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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.

drstaven
February 06, 2018
does the May 31, 2018 deadline apply to claims filed online. The online form (and .pdf) still says it's due February 12, 2018...should that now be May 31, 2018??
FTC Staff
February 06, 2018

In reply to by drstaven

Yes, deadline to file your claim online is May 31, 2018.

You're right, the date hasn't been corrected in some places on the DOJ administrator's site. But the deadline to file has been extended to May 31, 2018.

Mr. Mark
February 06, 2018
I sent so many orders by Western Union, there came a time that they refused to profess the transaction and would not tell me why. So I went to Money Gram and sent even more money with them, until they stopped processing my money, there too. I then went back to Western Union and used my son's & deceased dad's names to get money sent. Shouldn't Western Union have some responsiblity for the money sent by Money Gram?
FTC Staff
February 07, 2018

In reply to by Mr. Mark

You can file a claim for the money you lost to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, that  you sent by Western Union.

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

marina52
February 07, 2018

i have not received any letter or form from western union, i have already warned you at the first message that i have lost money to the fraudsters. So I wrote a registered letter to western union, so I hope that it is accepted. I lost more than 17000 €   I hope I get something back.

FTC Staff
February 07, 2018

In reply to by marina52

Marina, If you want to ask for money back, you must file a claim. You must file a claim on the U.S. Department of Justice claim website. You must send your claim by May 31, 2018.

If you do NOT file a claim, you will NOT get money back. A registered letter is NOT a claim.

To reach the U.S. Department of Justice claim website, go to this FTC page: FTC.gov/WU. Click the orange button at the top of the page. Click again and you will be securely connected to the claim website.

Jc
February 07, 2018
Hello,I'm only able to provide from where exactly the money order was send,City,State,And from what Place and my Into ,i dont have any receipt because this was many years back
FTC Staff
February 07, 2018

In reply to by Jc

If you lost money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can now file a claim to get your money back. You must file a claim by May 31, 2018.

To start the process, go to FTC.gov/WU.

You can file a claim file a claim, even if you don’t have the paperwork related to your money transfer. You may still be eligible for a payment. You can include the dates you sent money and the places you sent money to and from, and your personal information on the claim.

Jc
February 08, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

But I don't remember exactly when I have send the money -dates but probably with all my info and from where it was send you could look it up?
FTC Staff
February 08, 2018

In reply to by Jc

The FTC can't look up information about your transactions.

You can file a claim related to money you sent through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017.   You must file your claim by May 31, 2018.

You may file a claim if you don’t have all the paperwork. Do your best and include the information you remember. You may still be eligible for a payment. To get started, go FTC.gov/WU.

When you are on FTC.gov/WU, click on the orange button near the top of the page. Then click again and you will connect to the U.S. Department of Justice claim filing website.

Ms.Mia
February 07, 2018
Hello, I became in 2011 the victim of Nigerian scam I lost a lot of money by sending money orders by Money Gram, where should I submit claim?
Janka
February 08, 2018
With suspicion from abroad is how? Are you also researching bogus accounts and misuse of personal data?
Maurice
February 08, 2018
I got scammed over net by group based in chicago. Western Union refused to provide info to myself or the police when I complained. I tried to file a complaint with the police department they were local jurisdiction issues as to where I could file the complaint & the fact that I was from Canada. So where do Canadians who were scammed go through?
FTC Staff
February 08, 2018

In reply to by Maurice

Canadians can also file a claim to get money back, if they sent money to a scammer through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017. You are not required to be a United States citizen or in the United States to file a request.

Go to FTC.gov/WU to start filing a claim.

ccoss
February 08, 2018
We have till May 31, 2018 to file a claim for this correct or is the deadline still February 12?
ajey
February 09, 2018
i had transferred $2000 to scammers posing as immigration officers through Green Dot Money Pak Cards on 10/15/2014. Is there any way for me to get back my hard earned money. Thanks.
FTC Staff
February 12, 2018

In reply to by ajey

The FTC settlement with Western Union does not provide refunds for people who sent money by Green Dot. You can report the scam to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint.

vs
February 15, 2018
Initially it was told that 12th Feb 2018 is last date to file claim, now it is extended to May 31, 2018. Can we know why it is extended & do we expect to happen again May 31 would be extended to some other date.
DMR
February 16, 2018
My elderly father was scammed by Nigerian/ Jamaica sweepsteak scan and sent money via Western Union. He has since passed away. Can i file on his behalf or in behalf of his estate?
FTC Staff
February 20, 2018

In reply to by DMR

 

If your father used Western Union to send money to a scammer  between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can file a claim on his behalf if you represent his estate. You must submit a claim by May 31, 2018.

Read more about the process at FTC.gov/WU. You can start to submit your claim from the FTC.gov/WU page.

Jamest
February 23, 2018

What happens if an elderly man age 63 was scammed by people who said they were publishers clearing house he won a car and a check for million but it happens during April to DEC 2017, can he still file a claim, I truly believe he was targeted, older people on disability?

FTC Staff
February 23, 2018

In reply to by Jamest

The claim process is only for people who used Western Union to send money to a scammer from January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017.

You can report a scam that happened later in 2017 to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint and to the wire transfer company you used. Call the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492 or MoneyGram Customer Care Center at 1‑800‑926‑9400.

The US Administration on Aging can help you find services for older adults, like transportation, housing and food assistance. Go to eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116.

Brad
February 17, 2018
I filled out paperwork immediately upon receiving it from FTC. When can we expect reimbursement??
FTC Staff
February 20, 2018

In reply to by Brad

It may take up to a year to process and verify people’s claims and determine who is eligible to get a payment. We will update the FTC.gov/WU page when we have more information.

g4god
February 19, 2018
Scammed out of 600 dollars by a 21 year old scammer from Nigeria he used a white mans pic to get u interested then asked for help in equipment for Malaysia he used name Richard Powell as his scammer name had a pic of him said he had gotten 5,000 dollars from someone, sent info to Nigerian gov no help there I think I got a letter long ago about this but can’t remember to sure could use some refund and yes all paid through western union ty for any help !!!
FTC Staff
February 20, 2018

In reply to by g4god

If you used Western Union to send money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can now file a claim to get your money back. You must file a claim by May 31, 2018. 

Go to FTC.gov/WU for more information. You can start to file your claim from FTC.gov/WU.

Karene
February 19, 2018
I was scammed twice in February of 2016 but I send the money by Money Gram as opposed to Western Union. Is there plans to file a lawsuit with Money Gram? I ended up sending $5,000 to Ghana.
Tanya
February 20, 2018
Since this type of issue is still happening; my mother was scammed in December 2017 and sent money with Western Union and purchased Itunes gift cards, what is being done for those scammed after this window?
Joanna
February 20, 2018
When allready check you everythink , why not money back, but waiting to check everyone, Its nonsens for me, because like me , I ready send all info with transactions number WU , dates. I lost 5000 dollars almost.
Nana/Sissy
February 22, 2018
What recourse does one have if they were scammed after the January 2017 cutoff date? There should be some way to help those victims get a refund if they sent the money via Western Union!
FTC Staff
February 22, 2018

In reply to by Nana/Sissy

If you used Western Union to send money to a scammer after January 2017, you can report that to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint and to the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492.

If the scammer contacted you through a website, for example a dating website or product sales website, you can report the problem to that site.

Aprilsway6
March 02, 2018
What if someone stole enough information and used my credit card number online and used my y number to send money to someone through western union online.? They had Western Union send my money to a federal prisoner.Western Union gave me a claim number through their fraud dept. Does that count? They never followed through. I never got my money back.
FTC Staff
March 05, 2018

In reply to by Aprilsway6

If you used Western Union to send money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can now file a claim to get your money back.

You must file the claim by May 31, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to read more about the claims and start the process.  Click on the orange button near the top of the page, and click again to connect to the online claim filing website.

LAXmom
March 22, 2018
I sent in my pre-filled claim form I recorded in the mail before the original 2/12/18 deadline. I know it states that it can take up to a year to receive the refund but does that mean, for those of us that responded by the original deadline, we have to wait even longer since the deadline has been extended? Is it a claim by claim process or does the deadline need to expire before any refunds will be processed?
FTC Staff
March 22, 2018

In reply to by LAXmom

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.

Jw463
June 07, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

Does each claim get its own appeal or are they all appealed at once? Does this mean it could take more than a year from submitting a claim?
FTC Staff
June 08, 2018

In reply to by Jw463

You can contact the refund administrator for more information.

Email: info @ westernunionremission. com or call (844)319-2124.

eric
March 22, 2018

HELLO,I AFTER NOW UNTIL THIS VERY MONTH AND DAY I,HAVEN'T HEARD,ANYTHING ABOUT RECEIVING THE REFUND FOR THE MONEY THAT WAS TAKEN FROM ME BY SCAMMERS.I HAD IT ALL WRITTEN DOWN IN MY PERSONAL NOTEOOK.SOMEONE SHOULD,OR THE APPOINTED AUHORITY SHOULD STEP FORWARD WITH THE REFUND A.S.A.P.-I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT.IT'S BEEN SINCE MARCH OF 2017.,,NOW THAT MY COMPLAINT,BECAME KNOWN.AND THE SECOND PHASE OF THE COMPLAINT WAS IN BY FEBRUARY 12TH,,2018.I AM EXPECTING JUSTICE TO PREVAIL,AND RIGHTFULLY-I WLL BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL THE MISTAKES AND DAMAGE DONE,,TO GET RICH OFF A CIVILIAN WORKING WITH A DISABILITY.THANKS.

FTC Staff
March 22, 2018

In reply to by eric

If you used Western Union to send money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can file a claim to get money back. You must file your claim by May 31, 2018.

Go to FTC.gov/WU to read more. Then click the orange button near the top of the FTC.gov/WU page. It will connect you to the claim filing website.

Kursat
April 02, 2018

Hi, I have scammed in March 2018, I am not eligible for money refund. Please answer

FTC Staff
April 02, 2018

In reply to by Kursat

You are not eligible for this refund program. The refund program is only for people used Western Union to send money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017.

You can report a recent scam to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint and to Western Union's Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492.

mardskins
March 31, 2018
I was scammed yesterday . I paid cash to the bank and to western union. I would like to apply for a refund for this. I reported it to the police and they started a file. I am just sick about it. I just got this information from the police. And I see arch 31/18 is the dead line for a refund. How do I go about it.
FTC Staff
April 02, 2018

In reply to by mardskins

You are not eligible for this refund program. The refund program is for people used Western Union to send money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017.

You can report a scam that happened yesterday to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint and to Western Union's Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492.

boobyboss71
April 02, 2018

My mom past away.And I'm dealing with her affairs.so what happens will they return the money to mebher son.i remember the day she was scammed I notified the police my mom was a old lady.I sent the paper in an never received a response.I also submitted death certificate an administrator of my mom's .Sobwhat happens next.

FTC Staff
April 02, 2018

In reply to by boobyboss71

It may take up to a year from now to process and verify people’s claims and determine who is eligible to get a payment. You can check the FTC.gov/WU page for updates.

Durangogirl
April 04, 2018
I never received any claim forms by mail but did file a claim on line. I assume it is just a sit and wait now. Is there anyway to check on the claim to make sure they have it and it is being processed?
Chris
April 10, 2018
My Parents were scammed and we sent in the form that they received. They have since moved. How do we do a change of address?