Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas

Western Union and Visa dispute

This is a fairly complex issue involving 3 distinct parties.

Over 6 months ago I purchased a fairly expensive item on eBay (~$1100). The seller was out of the country (England) and it ended up that he failed to ship the item purchased. To pay the seller, I wired him money via Western Union, which was collected. The money I wired was charged by Western Union to my Visa card. After finding that the seller was fradulent, I notified eBay, Western Union, and my credit card company. My Visa card recommended disputing the $1100 charge, and thus I did so.

After approximatley 90 days, Western Union had failed to dispute my dispute with Visa. As a policy, Visa dropped the charge from my card and claimed they were no longer liable. Approximately 10 days later Western Union discovered that they could no longer collect through Visa, and decided to come after me directly for the money. After a period of time which I did not respond to their communication, they hired a debt collector who is now pursuing collection for them.

What is my liability in this case, and what course of action should I take?


Asked on 4/07/04, 1:29 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: Western Union and Visa dispute

Unfortunately, you are liable for the money Western Union sent on your behalf. If the thief in the UK charged the $1100 against your VISA, you could have disputed that. But when Western Union advanced the money, they did nothing wrong for you to dispute.

Best see what you can work out with Western Union, or their collection agency, before the costs get out of hand.

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Answered on 4/07/04, 10:01 am


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