Western Union Japan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You can find the answers to many of your questions below. But if you still need to know more, do not hesitate to call your Service Providers or 0034-800-400-733 (for calls within Japan) or +61-2-9226-9554 (for calls from overseas) during service hours (Monday - Sunday, 10:00 - 19:00; English service is available 24 hours a day).

All you need to know about:

• Money Transfers
• Fraud Protection

MONEY TRANSFER

General Questions

1. Who are Western Union® Service Providers?

   They are our representatives that you can approach in order to send or receive money. In Japan, the Western Union® Money TransferSM service is currently available at more than 251 locations. In other countries, they may be in banks, post offices, supermarkets, grocery stores, check cashers, mailbox centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, airports, train and bus stations, currency exchange offices and other retailers.

2. How can I find a Western Union Service Provider location in Japan?

   You can easily locate a Western Union Service Provider in Japan online or call our Customer Service Hotline 0034-800-400-733 (for calls within Japan) or +61-2-9226-9554 (for calls from overseas) during service hours (Monday - Sunday, 10:00 - 19:00; English service is available 24 hours a day).

3. Who uses the Western Union® Money Transfer^SM service?
   You, or any consumer of any nationality (Japanese, Non-Japanese, Resident, Non-resident) with a valid identification documents who need to send or receive money in a fast, convenient and reliable manner.
   Examples:

   • Those who support relatives or friends abroad.
   • Travelers in emergency situations.
   • Businessmen.
   • Someone sending money as a gift.
   • No business entity (No corporation, No group entity)
   • Minor persons can receive money only.
   • Consumer whose purpose of money transfer is justified

Sending Money

1. How do I send money?

   a.	Visit your nearest Service Provider.
   b.	Complete the application form and show the Service Provider your identification document(s)2 as required.
   c.	Give the Service Provider your payment together with the necessary fees in cash.
   d.	The Service Provider will then give you a receipt and your unique number of transaction (MTCN).
   e.	Transaction is complete.
   f.	Call the recipient of your money and relay the necessary information to him/her such as the sender’s name, amount sent, MTCN, and the country the money was sent from.

   
   

   Learn more about sending money

2. What do I need to bring in order to send money?

   Bring your current identification document2 as required and cash to cover your payment and fees3. In Japan, you may also be required to produce other supporting documents as may be required by government regulations.

3. How much money can I send?

   The amount of money you can send in a country may vary from country to country. Japanese senders can only send up to ¥700,000 Japanese yen per [day/transaction]. So it is advisable to check your local Western Union Service Provider for details. However, for certain amounts to certain countries, you may be asked to provide additional information or documentations.

4. When can I send money?

   Anytime, during the business hours of the Service Provider.

   Find your nearest Western Union Service Provider in Japan.

5. How do I know if my money transfer has been received?

   Simply locate the 'Tracking' link on the homepage of our website. Then type in the sender's name and MTCN. We'll then update you on the latest status of your money transfer.
   

   Check your money transfer status now
   

   Or call 0034-800-400-733 (for calls within Japan) or +61-2-9226-9554 (for calls from overseas) during service hours (Monday - Sunday, 10:00 - 19:00; English service is available 24 hours a day).

6. 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, contact us immediately.

   Learn more about fraud protection

Receiving Money

1. How do I collect my money?
   • Visit your nearest Western Union® Service Provider location.
   • Complete the 'To Receive Money' section of the application form and hand it to the Service Provider with your current identification document(s)2 as required and MTCN.
   • The Service Provider will then hand you the Receipt and your money.

   Learn more about collecting your money

2. What do I need to bring in order to collect my money?
   Please get these details ready:

   • The sender's full name (that is, first, middle and last names).
   • The country where the money was sent from.
   • The amount that was sent.
   • The unique number of transaction (MTCN).
   • Your photographic identification document(s) as required2.

   For more information, do check with your nearest Western Union Service Provider.

3. How do I find out if my money is ready to be collected?

   Simply locate the 'Tracking' link on the homepage of our website. Then type in the sender's name and MTCN. We'll then update you on the latest status of your money transfer.

   Check your money transfer status now

   Or call 0034-800-400-733 (for calls within Japan) or +61-2-9226-9554 (for calls from overseas) during service hours (Monday - Sunday, 10:00 - 19:00; English service is available 24 hours a day).

4. How does a Service Provider pay out money transfers powered by Western Union?

   Generally, money transfers are paid in cash. However, in some foreign countries, in some cases, we may use a money transfer check or pay-out card.

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FRAUD PROTECTION

We value your business. And we take 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.

Always make sure you know who you are sending money to. If you're purchasing goods or services through a Service Provider’s remittance services powered by Western Union, it's your responsibility to verify the legitimacy of the seller. We are not responsible for the quality or non-receipt of any goods or services.

Below are some frequently asked questions about fraud. For more information, please visit the Anti-Fraud section in our Web site.

1. 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 accomodation
2. 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 CustomerService.Asia@westernunion.com.

   Western Union will never send you e-mails to ask for your user ID, password, or credit card details.

3. Can the Test Question feature secure my funds or delay payment of a transaction?

   The 'Test Question' feature 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 or to delay payment. In many places, we'll pay the receiver whenever the receiver shows proper identification, even if he/she does not know the answer to the question. Funds cannot be paid out in Japan using the Test Question service.

4. 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.

5. What should I know about purchasing from online auctions?

   For online auctions, examine feedback about the seller carefully and know the warning signs associated with fraudulent auction sales. Most online auction sites have safety guidelines or FAQs that can help you identify potentially fraudulent sales. Be wary if the seller is using a free email address or insists on accepting only one form of payment. Report any suspicious activity and file non-delivery of goods complaints with the auction site through which you purchased the item.

   Remember that Western Union never acts as a guarantor of an auction buyer or seller's performance.

6. 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 feel you have been a fraud victim, contact your local police immediately.

7. What additional tips should I keep in mind?
   • Always make sure you know who you are sending money to. If you're purchasing goods or services through Service Provider's remittance services powered by Western Union, it's your responsibility to verify the legitimacy of the seller. We are not responsible for the quality or non-receipt of any goods or services.
   • 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.

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