Hello all Datuk, Lou ban, Tauke, Sifu sekalian

I know this is an old topic but want to know more and try to avoid Western Union scam by Alibaba. I have been reading a couple of post and websites.

I am at the crossroad of making the purchase from a supplier in Alibaba. Like some if not many of us, the supplier asked for Western Union payment. If the only method is by Western Union, how do I protect myself by not getting scam? They also asked for MTCN number which I am not sure if it is okay to give them after the payment. I read that it is not required to give the MTCN number to supplier somewhere in the post but the supplier says MTCN number will be required. Is there another layer of protecting myself after giving the MTCN number?

Thank you for helping this newbie.