Fake Name, Moneygram

[emerald]

I assume I can ask this question, but I expect Mods will remove if I can't.

Many on these boards have said to use a fake name when sending Moneygram. I have never understood this, because don't you have to use a legitimate address that you are connected to in some way? And if/when you use a fake name, do you put just any old name/phone number and presume you will not have to provide ID?

I am not sure how Western Union or Moneygram works in this respect, so hearing what others do is welcome...if that is allowed.

[celldweller]

If you are sending less than 1,000 with WU or less than 900 with MG, you will not have to show ID. I suppose some people use fake names so the transaction cannot be traced back to them. If you decide to do it, you will need first and last name. Address (with city and zip) and phone number.

[UGAgal]

Just be aware if you use a fake name and there is an issue you can kiss those dollars good bye. No way you would be able to get it back.

I personally use my real name. I however, give a fake phone # because seems they tie transactions together by the phone number. I read that on here a long time ago. So far has worked for me.

[billyboy1965]

I however, give a fake phone # because seems they tie transactions together by the phone number. I read that on here a long time ago. So far has worked for me.

They tie transactions together by address as well. Zip code.

If you have a problem and need to change the spelling of a name or address and you're attempting to do it by phone, they will ask you to identify yourself and then they will call you back at the number originally stipulated to make the corrections.

[celldweller]

I just recently needed to change a money gram transaction. I called the 1-800 number from a phone number that was not the sending phone number. All they asked for was the sender name, receiver name, control number, and amount sent. They changed the info no problem. So maybe it depends on which rep you get....

[billyboy1965]

I just recently needed to change a money gram transaction. I called the 1-800 number from a phone number that was not the sending phone number. All they asked for was the sender name, receiver name, control number, and amount sent. They changed the info no problem. So maybe it depends on which rep you get....

Maybe I'm thinking Western Union.

[Jellyfish]

I also had to change an MG, after the agent put in the wrong country code and currency, I never give a real phone number, and all I had to do was go back to the agent and get it changed, all she did was copy the original info..and included the amendment.
They were extremely apologetic and knew it was their fault, and I had no issues at all.

Not sure about WU though, only ever done one over the phone when sending money to my brother..they wanted everything but my inside leg measurement.
Maybe it's because it was done via phone as opposed to in person though

[leppy2006]

I use a fake name almost everytime with MG. I have never lost my money but I understand it could happen. I make up a name and phone number before I go in so I am ready. I did have to change the receiver name once after I sent the money but I was able to change that with no problem. The only time I've been asked to show an ID was when the transaction was over $900. Even then I used an assumed name and wasn't questioned why the names didn't match. I figured I would say I was sending this for a friend and am using his name if they ever asked. The only problem now is that the employees at ........ recognize me so when I give a phone number and a different name comes up, or nothing at all, they comment the name is different than what is in their system or "I thought you were in the system". I just tell them my number has changed.

[Palamede]

I use my real name. I would prefer to use an alias but am concerned if I ever need a refund. Sounds like if you are using a physical location and funds are under $900 then you should still be OK. Not sure I want to take thie risk though, but it is something to consider in the future.

[MrClean]

The only thing that needs to be real is the receivers name. Always change everything else each time, name, address, zip code, phone number, etc. if under $900. For in store only.

Read my post here #57. Never had a problem done this many times:

Is Moneygram the moneypolice?

[WilkinsMG]

i dont use a fake name based on what some people above have said regarding the chance of losing your money. imo you are sending money, but they would have to connect a lot of dots to show that money being connected to anything to get you in trouble. i'm not saying its impossible, i'm not even saying that it's unlikely. i am just saying that i would prefer to know that i could get the money back if something happened and i had to cancel the moneygram, as opposed to using a fake name. i feel the risk of losing money is higher.

[dramaqueen]

if you are not ordering a lot and less than 2x a month or so then you should be ok. But if you are ordering more frequently I would consider shaking it up every now and then with your name. Usually if something happens the worst case is that they will want you to call from the # on the MG. Sometimes you can get away with saying that the # was discontinued because you moved.

[SolanaB]

The European IPO's I have been dealing with insist on using an assumed name. I wasn't aware that I needed an assumed address and number too, and when I was put on the the red MG phone, I gave my real info and asked if I could send the money for another party, to which I was told no, the name has to match your ID when you present it to the clerk. So I just cancelled the MG order and fled.. I checked around and in my area all the MG dealers I spoke to said ID was needed. (maybe Walmart would be a good place to try). Anyway I went to another IPO that uses WU and the first place I called said no ID was needed for the amount sent WU. I dont know whether to use a real prepaid phone # or a fake number... has any experienced users ever had WU or MG call to verify the transaction and/or number??

[orangeGorilla]

No, they never call and the phone number is mainly used just to store your information in their system.

When I used to live in the city, I used a CVS for moneygram, shortly before I moved they started requiring ID.

Now that I am a suburbanite, I use Walmart for moneygram and you do not need an ID there. I have never been asked to present it. HOWEVER I think that larger amounts do require it, so depending on the amount you are sending it may be unavoidable.

As far as the phone number, though, it is pretty insignificant. I have never used a real one for quite some time.

[SolanaB]

Thx Gorilla, its good to know the number isn't a big deal. So if i need to use MoneyGram it looks like WalMart is a good bet in my case. I know now to fill out the forms preferably beforehand now too...

[Itzalah]

In Australia it seems ID like drivers license is required for a MG transaction of any amount. There have been times when i wasn't asked for ID though.

[brienzi]

I have been asked for ID in the US for small amounts, just recently..Some time ago not all, i think there is new policy in place with these folks..

[lucyloo]

I have been asked for ID in the US for small amounts, just recently..Some time ago not all, i think there is new policy in place with these folks..

I've only used MG 4 times and always under $400. Every single time, I have been asked for ID. I think it depends a lot on the store that hosts the MG station.

[orangeGorilla]

It could also be ignorance of the employer assisting you. I had an employee at a Walmart ask me for ID once, at the same Walmart that I have sent 50 different payments. I questioned it and said I have never needed it on any transaction. She asked somebody it then didn't make me go out to my car and get it.

It could be different in other areas though, but if you think about it why should you have to show ID for sending money.

[GoingBananas]

CVS is the store tha makes you show for money no matter the amount for sure. There may be others. Cub foods does not. Walmart does not. Again these are under $1000. SO, I mix it up a little but I do have a set deal where I have one person I always use same name and my name for and we have a relationship so it only makes sense. For the random ones it gets more difficult, and I advise what others have said which matters to you more fear of money getting mixed up (because that is more likely to happen) or fear of being in some operation and getting taken down) much less likely but could happen).