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Did you lose money to a scam, wiring the money via Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017? If so, you might know that May 31 is the deadline for filing your claim to get money back from the FTC’s and the Department of Justice’s settlement with Western Union. With the deadline fast approaching, we know two things: (1) there will probably be a rush of last-minute filers; and (2) scammers will try to take advantage of the people filing claims.

We’re sure about those scammers  because we’ve already seen them (and told you about them). And we’re still seeing scams that offer to get you special access, so-called easier ways to file, and promises of big amounts of money. This includes one recent email that said it came from the FBI, promised a refund of more than $500,000 – and said you could claim it just by emailing a Gmail address.

So, as the days click down until the May 31 deadline for filing, remember: if anyone promises you a refund – or says they’re the only way to get one, that’s a scam. If anybody tries to charge you to get your money back, that’s also a scam. If you’re still planning to submit a claim, here are a few quick pointers:

  • Start your claim at FTC.gov/WU. You don’t need to email anybody or hire a lawyer. Just start here, put in as much information as you have, upload whatever documents you have, and submit.
  • It’s free to file your claim. Don’t pay anybody to get a refund. Ever.
  • There are no guarantees. Nobody can promise you a refund at all, much less a specific amount of money. There’s a whole process that will happen once all the claims are in – to validate them, and then divide up the money among all the people who qualified.
  • There are no short-cuts. That validation process? It’ll take a while. There’s no short-cut or special access. It might take a year to get your money back, but nobody can help you get it any faster.

If you spot anybody making any of those promises, or charging for a refund, the FTC wants to know about it.

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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.

HammerMan78
June 09, 2018
I lost thousands of dollars to some guy who happened to be the son of a childhood friend who passed away 2 years ago. I met him in person, along with his brother, he lived in my home town when my friend was still alive. Ever since her passing, he ask for lots of cash from me promising he'll pay back, but he didn't. I filed a police report on this guy, never to bug him. I have his photo and he has a Facebook page. I filed the claim, included the info on this guy and date of birth. I hope it was accurate enough for me to get that settlement check. And I do hope for future class action settlements soon. Thanks, keep me updated.
suzie 15
June 09, 2018
I had a lot to file and took my submits to complete.will it be in one check or will there be a check for each one.
FTC Staff
June 15, 2018

In reply to by suzie 15

You can contact the refund administrator to ask about your claim. The contact information is on this page. And save a link to FTC.gov/WU. We have useful information about the process and will update the page when there is news.

Susan
June 11, 2018
I applied in November 2017 and was also told I'd be mailed a pin number by Feb 2018, but haven't received anything yet. Is there a way to check status of our claim online and will we be receiving PINs?
FTC Staff
June 11, 2018

In reply to by Susan

You can contact the refund administrator to ask about your claim. The contact information is on this page. And save a link to FTC.gov/WU. We have information about the refund process, and will update the page when there is news.

Choc Jr
June 13, 2018
Ok you said it can take up to a year before we receive anything, is that a year from the date we filed or a year from the deadline date?
FTC Staff
June 15, 2018

In reply to by Choc Jr

You can contact the US Department of Justice's refund administrator to ask about the refund process. The contact information is on this page. And save a link to FTC.gov/WU. We have useful information about the process and will update the page when there is news.

AC
June 15, 2018

Hello, I did not fill in my new banknumber in the claim. The banknumber that I used to transfer money isn't working anymore. How will the money be reimbursed? Will I receive a new e-mail asking for a banknumber? Thanks!

FTC Staff
June 15, 2018

In reply to by AC

You can contact the refund administrator to ask about your claim. The contact information is on this page. And save a link to FTC.gov/WU. We have useful information about the process and will update the page when there is news.

Didn't know ab…
June 21, 2018
Why were notices sent to people who used their services from that time period to find out? I was scammed in Aug/Sept. of 2008 out of my money and I just happenned upon this site. Now the deadline has past. Would have been nice to get my money back that I lost in the scam?
youngscammed
June 23, 2018
If we already have a claim entered in the system can we still send in more evidence by mail to add to our claim? Can it be accepted still? It's more evidence to attach to the claim. Please advise!
FTC Staff
June 25, 2018

In reply to by youngscammed

You can contact the refund administrator to ask about your claim. The contact information is on this page. And save a link to FTC.gov/WU. We have useful information about the process and will update the page when there is news.

JR
June 30, 2018
Thank You for all the information on this page
Agnes2
July 04, 2018
lost $40,000.00 to this ' supposedly ' resident of S.Africa , via Western Union ...
FTC Staff
July 09, 2018

In reply to by Agnes2

You can report that to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations. You can also report it to the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492.

JP
July 08, 2018
I have file claims and been issued a claim No. and a Pen No. both and I really need the funds. I also owe the IRS taxes for 2011 due to this scam and I need to get them off of my back cause they are threatening to seize my property which is mortgaged due to this scam. It would be wonderful to receive these funds and it not taking a yr. to do so. Would think this company could process this faster than a yr. which is too long.
Scamed
July 25, 2018

I got scamed recently through western union. What should I do? Who should I report to?

FTC Staff
July 25, 2018

In reply to by Scamed

You can report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations. You can also call Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492.

Joysearcher
July 19, 2018
My father lost $8,000.00 to a guy saying he was his grandson ... broke his nose ... etc. but my father never received any notice to file a claim
punishment
August 13, 2018
I didn’t receive $1200 my mom sent me because it’s being held by WU for no particular reason!, I am really angry at WU and they need to be punished! Good.
Elderly Widow
August 24, 2018
Karen, I lost $24,000.43 life savings to a scammer who came on a Christian website and gained confidence in Dec. 2009. Reported then to Western Union, ic3.gov, and EFCC in Nigeria. Also tried to track him through the British Embassy and a London detective. Will those waiting longest for their lost money receive first consideration, etc ?
Jdlvega
August 29, 2018
I wonder if there will be any letter or a receipt type that all proof of letter reciepts and emails were sent to WU. It's might too soon to ask. But how can I track what is going on???
Bobby
September 14, 2018

Bridget Small, There was no check for fraud by Western Union for my friend's 2 stolen online wired-money order transactions, and this happened after the Western Union January 17, 2017 Court Case. When we emailed them a few times asking if he can get his money back, since it says on the Court Case that if "The Company failed to comply with its anti-fraud procedure in connection with the transaction, then you are supposed to get your money back. Western Union was supposed to block any transfer sent to any person who is subject to a fraud report. If Western Union would have done a check for fraud, which is required, they would have found that the Shipping Company shows up a fraud/fake website, and that the Company name is a fraud/fake. They kept telling us in emails, that they are not an escrow service, and do read about Remissions, but he can not do that since it happened after the cut-off date. Bridget, can you tell him how he can try to get his stolen money back from Western Union, since there was no check for fraud at the time of the 2 stolen transactions? This happened after the Court Case for Western Union in 2017, and he can not do Remissions.

Don't use your…
September 14, 2018
When is going to be an update of the cases? The information on the web is from June 1, 2018. When the telephone line is going to be available for respond on the claims information? Please let us know. Thank you
FTC Staff
September 14, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

It may take up to a year to process and verify people’s claims and determine who is eligible to get a payment. For information about the refund process you can:

  • Email the refund administrator at Info@WesternUnionRemission.com
  • Call the administrator at 1-844-319-2124
Johanne
September 17, 2018
I filed in January and have a claim ID # they sent via email. But I have moved since filing the claim and was wondering who do I contact to make change address. Thanks and is there somewhere we can check with our ID # were the claim is at. Thans
Gerry
October 13, 2018
Hello, is there anything to do for those who were caught by scammers after 31 May 2018? I paid a big amount via western union till i understand this was a scam. Is there anyway to refund a part of the amount, at least and where i can claim about it?
scammed in ct
October 15, 2018
I also just stumbled across this website. I was scammed out of $3,500.00, sent thru W.U in multiple transactions, in 2016. The scam originated thru FB "friends", a supposed govt grant. They even had a business account set up on FB. I did report it eventually to the state police fraud dept. Unfortunately, the deadline has passed. Being disabled and on a limited income, it was hard to swallow, harder to admit that I actually fell for it. If you were able to file, have patience. At least this issue was recognized & steps have been taken to rectify your loss.
kmurphy73
October 30, 2018
Has there been update about the settlements. I sent the pre-filled form to Gilardi last February but have heard nothing since. I keep coming back to his site hoping for more details
roland b uk
October 31, 2018
received letter from western union jan 18 telling me i was entitled to compensation, signed it and sent it back straight away, not yet heard anything back, is this normal.
farokhfaraz2
November 12, 2018
Hello, I had filed a complaints to refund my money by Western Union before May 2017. I received a ID number weathout pin code to followup the issue so how can I get this pin code please?
FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by farokhfaraz2

You can contact the company that the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refund process. The company is Gilardi & Co.

Read more at www.FTC.gov/WU.

Rhonda Works
January 09, 2019
When do me start getting there checks back from this scam.
FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by Rhonda Works

No checks have been mailed as of March 25, 2019.

You can stay informed by reading information at www.FTC.gov/WU and Gilardi & Co. Gilardi & Co. is the company the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refunds.

Gilardi & Co. is working to verify the claims that people send in. More than 180,000 petitions were submitted. When Gilardi & Co. finds a claim that needs more information, they contact the person by mail and ask them to explain the lack of information and ask for more information. 

It could take up to one year to review and verify all the peititions. Gilardi & Co will not make any final decisions or send any payments until they review all the claims.

The FTC will keep updating the information at www.FTC.gov.WU.

TRUMP IS YOUR …
March 25, 2019
CAN ANYONE Update us and the fake news on when settlements will be done. We will be moving in 6 months and would like to know Im getting a little something or if i am not to expect anything at all.
FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by TRUMP IS YOUR …

Gilardi & Co. is working to verify the claims that people send in. More than 180,000 petitions were submitted. When Gilardi & Co. finds a claim that needs more information, they contact the person by mail and ask them to explain the lack of information and ask for more information. 

It could take up to one year to review and verify all the peititions. Gilardi & Co will not make any final decisions or send any payments until they review all the claims.

You can stay informed by reading information at www.FTC.gov/WU and Gilardi & Co. Gilardi & Co. is the company the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refunds.

JP
January 21, 2019
The deadline was May 31, 2018, so why is the administrator still mailing out claims and extending it to Feb. 11, 2019. What is going on with all of this? I was told they have mailed out 3,600 more claims who is in charge of this the FTC or the Administrator seems they want it to continue why so they can charge more fees. It is time this all be settled now people have waited along time for their money
FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by JP

The claim deadline was not extended. Did you get mail from the claim administrator asking for more information about your claim?

The company (Gilardi & Co.)  that is in charge of the refund process is reviewing and evaluating all claims. More than 180,000 claims were sent in. If a claim is lacking information, Gilardi & Co may send mail to a person to explain the lack and ask for more information.  

You can stay informed by going to www.FTC.gov/WU or Gilardi & Co.

Patty
February 02, 2019
Have any checks been mailed? I was scamed for $4,800 and mailed in my paper work November 16,2017 and have not heard anything as to when a check would be coming. Is there any way of finding this out?
FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by Patty

No checks have been mailed as of March 25, 2019.

You can stay informed by reading information at www.FTC.gov/WU and Gilardi & Co. Gilardi & Co. is the company the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refunds.

Gilardi & Co. is working to verify the claims that people send in. More than 180,000 petitions were submitted. When Gilardi & Co. finds a claim that needs more information, they contact the person by mail and ask them to explain the lack of information and ask for more information. 

It could take up to one year to review and verify all the peititions. Gilardi & Co will not make any final decisions or send any payments until they review all the claims.

The FTC will keep updating the information at www.FTC.gov.WU.

FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by Patty

No checks have been mailed as of March 25, 2019.

You can stay informed by reading information at www.FTC.gov/WU and Gilardi & Co. Gilardi & Co. is the company the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refunds.

Gilardi & Co. is working to verify the claims that people send in. More than 180,000 petitions were submitted. When Gilardi & Co. finds a claim that needs more information, they contact the person by mail and ask them to explain the lack of information and ask for more information. 

It could take up to one year to review and verify all the peititions. Gilardi & Co will not make any final decisions or send any payments until they review all the claims.

The FTC will keep updating the information at www.FTC.gov.WU.

Bigred18
February 08, 2019
How do I report an address change since first filing a claim for the Western Union scan refund? Please advise. Thank you!
FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by Bigred18

You can contact the company that the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refund process. The company is Gilardi & Co.

Read more about the refund process at www.FTC.gov/WU.

So sad Selena
February 14, 2019
I lost $3600 to these scammers in 2010 and I have been in touch with the DA office that caught them... but they said there is no money to return and now I was never notified about this refund??? How foes the District Attorneys office in Las Vegas find me but Western union couldn’t?? Shady
Kristi
March 07, 2019
I feel like it has said it may take up to a year for refund for over a year now....
Karlawest13
March 25, 2019
Its 2019 where my refund check i
FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by Karlawest13

No checks have been mailed as of March 25, 2019.

You can stay informed by reading information at www.FTC.gov/WU and Gilardi & Co. Gilardi & Co. is the company the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refunds.

Gilardi & Co. is working to verify the claims that people send in. More than 180,000 petitions were submitted. When Gilardi & Co. finds a claim that needs more information, they contact the person by mail and ask them to explain the lack of information and ask for more information. 

It could take up to one year to review and verify all the peititions. Gilardi & Co will not make any final decisions or send any payments until they review all the claims.

The FTC will keep updating the information at www.FTC.gov.WU.

Msmo96621
March 25, 2019
Any updates on the settlement?
jtharp57
March 25, 2019
I was wondering if there are any updates to the Western Union refunds? Thanks Joni