Canadian MoneyGram Question

[KgcRed]

Ok, so I want to make an online purchase, but the vendor has asked me to use MoneyGram. The thing is, I've never used MoneyGram before so I don't know how to do i t "properly".

I read some guides here on this forum about the "generalities" of using MoneyGram/WesternUnion, but I'm not too sure they apply to Canadian standards ? ( I could be wrong ).

My first question is;
1. Will I have to show identification ? (Is it a requirement ?) OR is all the personal info they need written on the form once you fill it out ?

2. If I show ID, does it matter ? ( Maybe I shouldn't show a certain type ? ie. Drivers License as opposed to SS# or Health Card ? ) - I just want to keep this process as "covert" as possible.

Anything else I should know for a newb Canadian MoneyGrammer ?

Thanks

[waiting]

Hi KgcRed. I have only used moneygram once but for me it was not a whole lot different than WU. I was sending under $200 and did not have to show ID.

if they ask for ID just tell them you left it at home. that's what I do!

good luck!

[Gman]

@KgcRed

So I thought I would try to place an order through WU online because they accept MC. After 20 minutes filling out the personal info and CC particulars, It unceremoniously spit it back and said I had to call a number for further authorization.

The number to call is not readily apparent and took another 10 min to bypass their automated babble.
Having reached a human, she began an exhaustive search of my credit history and asked a lot of intrusive questions.
So...after 30 min or so, I was declined...no reason given. I DO NOT recommend the online approach.

So off I went to the nearest WU agent, just a few blocks away, buried in the back of some obscure store. Quick and easy, no ID or questions asked. For the cherry on top, there was a special on - only $5 for transfer fees.

Since Igloo waives the shipping fee in lieu of WU transfer costs, the whole thing ended up costing me product plus 5 bucks.

[KgcRed]

Thanks for the responses guys,

I'll give MG a shot tomorrow and see how it how goes, hopefully smooth.

[DeadheadRN]

I have never used Money Gram, but I have used Western Union and I have to say it is a huge pain in the A$$!! It's never simple, I always have to call for some BS reason or another, and it has never once been a simple process. And, I have had a Western Union account for many years. I set it up online about 9 years ago to send money to my cousin who was in a jam. After having an account for 9 years, you would think it would be hassle free. Not so. If Money Gram is easier, I would be willing to give it a try, but I prefer using sites that take MC or Visa, or even the checking transfer.

[Loubitan]

I have never used Money Gram, but I have used Western Union and I have to say it is a huge pain in the A$$!! It's never simple, I always have to call for some BS reason or another, and it has never once been a simple process. And, I have had a Western Union account for many years. I set it up online about 9 years ago to send money to my cousin who was in a jam. After having an account for 9 years, you would think it would be hassle free. Not so. If Money Gram is easier, I would be willing to give it a try, but I prefer using sites that take MC or Visa, or even the checking transfer.

@DeadheadRN - if you are trying to do these transactions online, they are impossible. it is best to go in person to a physical location.

[KgcRed]

Bit of an update,

Everything went smoothly. No one asked for ID.
Just had to fill out a form , gave the money and was given a receipt with a reference number.

That's pretty much it.

[waiting]

awesome! i find those who ask for ID are younger, most likely newer employees just trying to follow rules. or maybe they are trained to always ask for ID but obviously not force the issue if the amount is under a few thousand...?

glad it worked out for you.

[merrymiau]

Gosh, the more and more I read about people encountering hassles with money transfers, the more I have to wonder how much of it depends on what part of the country you are wiring money from. I've never even been given a second glance in person, nor have I been questioned about online transfers. I live in Texas, so if I send money south-of-the-border -- well, there's about a million immigrants here that are standing in line ahead of me sending cash to their families down there as well, so I don't look particularly suspicious when I send my money the same direction. I've also had legitimate long-term relationships/friendships with a Filipino partner and a guy whose parents had immigrated from Karachi, Pakistan (surprise, surprise -- I sure was!). Maybe those factors play a role in my "looking legitimate," but who knows. I also don't order highly scheduled substances.

Still, y'all got me on my tippy-toes next time I do place an order that requires MG or WU!

[waiting]

that could very well be. one time i tried to WU money to Romania online and was told that i couldn't. of course going in person it went through no problem.

the only difference between going in person and using online services is the credit card vs cash issue so i assumed that's what it was, but if people in TX etc have no problem doing it online i wonder what the difference really is. wouldn't you think the online service is centralized? so why the difference in experiences?

[merrymiau]

@waiting

It's definitely centralized! I really don't know the answer. Their process seems totally arbitrary at times.

[dafeet]

I have done 2 transactions with Moneygram online. The first one took about 20 minutes to approve but went off without a hitch. The second one I just did last week and it was approved instantly. When I logged in the next day to check status, however, I got an error and said I needed to call the 800 number. Upon calling I was told my account was frozen because the recipient had been flagged. The person on the phone was able to unfreeze my account, but it makes me very leery to use online again. FYI the vendor I bought from was the same both times, but used different recipient names. I will use Moneygram again, but only in person from here on out.

[waiting]

@hurting2day this is exactly how it went with me, the one time i attempted to use WU online. two phone calls and rejected because the other account was flagged. but only for online transactions?! so weird.

i won't be attempting anything online again WU or MG.

[chris100]

I use my online banking to send western union. Scotia bank has it. Its so easy. Put to who you are sending to and where, then they give you your MTCN number. Email to the supplier and your all good. I think most banks have western union to send money. Very easy, and know bull crap.