Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer Protection

Are there common fraud scenarios that I should be aware of?

Yes. Some common scenarios include:

  • Being required to pay a fee before receiving a loan
  • 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. They require you to transfer them money but give you nothing in return)
  • Unsolicited letters or e-mails from Nigeria or other foreign government officials requesting assistance to transfer funds from a foreign country into your bank account
  • Telephone calls from the police claiming someone you know has been in an accident or arrested and money is needed
  • Unsolicited letters or e-mails offering an unrealistic price for expensive or difficult to find items
  • Money transfers as proof of funds in order to secure overseas accommodation

Someone claiming to be from Western Union e-mailed me. What should I do?

If you receive an email from anyone claiming to be from Western Union® and you are unsure about it, do not click on any links in the mail. This may be a “phishing” attempt to acquire sensitive information from you. Instead, immediately forward the suspicious mail to westernunion@privatbank.ua Neither Western Union® nor PrivatBank will ever send you e-mails to ask for your user ID, password, or credit card details.

Does Western Union® offer an escrow service or any kind of buyer protection?

No. Our business is to enable funds transfer from a sender to a receiver. When using remittance services powered by Western Union®, we caution you against sending money to strangers. It is the sender’s responsibility to know the party to which the funds are being sent. Using a fictitious name or changing the receiver’s name after the money transfer has been sent is not a guaranteed means of securing funds. If a receiver presents proper identification with the same name as on the money transfer and has knowledge of the transaction details, payment will be made.
Be wary of third-party “Collection” or “Holding” services unless they are reputable, licensed escrow services. We are not an escrow service, should not be used as an escrow service, and are currently not affiliated with any escrow services.

What can I do if I suspect fraud or am a victim of fraud?

Contact your government’s Office of Consumer Affairs and police station if you are uncertain or suspicious of a telephone, mail, or e-mail solicitation. If you believe you are a victim of fraud, contact westernunion@privatbank.ua or closest PrivatBank location.

What additional tips should I keep in mind?

  • Always make sure you know who you are sending money to. Neither PrivatBank nor Western Union® are responsible for the quality or non-receipt of any goods or services purchased using the Western Union® money transfer service.
  • Discontinue a call if a caller coaches you to respond to questions asked by Western Union®.
  • Security is everyone’s responsibility. Stay informed. Keep abreast of new fraud trends. Remember, if it seems too-good-to-be-true, it probably is.

Does Western Union® offer an escrow service or any kind of protection for online auctions and other transactions?

No. Remember, to protect yourself, never send money to someone you don’t know. If you think you’ve been scammed, call +380 (800) 500-003 or 3700 from your mobile or write an email to westernunion@privatbank.ua.

Learn more about fraud protection

Does Western Union® offer an escrow service or any kind of protection for online auctions and other transactions?

No. Remember, to protect yourself, never send money to someone you don’t know. If you think you’ve been scammed, call 380 (800) 500-003 or 3700 from your mobile or write an email to westernunion@privatbank.ua.

Learn more about fraud protection. 

Someone claiming to be from Western Union emailed me. What should I do?

If you receive an email from anyone claiming to be from Western Union® and you are unsure about it, do not click on any links in the mail. This may be a “phishing” attempt to acquire sensitive information from you. Instead, immediately forward the suspicious mail to westernunion@privatbank.ua Neither Western Union® nor PrivatBank will ever send you e-mails to ask for your user ID, password, or credit card details.

Does Western Union® offer an escrow service or any kind of buyer protection?

No. Our business is to enable funds transfer from a sender to a receiver. When using remittance services powered by Western Union®, we caution you against sending money to strangers. It is the sender’s responsibility to know the party to which the funds are being sent. Using a fictitious name or changing the receiver’s name after the money transfer has been sent is not a guaranteed means of securing funds. If a receiver presents proper identification with the same name as on the money transfer and has knowledge of the transaction details, payment will be made.
Be wary of third-party “Collection” or “Holding” services unless they are reputable, licensed escrow services. We are not an escrow service, should not be used as an escrow service, and are currently not affiliated with any escrow services.

Western Union values its business and takes pride in delivering your funds in the quickest and most reliable way possible.

However, it is important that you protect yourself from fraudsters who are out to get your money. Below are some frequently asked questions about fraud. For more information, please visit the Fraud awareness section here.