Hackers Tap Western Union (2024)

Western Union is notifying some 20,000 customers of a database breach that may have compromised their personal information, according to a report published earlier today.

The thieves got names, addresses, phone numbers, and complete credit-card information by breaching a Western Union database sometime in late May, according to a July 6 letter sent to customers by James Keese, Western Union's privacy officer.

The company did not provide details on how the breach occurred, but company spokeswoman Sherry Johnson told reporters that the database was "offline" and could not have been accessed via the Western Union Website.

"We are not aware of any ID theft or any kind of fraudulent use that was made from this information," Johnson said. The FBI is investigating the incident.

The authors of the report asked customers at a New York Western Union office about the letter, but none of the individuals they interviewed had heard about the incident. No notices about the incident were posted in the office, according to the report.

Western Union has suffered security breaches before. Last August, the company notified customers of its Equity Accelerator service that their data might have been compromised through a burglary at Paymap Inc., a Western Union contractor. In September 2005, thieves made off with disks containing personal data on Equity Accelerator customers from 1999 to 2002, according to a letter from Michael Mulligan, vice president of operations at Paymap.

And way back in September of 2000, Western Union was forced to shut down its Website for five days after a security breach allowed hackers to steal the credit or debit card numbers of more than 15,000 customers.

Requests for details on the breach have not been answered at this posting.

— Tim Wilson, Site Editor, Dark Reading

Hackers Tap Western Union (2024)

FAQs

Has Western Union ever been hacked? ›

Western Union has suffered security breaches before. Last August, the company notified customers of its Equity Accelerator service that their data might have been compromised through a burglary at Paymap Inc., a Western Union contractor.

How to get free money on Western Union? ›

Invite friends to send money

Once they send $100 or more within 30 days of creating the profile using westernunion.com or the Western Union® app, you will both be rewarded with a $20 Amazon.com e-gift code*.

What is the secret question on Western Union? ›

The “Test Question” feature in the Western Union® Money Transfer service is designed for emergency situations where the receiver does not have proper identification (e.g. his or her wallet and identification have been stolen). It should never be used as additional security to time or delay the payment of a transaction.

How do I get my money back from Western Union if scammed? ›

We want to help—and the only way we can is if you contact us. It's easy–our toll free number in the U.S. is 1-800-448-1492. If the transfer has not been paid, then we can stop the transaction and refund your money. 1-800-448-1492 or by using our online fraud claim form to file a fraud report.

Is it safe to send money through Western Union online? ›

At Western Union, we use Strong Customer Authentication, or SCA, to protect online money transfers. To successfully authenticate your payment, make sure: Your card or bank account is compatible with the SCA/3D Secure system. If it isn't, contact your card issuer or register it through your online banking portal.

Is Western Union in trouble? ›

Pursuant to the DPA, Western Union acknowledged responsibility for its criminal conduct, which included violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and aiding and abetting wire fraud, and agreed to forfeit $586 million, which has been made available to compensate victims of the international consumer fraud scheme through the ...

Can someone be tracked through Western Union? ›

YES. The serial number used for money transfers with Western Union is called the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). A money transfer control number (MTCN) is a unique 10-digit tracking number assigned to your transfer and can be used to track your transfer within minutes1.

Can people see your information on Western Union? ›

Western Union and our affiliates worldwide may disclose your personal information, including, but not limited to, your name, customer ID number, address, transaction patterns and bank account information, (i) if we are required to do so by domestic or foreign law or legal process or (ii) to law enforcement authorities ...

Why do people get blocked from Western Union? ›

You may have entered the wrong bank account information or gone beyond your credit card limit. Western Union may decline your transaction as well. The most common reason for the decline is being unable to prove your identity. Your transaction may be declined if you do not meet Western Union policies and requirements.

How to spot a fake Western Union money order? ›

For Western Union money orders, you can call (800) 999-9660. You should also look for signs of forgery. (Opens in a new Window) With the recent Western Union money order scams we've seen, the alteration to the document is fairly obvious and the dollar amount has a raised feeling to it when you touch it.

Can money be reversed from Western Union? ›

Once you send the funds, the transfer is complete and can't be changed. However, you might be able to reverse your transfer if you: Act quickly: You need to contact your bank immediately after you have made the transfer.

Will Western Union refund my money? ›

REFUNDS: Subject to applicable law: (i) transfers may be canceled for a refund of the principal amount, unless the funds have been picked up or deposited at the time Western Union receives Your written request; (ii) for certain services, excluding Western Union's bill payment and prepaid products and services, Western ...

Is my money protected through Western Union? ›

Western Union does not offer an escrow service or any type of "purchase protection" policy. Western Union's business is to transfer funds from a sender to a receiver. We caution people who use our services against sending money to people they don't know.

Is Western Union having issues? ›

User reports indicate no current problems at Western Union.

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