Consumer Alert
New deadline for Western Union settlement requests
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.
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In reply to I received a letter in the by M.Smith
The company hired to handle the refunds - Gilardi & Co. - has not sent out decisions about who is eligible. The FTC's information page about refunds is www.FTC.gov/WU. Gilardi & Co. has information at www.WesternUnionRemission.com. You can check those pages for updates.
In reply to I received a letter in the by M.Smith
In reply to What is the status of these by Waiting
The company hired to handle the refunds - Gilardi & Co. - has not sent out decisions about who is eligible. The FTC's information page about refunds is www.FTC.gov/WU. Gilardi & Co. has information at www.WesternUnionRemission.com. You can check those pages for updates.
In reply to I submitted my forms online by charlotte groves
Did you get letters from Western Union, or from Gilardi & Co? Gilardi & Co. is the company that is managing the refund process for the US Department of Justice. The Gilardi & Co. website is www.WesternUnionRemission.com.
Gilardi & Co. tells people to send in copies of documents that support their claims. You can send copies to info@WesternUnionRemission.com. You can call Gilardi & Co. at 844-319-2124.
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In reply to will 2019 be the year we by Headache
In reply to I see that I have to cancel by Joane
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In reply to Will we be notified or is it by FlyRN
On March 11, 2020. refund checks worth about $153 million started going out to over 109,000 people who sent money to scammers through Western Union wire transfers. Go to www.FTC.gov/WU for more information.
In reply to Keep saying check the website by JP
On March 11, 2020, refund checks worth about $153 million started going out to over 109,000 people who sent money to scammers through Western Union wire transfers. Go to www.FTC.gov/WU for more information.
In reply to You have guys any new info. by Joanna
On March 11, 2020 refund checks worth about $153 million started going out to over 109,000 people who sent money to scammers through Western Union wire transfers. Learn more at www.FTC.gov/WU.
In reply to Where is our money? It has by by This is gettin…
On March 11, 2020, refund checks worth about $153 million started going out to over 109,000 people who sent money to scammers through Western Union wire transfers. Read more at www.FTC.gov/WU.
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You can report to the FTC at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. Thank you.