Just got a new client for my legacy database programming business of converting ancient Clipper and Foxpro apps to Windows. But he’s in Pakistan and they don’t have PayPal, so he paid me via Western Union.
This was my first time using Western Union. I figured, oh great, cash money from Pakistan. That should tickle the interest of Homeland Security. I assumed there would be ID checks and, hmm, should I bring my passport to be safe?
They didn’t even ID me. All they asked for was the number of the transfer and the amount. Yes, it was a trivial amount, $100, and it was incoming money. But given their recent $94 million fine for money laundering, I was startled that procedures were so seemingly loose.