this post was submitted on 29 Jun 2025
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I was 16 and saved all my money for my own laptop.
Was looking at a MacBook Pro, which was sold on eBay as an outlet unit with minor defects (like scratches) for a third less.
Bought it and sent my money through Western Union just to never see it - or any laptop - again
16 year old me was more than heart broken...
I was around 12 or 13 and saved all my money for a PS2. Found one on eBay (using my fathers account), won the bid, transfered the money and just never got it. No PS2, no money. But I learned very early not to trust people on the internet. Guess that was worth the price in hindsight.
Is Western Union used for anything other than scams? What's it for legitimately? Can't you just send money via your bank?
It can be used to send money to people that don't have a bank account. These people sadly exist, like some of my family. That said, being pressured to send them money by them lying could definitely be considered a scam :)
International money transfers, iirc
Yeh, I can send money from bank to bank internationally already. The banks use the SWIFT system.
As said, I was young...
No shade on you man, you were young, just wondering if any who isn't being scammed ever chooses to use that service or of it's basically dedicated entirely to facilitating scams.