<prompt> Human: Long story short: I went to send 2,300 to a friend. I did this from Western Union at a grocery store in the US. After I paid, they WU said I needed to do a security check with them over the phone. We were on hold for approximately 30 minutes so I went to use the restroom. When I got back, the nice girl helping me said it would go through but it would be on long hold before it would go to the receiver. She said WU said all of this was for my protection. I said that would not work and to just give me my money back. She called them back and they gave her a toll free number for me to call to review my transaction before they would give me my money back. I was late for a huge meting so I had to take my receipt and leave. I am getting ready to call WU but is this not crazy? How are they protecting me by holding my money after I just gave it to them? Has anyone else dealt with something like this with WU?  <response>: Yes, scam scammers use Western Union often and it is not uncommon for your transaction to be held for review if youre sending a higher than average amount of money, especially for the first time and to high risk areas. Youll get your money back if they refuse to confirm the transfer. My advice is to call them yourself so its done in advance, and so the cashier isnt stuck on the phone and you dont hold up other customers. 