Crazy money gram fee

[juliesh]

 Yesterday I had to use money gram and they charged me a$49.99 fee!  Didn't matter if I use debit or credit.  I had to go ahead with it because everything is all set up . Last time I used them it was about five dollar fee. What the heck happened? I can't use them again if this is what it's going to cost ! The credit card company also charges a crazy fee so It has gotten ridiculous!

 

[BellaDonna]

@juliesh I don't want to get too into your business -- and please be as vague as you want...but, are you sure that is correct, $49.99?  It sounds like you did the transfer online?  I wonder if the fees are much higher due to the convenience of the transaction being performed online.  Or, maybe it is where you sent funds?  That sounds nuts -- 50 bucks!

 

[juliesh]

I always sent from online for 5 dollars, all  of a sudden policy changed. They claimed it was because it was cash pickup. Which it always was!! Don't know how much I can post here, hope this is ok

 

[BellaDonna]

@juliesh Your post was fine.    I know most members utilize the brick-n-mortar MG method; it appears transactions process more successfully (and it is MUCH cheaper).  Adding this thread was helpful to the community -- in case anyone decides to try an online transfer.  At least others will be aware of the crazy fee amount.  I still can't believe it is that much -- wow!

Take care!

 

[Toker]

@juliesh  Hi there.

That price seems WAY too high, it sounds like someone made a mistake somewhere TBH with you.

Try there calculator HERE and see if the correct amount was charged, because that seems very high.

Regards,  T.

 

[Andy Monroe]

I saw a 48 Euro fee from GB, and $7 fee from the US for cash pick-up, on-line, transaction values of $500 (or Euro).  Juliesh, are you in UK?  If not, would need to play with some other variables to get to the $49.99.

I'm also going to speculate that the MG system that determined your fees was set to the UK - when charges were determined, maybe by accident if you live in the US.  If so, your receipt may get you a refund...

 

[juliesh]

When I contacted them, they said they changed their policy. I know it seems like a mistake. I'll try to contact them again. Thanks for input.

BTW I did it all online, I always did.

 

[juliesh]

Hmmmm,  just I was about to call MG they called me !  I thought it was to let me know I had a refund coming but no he had a bunch of nosy questions about did I know the person I sent it to Etc. I said I knew her a long time and I was just paying back money I owed her and I didn't feel comfortable answering anymore questions. So he said OK he was just following up because it was for a large amount and he wanted to make sure it wasn't a scam. I don't think I'll ever be sending money this way again.

I did mention I think I was overcharged and he said no 49.99  was correct. F MG!!

 

[Andy Monroe]

Did you get the phone # MG called from, @juliesh?  Don't post it, but if so you may want to try a reverse # look-up.  That's an odd call, imo, from MG.  Would not surprise me if it were some other "entity."

Julie, are you US-based - if you can share?  If EMEA, your charge seemed about right.  For the US - no way, not according to their price schedule/calculator.   I think I did that correctly...  Maybe that one is just a write-off, at this point.  Annoying though.

 

[brandon74]

Hmmmm,  just I was about to call MG they called me !  I thought it was to let me know I had a refund coming but no he had a bunch of nosy questions about did I know the person I sent it to Etc. I said I knew her a long time and I was just paying back money I owed her and I didn't feel comfortable answering anymore questions. So he said OK he was just following up because it was for a large amount and he wanted to make sure it wasn't a scam. I don't think I'll ever be sending money this way again.

I did mention I think I was overcharged and he said no 49.99  was correct. F MG!!

I agree with @Andy Monroethere is certainly something wrong here but never ever contact moneygram as that could cause a BIG problem for you and the receiver. We don't want any vendors and members at jeporady for sure.

 

[juliesh]

No,  I didn’t call them!   Just looked up the number and it indeed was a legitimate money gram number.  I really don’t think anything is gonna come of it. But I really hate money gram

 

[2earls]

I don't know what happened here, but the vendor was banned from Moneygram. 

In my opinion this reinforces how risky doing transfers online is for both the vendor and the customer who both run the risk of being banned. Sure it's convenient and it may work well for awhile for some people, but the very fact that they call and ask questions makes it a bad option.

If you go in person and pay cash it's the safest way to go. I have always used my real name and some members use a fake name and phone number and remain anonymous. Of course if something goes wrong there's no recourse and you lose the money so that is why I use my name. 

In person you are not asked for ID nor any other questions except possibly "do you know this person? " and your D.O.B. Online people often get called and asked all kinds of questions then half the time they either get denied the transaction or completely banned from using mg. Same thing with WU.

It may be more trouble, but if you want to be able to use these services for a long time, go in person.

PS I have never paid more than  $8 fee for mg. WU is considerably more expensive.

 

[juliesh]

Thanks 2 earls, From now on if I have to use them I’ll find a place to go in person.

 

[BellaDonna]

@juliesh Just another piece of advice: if you decide to go to a place in person, just don't use those money stores. 

 

[brandon74]

@2earls is spot on . I doubt I would of called to even inquire about the fee when they responded with “our policy is changed”

This is bad for any vendor to have a good receiver banned.

 

[brandon74]

No,  I didn’t call them!   Just looked up the number and it indeed was a legitimate money gram number.  I really don’t think anything is gonna come of it. But I really hate money gram

My apologies @juliesh as I must have read it wrong when I read your post. 

It said “When I contacted them, they said they changed their policy.” I know it seems like a mistake.”

After You made that contact; I am certain it would initiate an inquiry with western union or monrygram to follow up .

It’s a fee that is charged by western union / Moneygram because you did not use cash. 2earls gave a great scenario on how to send. It just is bad when that one convenient method I was using for a certain vendor is now gone.

 

[hjk]

Thanks 2 earls, From now on if I have to use them I’ll find a place to go in person.

Find a location in a predominantly ethnic neighborhood.  Sometimes a grocery store in these neighborhoods will have a MG window.  I've also heard that mg window at Wal-Mart is a good option. 

Lots of good threads with more details around.