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Since we told you it’s time to ask for your money back from Western Union’s settlement with the FTC, we’ve gotten some questions about who can make a claim, when, and how it works. Here are some answers.

  • If you lost money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can file a claim. You have until February 12, 2018, to file your claim.
  • You do not have to pay to get your money back. To file a claim, you have to give your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on the claim form. But nobody will call you to ask for those numbers, or for your bank account or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer, so tell the FTC right away.
  • If you don’t have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, check the box that says so. When asked for a reason, you can explain that you’re not a U.S. citizen – or whatever other explanation applies.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is managing the claims process through the company they hired, Gilardi & Co. Your claim will go to Gilardi, but we suggest you start at FTC.gov/WU, which will link you to the claims website.
  • If you had reported your loss to Western Union, the FTC, or another government agency earlier, you might have gotten a pre-filled claim form in the mail. But even if you didn’t, you can still file a claim.
  • To prove how much you lost, it helps to have documentation – like a receipt or transfer send form. If you don’t have those, file anyway. Give as much information as you can about your wire transfer and the money you lost, including when and why you sent it. That will help DOJ validate your claim.
  • We know it’s not that safe to send your Social Security number through the mail to someone you’ve never heard of. That’s why we suggest filing your claim online, starting at FTC.gov/WU. But if you got a claim form in the mail from Gilardi and you want to return it by mail, the only address to send it to is: United States v. The Western Union Company, PO Box 404027, Louisville, KY 40233-4027.
  • If you have power of attorney for someone, or you represent their estate, you can file a claim on their behalf.
  • How much money you get back depends on how many people file a claim, and how many claims DOJ can validate.
  • It might take a year for DOJ to process all the claims and send out checks.

 

Check FTC.gov/WU for updates and answers to other questions.

 

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.

Mother scammed
January 20, 2018
My mother was sending money for about 6 years. I want to know if this is legit before going forward in helping her with this. Very un-trusting . Especially in sending her social to you.
FTC Staff
January 23, 2018

In reply to by Mother scammed

If your mother lost money to scammers between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, and she paid by Western Union, she can file a claim to get money back. She must file a claim by February 12, 2018.

 

It's good that your mother is being careful about sharing her Social Security number. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) needs your mother's Social Security number when she files a claim. DOJ must check with the Treasury Offset Program to verify that your mother doesn't owe any money to the federal government. It needs her Social Security number to do that.

 

Go to FTC.gov/WU for more details about the claim process. There are two buttons at the top of the page. If your mother did not get a claim form in the mail already, click on the orange button. It links from the FTC site to the site where your mother can file her claim.

Mother scammed
February 01, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

Thank You! I couldn't find this post to begin with so I reposted.
rdelahoussaye
January 23, 2018

Might be to late, but I can PROVE while I caring for my husband in his final days the week of January 5 2016 that money was wired Western Union from my account. (Regions Acct) Money was wired out his Buisness Acct. as well. He passed away January 11th...My grandfather taught me it 's better to be the one robbed than The Robber! I had 3 attourneys. Two must be friends with the Robber. Last attourney is willing to help. I don't have an e-mail acct. right now they've been hacked. along with all my devices.

FTC Staff
January 23, 2018

In reply to by rdelahoussaye

You can submit a claim for another person if you represent the person's estate, or you have power of attorney for the person making the claim. Get more information at FTC.gov/WU.

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 February 12, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to start the process.

Yazz
January 23, 2018
When will FTC start issuing out checks
FTC Staff
January 23, 2018

In reply to by Yazz

The FTC is not sending checks. The US Department of Justice is  managing the refund process.

It might take one year or longer to process and verify all the requests and determine who is eligible to get a payment. You can go to FTC.gov/WU for updates about the refunds process.

Emmy
January 26, 2018
I was scammed in August 2017, and sent the money through Western Union. Is there any chance of being able to file a claim at a later date? I filed a report with the FBI, but they are not pursuing the case because of the number of cases they have.
FTC Staff
January 26, 2018

In reply to by Emmy

The refunds related to the Western Union settlement with the FTC are for transactions that happened between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017. 

If you sent money to a scammer outside those dates, you can report a scam to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. You can provide information about the company, what it promised, and what you received. The information you give goes into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

You can also report it to the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492.

sad grandma
January 29, 2018
I got the letter from Gilardi for the exact amount I was scammed. Filled it out and mailed it in. After reading the above, I'm wondering if the letter arrived. Is there a phone number I could call to see if my letter arrived? Feb.12th is not far off!
Terri E
January 30, 2018

I was twice how can I get reimburse here's my email address 

FTC Staff
January 30, 2018

In reply to by Terri E

We don't post private email addresses on the blog.

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 February 12, 2018.

 

Go to FTC.gov/WU to read about the refund process. You can  click a button at the top of the FTC.gov/WU page to connect to the claim-filing website.

Evazquez
February 01, 2018
I was contacted by western union saying they would give me my refund, should I still contact DOJ?
FTC Staff
February 01, 2018

In reply to by Evazquez

Someone might be trying to trick you. The person who called might not really be from Western Union.

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 February 12, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to start the process.

charmedone
February 04, 2018
was sending money but western union cancelled the transaction and then informed me I had to wait 7 days for a refund, omg, while the money was in my bank I would earn interest on it, yeah its only a week but being in western unions bank are they earning interest. if they cancellrd why not return money straight away as it never reached the destination to where it was suposed to go to. They tell me it could be fraud ok they gave me that advise so then it was up to me as I knew it wasnt, would never use them or money gram again, they tell what to do with my money and the whole time they are holding it who are the actual scammer???
Rickbizz
February 05, 2018
I filed a claim to the Dallas FBI internet crime unit and Western Union scam unit and haven't heard anything from either one. The claim was May 5, 2017. Was it because it was passed the dead line?
FTC Staff
February 06, 2018

In reply to by Rickbizz

If you want to ask for money back, you have to file a new claim form connected to this settlement. You have to file the new claim form by May 31, 2018.

To start your claim, go to FTC.gov/WU. There are two buttons at the top of the FTC.gov/WU page. If no one sent you a claim form already, you can click on the orange button. Then click again, and you will be connected to the US Department of Justice claim filing website. The online claim form asks for information about the money you sent.

multiple trans…
February 08, 2018
I made multiple transactions. Do I need to file a separate claim for each transaction or can I do one claim for the total amount?
FTC Staff
February 08, 2018

In reply to by multiple trans…

Please go to FTC.gov/WU to connect to the U.S. Department of Justice claim filing website. Follow the directions on the DOJ website.

atoyle
February 09, 2018

What if I am outside of the USA (Australia) Can I make a claim

FTC Staff
February 09, 2018

In reply to by atoyle

You are not required to be a United States citizen or in the United States to file a claim. 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.

Michael
February 16, 2018
I know you don’t have an exact number as there are many variables, but could you please ballpark the percentage we can expect to recover? Is it 1-2% or actually significant? Don’t want to spend the time digging up documents if not.
FTC Staff
February 16, 2018

In reply to by Michael

If your claim is verified, the amount you get will depend on how much you lost and the number of people who submit valid claims.

Only the amount you transferred via Western Union is eligible for a refund. Other expenses like Western Union fees, other losses, or transfers sent through other businesses are not eligible for a refund.

dualhvision
February 16, 2018
I was wondering when our claims will be paid, I was scammed by a lot more than what the letter said, but anything would help at this point being on disability, unfortunately I do not have the receipts anymore, I filed my claim as soon as I got the letter online, thank you.
FTC Staff
February 16, 2018

In reply to by dualhvision

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 publish more information when we have it.

Spike56
February 18, 2018
Still waiting to hear from Western Union. I got 2 forms in because I didnt have much proof but attached what I just found to show the name the imposter was using. Dan Yeast Sr was the name at the time
FTC Staff
February 20, 2018

In reply to by Spike56

If you want to file a claim to ask for money back, you must file by May 31, 2018.

Yazz
February 25, 2018
When will our money be sent out
FTC Staff
February 26, 2018

In reply to by Yazz

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 this page when we have more information.

Crowley
March 03, 2018
I just rediscovered my claim form buried under a pile of mail w/a Feb 12th deadline which has now passed. Surely if we have valid claim we should still be able to send in our form, correct? Please advise?
FTC Staff
March 05, 2018

In reply to by Crowley

The deadline was extended to May 31, 2018.  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 your money back.  

You have a fill out the paper claim form you have and send it back by postal mail, or go to FTC.gov/WU and click the blue button near the top of the page to connect to the online claim filing website.

Scammed
March 09, 2018
I lost money during the dates listed above through WU, filed a complaint with the FTC, but never got my money back. It’s after 2/18 but can I still try and get it back?
FTC Staff
March 12, 2018

In reply to by Scammed

Yes, you can still file a claim. The filing deadline was extended to May 31, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to start the process.

kellygirl
March 14, 2018
Is there anyway to get an update on the status of the claim that we individually filed?
FTC Staff
March 15, 2018

In reply to by kellygirl

You can request an update from the refund administrator. You may get an answer that your claim is "under review."

It may take up to a year to process and verify people’s claims and determine who is eligible to get a payment. The FTC will publish new information at FTC.gov/WU.  You can visit that page periodically to check for updates too.

Sheila
March 18, 2018
I am from the Philippines, am i eligible for refund too.i lost a very big sum of money due to a scammer. Pls help me as to what can i do as im now very poor and in ao much debt.
FTC Staff
March 19, 2018

In reply to by Sheila

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

Go to FTC.gov/WU to read more about the refund process. You can click the orange button near the top of the FTC.gov/WU page to connect to the claim filing website.

maiyolm
March 29, 2018

Yo no hablo inglés. Necesito saber si ya empezaron a reembolsar el dinero a las victimas de las estafas ??? No tengo idea de dónde puedo buscar información.

benny a
March 29, 2018

hel;lo I have been victimized by the scammers using western union I would like to no will you be able to see all my transaction since 2008 if I lost my mtcn numbers could you please email me and let me no

FTC Staff
March 29, 2018

In reply to by benny a

We can't send you email. If you want to ask for a refund, you must file a claim. You must file the claim by May 31, 2018.

You can file a claim even if you don't have all the paperwork. You can file a claim online. Click on this: FTC.gov/WU. The FTC.gov/WU page tells more about refunds. To file online, click the orange button near the top of the FTC.gov/WU page. It connects to the website where you file a claim.

Gary L
April 11, 2018

I do not think that the date of filing is by Feb. Of 2018 when a person who was scammed just found out about this suit against Western Union in April 2018

rick
April 16, 2018
Not a comment, a question. I sent in the original form I got, but since learned that I need to file a correction due to death of fraud victim. I have tried to use the link to get a blank form, but cannot get it to work. I have the claim number, but not the PIN. How can I get a blank form?
isthisjustanot…
April 23, 2018
what if you were paid from someone on line between those dates and deposited the money orders onto you bank account and waited 30 days to withdraw said money and then western union said they were fake money orders...which they were not but then the bank took the money out of your account to pay back western union but no one would ever give you any explanation in writing....it was $5000 and I did file with the banking commission file a report with Citi bank for what they did. should I file for this, I did get something in the mail but cannot find it at this time.
FTC Staff
April 27, 2018

In reply to by isthisjustanot…

This settlement is for people who used Western Union to send money to someone for a scam between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017.

If you used Western Union to send money to someone for a scam between those dates, you can file a claim to get money back.

You can file a claim about the money you sent by May 31, 2018. Go to FTC.gov/WU to read more about the refund process. To file your claim, click the orange button near the top of the FTC.gov/WU page. It will connect you to the claim filing website.

Kelley C
May 02, 2018

I have sent in a claim and documentation I have never heard from anyone. Is there anyway to check if they received my documents?

Sunshine
May 02, 2018

What if I don't have paper work or the exact amount?? and I was scammed twice in that period