Need advice on Western Union

[lacourla]

Guys, I don't know if this is the correct forum or not but I'd appreciate your advice on this one. I just completed a sale on a major auction site for close to $1000. The seller wants to send me a Western Union check or payment from a foreign country (Poland) even though I specified that I only wanted paypal, he does have an addy in the US to send the package to though.

How does a Western Union payment work? Anyone have experience with this? Do I go to a Western Union Branch and get cash there on the spot with no repercussions if the transaction is bogus on his side?

He also offerred to do a wire transfer to my bank but I'm very vary about releasing my info to someone. Can they remove money this way as well or have access to my private info.

Am I overreacting to this or am I right to think this is BS?

Thanks for the help

Drew

 

[Border Shift]

PM sent with info.

 

[Parker]

I'd take the WU check/ moneygram/ wire without too much concern - you'll get paid the full $1000 and he can forward you a shipping address. W/U will give you the cash and in the event there is a hassle, all you are out is a little time.

I'd pass on the wire offer unless you have a bank account set up specifically for this and do not maintain a balance in that account.

 

[lacourla]

Thanks for all the pm(s) and replys so far, I just didn't want to be stuck with any liability for a bounced check, or be out of my merchandise if this turns out not to be legit.

 

[lacourla]

Just a quick follow up....today I went to w/u and got the money in my hand, without any fees, in about 5 minutes.

When I asked the girl who helped me if I would be held liable if the transaction turned out to be fradulent on the senders end she said no, that the sender had to go to the w/u in their area and pay in cash for the transaction to even be initiated....she went on to mention that international payments are very expensive for the sender. So I guess w/u is okay!

Thanks guys,
Drew