Calling this number to speak with a Western Union representative seems less than straightforward at first, but once you get through, it's actually very helpful.
When I dialed, I was connected to the automated system, and asked if I was calling about an existing money order or transfer. I said I wasn't, initially by pressing the 2 button for no. The system informed me I didn't need to press a button; I could speak to it like a person.
I then said my call wasn't about an existing transfer, and the system asked how it could assist me. I asked what my protections were in case of fraud. The system said it would think for a minute, then said an answer had not come up.
This process repeated twice, with the same result occurring on the first repeat. On the second, the system told me to hold while my call was transferred to the next representative.
Jacob answered the phone and pleasantly asked how he could be of assistance. I told him that I'd need to use Western Union to pay my rent this month, and I wanted to make sure that if I did, I'd be protected in case the money order got lost or stolen.
Jacob explained that when I purchased a money order from Western Union, I'd automatically receive full protection for the entire amount of the money if I alerted Western Union as to what the situation was. He said to make sure I kept the receipt attached to my money order in case there were any complications getting it to my recipient. That way, I could cancel the money order then and there.
I asked if that meant I'd be able to cancel it in any situation as long as I had the receipt available, and he confirmed that was the case. I thanked him for the information and reassurance, and he wished me a pleasant day and ended the call.
Overall, I wasn't impressed with the automated system, as it was awkward to navigate and seemed to pick up on far too many outside noises, even without speakerphone on. It couldn't handle problems beyond the most basic ones, which is hardly ideal considering the nuanced questions people might ask Western Union.
However, Jacob was excellent to deal with. I had no problems getting a quick, clear answer out of him, and he spoke with authority without making it feel like the call was a waste of his time. My wait time was minimal and the help I got was immediate. If I genuinely needed help from Western Union, I wouldn't hesitate to use this number.