Buying Money Orders at Western Union
Feb 7, 2021, 8:30 am
#31
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
I regret to say that I have a picture of the notice that was tacked up on a Giant Eagle grocer.
As you can see, this is not a cut and paste job. The letterhead is WU's. I have no idea if this notice will be limited to just Giant Eagle supermarkets, or whether WU is going cash only on 3/1/21.
The only way we find out is for others outside of the Giant Eagle territory and who sell WU MOs using debit to report in. Are they also seeing such notices?
As you can see, this is not a cut and paste job. The letterhead is WU's. I have no idea if this notice will be limited to just Giant Eagle supermarkets, or whether WU is going cash only on 3/1/21.
The only way we find out is for others outside of the Giant Eagle territory and who sell WU MOs using debit to report in. Are they also seeing such notices?
Feb 7, 2021, 9:37 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 1
I am outside of the GE footprint (southern Virginia) and there are no signs like this at any WU location. This seems like an attempt by GE to place the blame on WU instead of their CSRs being forced to have uncomfortable conversations with customers.
Feb 7, 2021, 10:47 am
#33
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 369
We need to find out from folks outside of GE region to see if there are indications of restriction to cash, or else there may be a sudden splurge of posts on 3/1 about being unable to buy WU MOs with debit cards 
Feb 7, 2021, 1:07 pm
#34
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,442
I have other grocers where I do WU MOs and I would still like to be able to buy MOs after 3/1
In addition, I have been to GE stores and there are a number who do not have the sign out either, at least not yet.
That does not mean that such a policy is not being implemented
Feb 8, 2021, 6:05 am
#36
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 369
Feb 8, 2021, 6:33 am
#37
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Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
[QUOTE=Whittaker;33023235]It's still early. What folks have already seen could simply be as a result of the anal retentives in action. [/QUOTE
Lets not forget how many stores posted the WU letter which said MOs with Ca$h or Bank DC Only, and that was a few years ago. But its a YMMV issue how each store or csr made sure it was a Bank DC you were using, so hopefully this new letter will be no different. Now if WU had its own machine where the csr had to arrange the payment then all bets would be off, but as long as its still the stores reg register then unless the store/chain hard codes its register, I just dont see how WU can enforce anything as it wont know how the payment was done.
[/QUOTELets not forget how many stores posted the WU letter which said MOs with Ca$h or Bank DC Only, and that was a few years ago. But its a YMMV issue how each store or csr made sure it was a Bank DC you were using, so hopefully this new letter will be no different. Now if WU had its own machine where the csr had to arrange the payment then all bets would be off, but as long as its still the stores reg register then unless the store/chain hard codes its register, I just dont see how WU can enforce anything as it wont know how the payment was done.
Feb 8, 2021, 6:55 am
#38
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,295
[QUOTE=craz;33023268]
Well, there's a big difference between a "bank debit card only policy" where GCs are likely to slip through and a "cash only" policy where NO debit cards are accepted.
Obviously, plenty needs to play out, but that's apples and oranges.
And yes, stores can and do hard code their registers for debit card. That's why you can't use a credit card there.
It's still early. What folks have already seen could simply be as a result of the anal retentives in action. [/QUOTE
Lets not forget how many stores posted the WU letter which said MOs with Ca$h or Bank DC Only, and that was a few years ago. But its a YMMV issue how each store or csr made sure it was a Bank DC you were using, so hopefully this new letter will be no different. Now if WU had its own machine where the csr had to arrange the payment then all bets would be off, but as long as its still the stores reg register then unless the store/chain hard codes its register, I just dont see how WU can enforce anything as it wont know how the payment was done.
[/QUOTELets not forget how many stores posted the WU letter which said MOs with Ca$h or Bank DC Only, and that was a few years ago. But its a YMMV issue how each store or csr made sure it was a Bank DC you were using, so hopefully this new letter will be no different. Now if WU had its own machine where the csr had to arrange the payment then all bets would be off, but as long as its still the stores reg register then unless the store/chain hard codes its register, I just dont see how WU can enforce anything as it wont know how the payment was done.
Obviously, plenty needs to play out, but that's apples and oranges.
And yes, stores can and do hard code their registers for debit card. That's why you can't use a credit card there.
Feb 8, 2021, 7:00 am
#39
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,442
[QUOTE=craz;33023268]
As always, it depends on whether a local store will follow the rules set down by a provider.
If WU's requirement cannot be documented by them, then the local store will follow whatever procedure it wishes
However, if WU has now set a policy that it will not reimburse a store for a fraudulent transaction, then using anything other than cash (unless counterfeit) would be against the store's interest in avoiding a possible loss.
We will find out in several weeks. My fingers are crossed that you are correct (but 2 of my usual stores are sign positive
)
It's still early. What folks have already seen could simply be as a result of the anal retentives in action. [/QUOTE
Lets not forget how many stores posted the WU letter which said MOs with Ca$h or Bank DC Only, and that was a few years ago. But its a YMMV issue how each store or csr made sure it was a Bank DC you were using, so hopefully this new letter will be no different. Now if WU had its own machine where the csr had to arrange the payment then all bets would be off, but as long as its still the stores reg register then unless the store/chain hard codes its register, I just dont see how WU can enforce anything as it wont know how the payment was done.
[/QUOTELets not forget how many stores posted the WU letter which said MOs with Ca$h or Bank DC Only, and that was a few years ago. But its a YMMV issue how each store or csr made sure it was a Bank DC you were using, so hopefully this new letter will be no different. Now if WU had its own machine where the csr had to arrange the payment then all bets would be off, but as long as its still the stores reg register then unless the store/chain hard codes its register, I just dont see how WU can enforce anything as it wont know how the payment was done.
If WU's requirement cannot be documented by them, then the local store will follow whatever procedure it wishes
However, if WU has now set a policy that it will not reimburse a store for a fraudulent transaction, then using anything other than cash (unless counterfeit) would be against the store's interest in avoiding a possible loss.
We will find out in several weeks. My fingers are crossed that you are correct (but 2 of my usual stores are sign positive
)
Feb 8, 2021, 8:16 am
#40
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,442
Just contacted WU and asked the obvious off-shore rep if WU had changed it policy of allowing debit cards for purchase of MOs.
His answer was no. However, one must remember the source of the information.
With that being said, I am going to presume that the new policy is a GE company one and not a WU one.
His answer was no. However, one must remember the source of the information.
With that being said, I am going to presume that the new policy is a GE company one and not a WU one.
Feb 8, 2021, 9:22 am
#41
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
[QUOTE=danpeake;33023305]
Well, there's a big difference between a "bank debit card only policy" where GCs are likely to slip through and a "cash only" policy where NO debit cards are accepted.
Obviously, plenty needs to play out, but that's apples and oranges.
And yes, stores can and do hard code their registers for debit card. That's why you can't use a credit card there.
I disagree, WU said Bank DC only and many stores(csr's) enforced it, while many others couldnt care less/ Just as it was with WM, many csrs didnt care and knew what you were doing while others decided to play Sheriff. So as long as WU has no way to know by what means the MO was paid for and a reg register is used, theres not much bite to it, however if a store decides or the chain decides to enforce WU rules thats something else.
I cant remember the last time I saw a bank DC w/o a chip, so if the csr was watching and knows the story and sees instead of inputting the card you swiped it that should be a tell tail sign. Try swiping a CC instead of inputting it and bingo a message will pop up to input the card. It all depends how on top of things the csr/s are, some are like hawks while others couldnt care as long as the receipt says Debit. i had a mgr tell the csr who wanted to reverse the transaction, that as long as it says Debit theres no problem and its good
Now if WU will know how the MO was paid for thats something else as a few might slip thru before that store gets a call telling them NOT to accept anything but ca$h. We will know the score in a few weeks. If it doesnt die now it will eventually
Well, there's a big difference between a "bank debit card only policy" where GCs are likely to slip through and a "cash only" policy where NO debit cards are accepted.
Obviously, plenty needs to play out, but that's apples and oranges.
And yes, stores can and do hard code their registers for debit card. That's why you can't use a credit card there.
I cant remember the last time I saw a bank DC w/o a chip, so if the csr was watching and knows the story and sees instead of inputting the card you swiped it that should be a tell tail sign. Try swiping a CC instead of inputting it and bingo a message will pop up to input the card. It all depends how on top of things the csr/s are, some are like hawks while others couldnt care as long as the receipt says Debit. i had a mgr tell the csr who wanted to reverse the transaction, that as long as it says Debit theres no problem and its good
Now if WU will know how the MO was paid for thats something else as a few might slip thru before that store gets a call telling them NOT to accept anything but ca$h. We will know the score in a few weeks. If it doesnt die now it will eventually
Feb 8, 2021, 7:39 pm
#42
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,442
[QUOTE=craz;33023645]
I disagree, WU said Bank DC only and many stores(csr's) enforced it, while many others couldnt care less/ Just as it was with WM, many csrs didnt care and knew what you were doing while others decided to play Sheriff. So as long as WU has no way to know by what means the MO was paid for and a reg register is used, theres not much bite to it, however if a store decides or the chain decides to enforce WU rules thats something else.
I cant remember the last time I saw a bank DC w/o a chip, so if the csr was watching and knows the story and sees instead of inputting the card you swiped it that should be a tell tail sign. Try swiping a CC instead of inputting it and bingo a message will pop up to input the card. It all depends how on top of things the csr/s are, some are like hawks while others couldnt care as long as the receipt says Debit. i had a mgr tell the csr who wanted to reverse the transaction, that as long as it says Debit theres no problem and its good
Now if WU will know how the MO was paid for thats something else as a few might slip thru before that store gets a call telling them NOT to accept anything but ca$h. We will know the score in a few weeks. If it doesnt die now it will eventually
Not WU
I've been snooping. This is a GE thing. Apparently they have had some issues with GCs and fraud and senior management apparently threw in the towel and went to a cash only policy.
Sucks for those of us who used GE, but to their credit they have given 3 week notice before the policy goes into effect..
Just points out how fragile MSing is
I disagree, WU said Bank DC only and many stores(csr's) enforced it, while many others couldnt care less/ Just as it was with WM, many csrs didnt care and knew what you were doing while others decided to play Sheriff. So as long as WU has no way to know by what means the MO was paid for and a reg register is used, theres not much bite to it, however if a store decides or the chain decides to enforce WU rules thats something else.
I cant remember the last time I saw a bank DC w/o a chip, so if the csr was watching and knows the story and sees instead of inputting the card you swiped it that should be a tell tail sign. Try swiping a CC instead of inputting it and bingo a message will pop up to input the card. It all depends how on top of things the csr/s are, some are like hawks while others couldnt care as long as the receipt says Debit. i had a mgr tell the csr who wanted to reverse the transaction, that as long as it says Debit theres no problem and its good
Now if WU will know how the MO was paid for thats something else as a few might slip thru before that store gets a call telling them NOT to accept anything but ca$h. We will know the score in a few weeks. If it doesnt die now it will eventually
I've been snooping. This is a GE thing. Apparently they have had some issues with GCs and fraud and senior management apparently threw in the towel and went to a cash only policy.
Sucks for those of us who used GE, but to their credit they have given 3 week notice before the policy goes into effect..
Just points out how fragile MSing is
Feb 9, 2021, 12:09 am
#43
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Northwest, United
Posts: 3,256
While I certainly hope you are right, if you are, there's something strange at play. If it's really just a GE thing, what's the origin story behind the posted signs? They clearly come from WU (or have been faked so as to appear that they come from WU). Are you suggesting that GE management went to the trouble of Photoshopping the sign (or asked WU to make up a sign and send it to them so they could post it) so it looks like WU is the Bad Cop? Surely GE could just say "it's our policy, tough luck" but they sure seem to be pointing the finger at WU. Maybe I'm missing something (PM me if you care to share some critical detail discreetly). Again, I really hope you're right, but it does seem odd to me.
In any case, thanks for sharing this.
In any case, thanks for sharing this.
Feb 9, 2021, 4:23 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: All of them
Posts: 1,664
While I certainly hope you are right, if you are, there's something strange at play. If it's really just a GE thing, what's the origin story behind the posted signs? They clearly come from WU (or have been faked so as to appear that they come from WU). Are you suggesting that GE management went to the trouble of Photoshopping the sign (or asked WU to make up a sign and send it to them so they could post it) so it looks like WU is the Bad Cop? Surely GE could just say "it's our policy, tough luck" but they sure seem to be pointing the finger at WU. Maybe I'm missing something (PM me if you care to share some critical detail discreetly). Again, I really hope you're right, but it does seem odd to me.
In any case, thanks for sharing this.
In any case, thanks for sharing this.