Western Union is safe ONLY IN THAT YOUR RECEIVER WILL GET YOUR MONEY.
Other than that, only send money if you know the person is reliable and has solid track record.
Western Union is THE choice of scammers by far. They can pick up your money and disappear. Way too many scams with this service for me to EVER consider this unless I was sending to 1. family 2. solid friends 3. FAMILY.
Same thing for bank transfer - you have NO claim methods.
Sorry for the capitals but I am letting you know the risks.
I agree with RSOT, however I *HAVE* used DHgate's ewallet with no problems. But that is a little different in that the money is being sent to a publicly traded company. I would never send a Western Union payment to an individual (except, as RSOT pointed out, a friend or family member).
Western union is not safe for over seas unless you are confident and know the seller will send you the goods. If they screw you then you can't do jack. Even the police won't do jack. I tried it years ago.
I wouldn't recommend using Western Union overseas, especially if you're dealing with a new seller that you had 1 on 1 conversations with on a messenger, they could ditch you, and send you a box full of anything, or simply just send you nothing at all.
What if they are a gold member (haha Austin Powers) - quote
Again, that's your decision. Feedback for any seller does help but you never know these days.
As this post is getting more and more "business model"-oriented (i.e. asking for recommendations on business operation), I am resigning myself from further posts.
All the best though with your decision and hope everything works out.
Is western Union safe? 
