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Did you lose money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017? If so, you can ask for money back from the FTC’s settlement with Western Union. And the deadline to file your claim was just extended to May 31, 2018.

Here’s the deal. Western Union agreed to return $586 million to people to settle the FTC’s charges that Western Union hadn’t adequately protected people from fraud, and didn’t properly discipline problem agents. To get money back, here’s what you need to do by May 31, 2018:

  • Start at FTC.gov/WU to file your claim online. If you got a letter in the mail about a complaint you filed earlier, you’ll have a Claim ID and a PIN. Click the blue “I got a pre-filled claim form” button and use those to file your claim. If you didn’t get a letter in the mail, click the orange button that says “I lost money, but did not get a claim form.”
  • Give as much information as you can about your loss. Upload any paperwork you have. The Department of Justice, which is handling the claims through their contractor, Gilardi & Co, will use that information to try to validate your Western Union money transfer.
  • Yes, you have to give your Social Security number or ITIN to file a claim. Read why here.
  • Don’t pay anybody to help you file your claim, or get money back. Anybody who asks you to pay for your claim or refund is scamming you. Tell the FTC.
  • Then, be patient. It might take a year for the Department of Justice to validate all the claims and start returning money.

If you have questions, you might find answers here, and also check out the FAQs at FTC.gov/WU. Why not do it now? But you have until May 31, 2018. After that, you won’t be able to file your claim to get money back under this settlement with Western Union.

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

MSALO
February 01, 2018
How do I show proof? Once I was scammed out of my $1200 for a shopping review and sent the money I was so pissed I threw away the information. It was in 2014. How am I suppose to prove this? I have closed that bank account and have moved since.
FTC Staff
February 01, 2018

In reply to by MSALO

Go to FTC.gov/WU to read more about the process. If you sent money to a scammer via Western Union, file a claim, even if you don’t have paperwork related to your money transfer. You may still be eligible for a payment. You can start the the process from FTC.gov/WU.

You must file your claim by May 31, 2018.

Keiondral31
February 15, 2018

In reply to by MSALO

I called Western Union and ask for a listed of transactions. It look about a month to get results so you better call now

Stillwaiting
August 30, 2018

In reply to by MSALO

I sent in everything 2 years ago and still haven't heard anything I think this all is a scam
M.Burtis
October 28, 2018

In reply to by Stillwaiting

Filed out info previously to get back $1200 from a car wrap scam. Have moved from the address. Card said reimbursement would happen in November. What can I do to update new address?
MickeyM
March 04, 2019

In reply to by Stillwaiting

I also sent in claim forms and copies of transfer vouchers over 1 year ago (Feb 2018) and I still haven't heard anything in reply
A.O'Bryant
August 29, 2019

In reply to by Stillwaiting

Yes , your right! I haven't seen heard but wait until resubmit people to claim. Nothing to give. Everyone were invited. Settlement used to tell people if you don't claim in timely matter that were it . They allowed more claims. Geraldi lawfirm. Like really. Came to meet the people whom claimed.
Melvin Dyson
November 05, 2018

In reply to by Ashley

I sent in paperwork in February 2018, the paperwork I sent had all the right information on it, I even call the 1 800 # and they acknowledged they had received the paperwork, this happened to me in 2004 area why am I still waiting for the refund?
JohnsonK
February 01, 2018

Yes I have been scammed.I used Western Union and kept my receives. my most resent was just Jan of this year. I just found out they don't exist.lost 1800.

FTC Staff
February 01, 2018

In reply to by JohnsonK

If you lost money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 and you paid by Western Union, you can file a claim to get money back.

 

You must file a claim by May 31, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to start the process.

Don't use your
April 28, 2019

In reply to by FTC Staff

I filled I lost $780.00 and I sent in some paperwork and I have not heard anything
0185Ahn
February 01, 2018

bona fide Thanks

forreal
February 02, 2018

In reply to by 0185Ahn

I was scammed out of a good bit of money, but I sent everything about the scam to FTC, thus I don't have receipts or any other information.Patsy D.
FTC Staff
February 02, 2018

In reply to by forreal

If you lost money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 and you paid by Western Union, you can file a claim to get money back.

 

You can file a claim, even if you don’t have paperwork related to your money transfer. If you have the number of your FTC report, you could include that with your claim. You will give details about when you sent the money and where you sent it. You may still be eligible for a payment.

 

You must file a claim by May 31, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to start the process.

Rob C
February 01, 2018
I have summied my claims and waiting for my remmiltions !!! Please keep me posted on my refunds
Mr Manny
February 01, 2018
Too many spelling errors in most of your replies, starting to doubt the validity of these articles and responses being given as case.
Juankok
February 02, 2018
I have sent $500 Us, to Anastasya Saratova, in Russia, was a perfect scam after several letter pretender being meeting for serious marriage, I don't remember exactly data of sending but for my real name, its Juan , not exist another similar names, the operation was made in Salta,Argentina. She live in near Ekaterinburg, Russia. Finding out archives of Western Union sure its prove operation whit funds.
FTC Staff
February 02, 2018

In reply to by Juankok

If you sent money by Western Union to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can file a claim to ask for money back. You must file the claim by May 31, 2018.

Go to FTC.gov/WU and FTC.gov/es/WU (in Spanish) to learn more. You can begin to file your claim at FTC.gov/WU or FTC.gov/es/WU.

lostboy
February 02, 2018
how about those who were scammed from January 19, 2017 to January 2018
FTC Staff
February 02, 2018

In reply to by lostboy

You are not eligible to apply for a refund under the FTC settlement with Western Union if you lost money outside these dates: January 1, 2004 to January 19, 2017.

If you transferred money through Western Union, you can call the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492. You can also report the scam to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you give the FTC goes into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations.

BailScammed
February 02, 2018
I was scammed into buying Reloadit cards at the grocery store to bail someone out of jail. Am I eligible to file a claim? I have also seen several bad reviews online about the administrator, Gilardo and Co LLC. Is it safe to give my Social Security Number?
FTC Staff
February 02, 2018

In reply to by BailScammed

If you lost money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 and you paid by Western Union, you can file a claim to get money back. If you did not use Western Union, you are not eligible to file a claim.

Terry
February 02, 2018
I worked for them for a number of years, and frankly we were discouraged from finding and disclosing frauds. The punishment for doing this was swift and sure! So glad this will punish the company where it hurts. $$$
Hermaini
February 02, 2018
If after Jan 19, 2017, we cannot file anymore?
FTC Staff
February 05, 2018

In reply to by Hermaini

If you sent money to a scammer after January 19, 2017, you cannot ask for money back.

Mjpurdy
February 02, 2018
Why did the DOJ extend the due date for submitting claims?
vs
February 15, 2018

In reply to by Mjpurdy

I see response other queries but don't see response for this one. "Bridget Small - FTC" could you answer this one. One who lost money only knows how much frustrating it is to loose money in scam & on top of that if this claim filing date keep extending would add more frustration. Can we expect real justice from Department of Justice.
FTC Staff
February 15, 2018

In reply to by vs

Yes, people who used Western Union to send money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, can file a claim to get money back. You must file a claim by May 31, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to start filing your claim.

vs
February 22, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

i think here question is why date is extended not what n how. Expecting answer to the question.
FTC Staff
February 23, 2018

In reply to by Mjpurdy

The date was extended to provide more time for people to file claims.

Diane K
February 05, 2018
can I send all receipt to WU in KY before Feb 12 right? I tried call there but record all times. I just ask there question. THank you so much for big help.
FTC Staff
February 05, 2018

In reply to by Diane K

If you want to ask for money back, you must do more than send receipts. You must fill out a claim form. The claim form tells your name and information about the money transfers.

You can fill out the claim form online. You can make electronic computer copies of your receipts and send those online too. This FTC webpage helps you start filing online. You must fill out the claim form by May 31, 2018.

You can get a paper claim form at the DOJ remission website. Look at the list of Case Documents on the DOJ remission website. The paper claim form is called a Remission Form. When you send the claim form you can send copies of your receipts.

Dawn
April 28, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

Hi Bridget, I sent my claim in around 6 months ago. Will payment be disbursed within a year of that date or a year from the deadline date?
FTC Staff
May 04, 2018

In reply to by Dawn

The claims are reviewed as they come in. After all the claims are reviewed, the US Department of Justice will make decisions to approve or deny claims. Then it will work through an appeal process. Payments won't begin until the appeal process is concluded.

edr
February 03, 2018
I was scammed through Money Gram from walmart in 2016. Is getting scammed through money gram part of the settlement
FTC Staff
February 05, 2018

In reply to by edr

No, the Western Union settlement does not apply to people who sent money through MoneyGram.

Zulaa_2844
February 05, 2018
hello. How can I make this claim?
FTC Staff
February 05, 2018

In reply to by Zulaa_2844

If you lost money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 and you paid by Western Union, you can file a claim to get money back. You must file a claim by May 31, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to start the process.

WayneM
February 05, 2018

Both my domestic partner and I have sent thousands of dollars since 2008 to receivers in the Philippines, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, etc. for lotteries, scams. We have submitted our information to receive our transcripts from Western Union but they have not been cooperative and have denied our information because combined, the amount we have sent exceeds $20,000. How do we go about this (obtaining our transaction histories) when Western Union refuses to provide the information that we need? Thank-you in advance, as well as for extending the date to file a claim.

FTC Staff
February 05, 2018

In reply to by WayneM

You can file a claim even if you don’t have the complete transaction records related to the money transfers. You can provide the dates you sent the money, the place you sent the money from, and the place you sent the money to. The FTC has more information at FTC.gov/WU.

There is a secure connection from FTC.gov/WU to the DOJ claim filing website.

Ms. Tavi
February 05, 2018
Does this include moneygram? I was scammed in 2017 but they had me use Money gram.
FTC Staff
February 05, 2018

In reply to by Ms. Tavi

No, the Western Union settlement does not apply to people who sent money through MoneyGram.

InquiringMinds…
February 05, 2018
Can Canadians file claims as Well, or is this only for Americans?
FTC Staff
February 06, 2018

In reply to by InquiringMinds…

Yes, Canadians may ask for money back. You are not required to be a United States citizen or in the United States to file a request for money back.

If you lost money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 and you paid by Western Union, you can file a claim.

You must file a claim by May 31, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to start the process.

 

The claim form asks for your Social Security number. You can check a box that says you don't have a Social Security number, and explain that you’re not a US citizen.