may be asked to provide new documents when sending money in person.

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I was asked for an additional interview. Why?

Depending on the location and service type, we may be required to collect additional information. Western Union complies with all regulatory standards.

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Can my transfer still get rejected? What can I do?

Occasionally, money transfers get rejected. If you are eligible for a refund, you will need to go to an agent location. 

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What if I choose not to share my information?

Western Union is required to comply with regulatory standards and internal policies. Without additional information, you will not be allowed to send or receive money.

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Where can I learn more about this legal requirement?

You You can access the Germany regulations for Record Keeping and Client Identification for Money Services Businesses online: 

 Legal requirement for customer identification

Legal requirement for collection of additional information on customers

Legal requirement for record keeping

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What should I do if I have questions that aren’t answered here?

For more information about this process, please contact us at:

Email Address:  Germany.Customer@westernunion.de

Phone: +49 (0) 69 8509 8373 / +3226397076

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