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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.

ATgrsy214$
March 24, 2019
How cum is it that us ppl that have to wait for r money,but u guys don't have to wait for ur money u guys get it right away because thts not fair it's BS y is that I WNT MY MONEY NOW MY LAWYER JUT GOT BACK FROM VACATION ULL BE HEARIN FRM HIM OK
FTC Staff
March 25, 2019

In reply to by ATgrsy214$

As of March 25, 2019, the refund administrator has not sent refund checks to anyone.

To stay informed, go to www.FTC.gov/WU or the site of Gilardi & Co.

The US Department of Justice hired Gilardi & Co.l to manage the refund process. Gilardi & Co got more than 180,000 claims from people and they are still reviewing and evaluating the claims to see who is eligibility.  If a claim is missing information, Gilardi & Co. might send mail to a person to ask for more information.

Gilardi & Co. will continue to review claims in 2019. 

 

Bernadette Sava
March 29, 2019
Would love to know how much longer it's going to take to receive my refund..could use the money.
Perplexed in Texas
March 30, 2019
I filed my petition for refund on May 31, 2018 via UPS expedited delivery, but it was not received until June 20th, 2018. I’ve not heard a thing since then except reading the online update of the procedure dated September 2018. I’ve heard that refunds are already taking place. Is this true?
FTC Staff
April 02, 2019

In reply to by Perplexed in Texas

As of April 2, 2019, refunds have not being sent.

Check FTC.gov/WU and the website of Gilardi & Co - that's the company that's managing the refund process for the US Department of Justice.

People sent in more than 180,000 Western Union refund claims. Gilardi & Co. is reviewing and evaluating all the claims to determine eligibility. If information is missing from your claim, Gilardi & Co may contact you by mail to explain what is missing and to ask for more information.

No payments will be sent until all the claims are reviewed.

ronagnes
April 01, 2019
When will I get my refund it has been over a year that I gave my informstion
coker3282
April 01, 2019
I filed a claim and now they are asking for my ss# Why do they need that?
FTC Staff
April 02, 2019

In reply to by coker3282

Who is asking for your Social Security number? Be sure you send your information to a legimate group connected to the FTC case.

The FTC has up-tp-date information about Western Union refunds at FTC.gov/WU. Also, read updates from the company that manages the refunds for the US Department of Justice, Gilardi & Co.

  If you filed a claim before the deadline, and that claim is missing information, Gilardi & Co. might contact you by mail to explain what is missing and ask for more information.

You are required to give your Social Security number when you file a claim. This page of questions and answers explains why.

Kim K.
April 23, 2019
I received a letter by mail from the “Remission Administrator” the letter does not indicate who the remission administrator is. Seems shady. It asks for my social security number. When I visit the website they provide, www.WesternUnionRemission.com, the website shows it is NOT SECURE. this is what is written United States vs. The Western Union Company Remission Administrator P.O. box 40402 Louisville KY 40233-4027 WUU gave me a claim number and a court docket number listed a phone number of (844)319-2124 Is this a fraudulent letter? Or is this the letter from the lawyers Gilardi & Collc ?
FTC Staff
April 23, 2019

In reply to by Kim K.

The US Department of Justice hired Gilardi & Co to handle the refund process. If you filed a claim, and your claim is not complete, Gilardi & Co. might send you a letter that explains the problem and ask for additional information.

If Gilardi & Co sent you a letter on March 29, 2019, you must get a postmark on your reply by April 29, 2019. A claim has to include a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer ID number. These questions and answers on this page explain why you must give your SSN.

Read more about Western Union refunds at www.FTC.gov/WU and  www.WesternUnionRemission.com.

Tonya V.
April 24, 2019
I dont understand why those of us that did everything that was asked have to wait for our refund.
JP
May 06, 2019
Here it is May 6, 2019, now and this has been going on since 2017 so much time has passed and then several extensions been made seems it is time to make refunds to the claimants now. No more extensions please
selane rogers
May 10, 2019
Hi my name is selane Rogers these 2 lady scammed me of my money I was talking to one of the lady on Instagram she was talking about flip my money for me I told her I was Disable I get a social security check she ask me how much I get so I told her I told her that’s all I get I have to pay my bills so I did it I get $771 dollar for social security she told me if I flip it I will get back $7000 dollar back she did it with WesternUnion the pick up my money at WesternUnion the other women got my money WesternUnion told me they can’t Refund me my money back I have to call the police for that she pick my money up in Detroit Michigan they got it in May 1 when they got my money back I just got scammed may 1 2019
TimothyH30
June 01, 2019
I was scammed out of cash from Western Union. I received phone calls from ads with the promise of prayer, blessings, a better life, and more cash for buying a home. The scammer use western union to out smart me out of $2000.00 from lies about biblically words that he said that was from god. The scammer took the cash and never sent me the promise he made from the cash I sent to him.
Karla West
June 03, 2019
Wheres my check going on 4 years now
FTC Staff
June 03, 2019

In reply to by Karla West

The FTC announced a settlement with Western Union in January 2017. If you want information about that settlement, you can go to www.FTC.gov/WU and www.WesternUnionRemission.com.

gmosley0624
July 31, 2019

In reply to by Karla West

They give a date for one issue and don’t stick with the date. It’s not their money so why would they move with a purpose! They should have anticipated the claimant numbers and prepared for that so this way it wouldn’t take 2-3 YEARS for people to get their money back!!
Phyllis
June 03, 2019
I filled a claim In December of 2017. My form said it had to be in by February 12, 2018. Now I am seeing the deadline is May 31, of 2019. Is this the last extension and if so do we now wait another year to see the resolution?
FTC Staff
June 07, 2019

In reply to by Phyllis

No, May 31, 2019 is not an extension for all people to file claims. Gilardi & Co, the company hired by the US Department of Justice to manage the refund process, set a May 31, 2019 deadline for some people to send additional information about their claims.

Go to www.FTC.gov/WU and www.WesternUnionRemission.com to get the latest information about the refund process. Both websites have questions and answers for people who filed claims.

NotahappyJack
August 08, 2019
When I was scammed in 2017 by the DEA scammers they had me send money from Western Union & Money Gram. They were specific as to how much money to send each transaction & not to use the same wire service. I had made 2 thru WU 2 thru money gram yet money gram was not prosecuted by the FTC on behalf of victims......why not? Money Gram was just as culpable as WU which I am waiting reimbursement claim# 10xxxxxx & 10xxxxxx
Queencoyle
June 18, 2019
I filed on 1/28/18 and I haven't heard from anyone. I lost $6000
FTC Staff
June 19, 2019

In reply to by Queencoyle

Gilardi & Co., the company hired by the US Department of Justice to manage the refund process, is still reviewing claims.

Go to www.FTC.gov/WU or www.WesternUnionRemission.com for updates about the refund process.

Tweetybird17
June 21, 2019
HOW WILL PEOPLE KNOW IF THEY ARE OR ARE NOT GETTING A REFUND.
FTC Staff
June 28, 2019

In reply to by Tweetybird17

You can read updates from the FTC at www.FTC.gov/WU and from Gilardi & Co. at www.WesternUnionRemission.com. Gilardi & Co. is the company the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refund process.

Both websites tell you how to contact Gilardi & Co. if you have a question about your claim.

SGCohen
June 24, 2019
I submitted my Petition for Remission regarding the United States vs. Western Union Remission (I have a claim ID number) on Nov. 27, 2017. It is now June 24, 2019. I called the Administrator at 844-319-2124 (the number provided on the ftc.gov website) and was told they are processing deficiency letters that were mailed on March 29, but verified my claim number had been received. I was told to call back again in 2 months. I pray this program is legitimate and not another scam...
Wow
July 19, 2019

In reply to by SGCohen

When did you call them, the month of june or 2 months before june? You said they told you to call them back within 2 months.
Openrup
June 25, 2019
This is getting to be worse then getting scammed out of 600.00 were past a year and no timetable in site for refund
M.S.Harriman
June 27, 2019
Scam occurred in 2014... still no refund!!
FTC Staff
June 28, 2019

In reply to by M.S.Harriman

You can read updates from the FTC at www.FTC.gov/WU and from Gilardi & Co. at www.WesternUnionRemission.com. Gilardi & Co. is the company the US Department of Justice hired to manage the refund process.

waldo
June 30, 2019
is there any information on when refunds will be sent and anyway to find out if i'm getting a refund. it's been awhile since there's been anything new. I'd like to know if i qualified or not.
Blueberry
July 06, 2019
I just wanted to find out I guess if things are getting processed for the Western Union remission if people are going to start to see a refund soon I know that I wrote and explain my situation and was told that now they were working on it so hopefully I hear some good news.
FTC Staff
August 08, 2019

In reply to by Blueberry

The FTC has information about the refunds at www.FTC.gov/WU. The refund administrator, Gilardi & Co, has information at www.WesternUnionRemission.com. In March 2019, Gilardi & Co. mailed more than 38,000 letters to people whose claims lacked information. Those people were supposed to respond to the letters by June 30, 2019. The FTC, US Department of Justice and Gilardi & Co have not sent out notices about who is eligible for remission. You can check the FTC and Gilardi & Co. websites for updates.

Bwishwisely
July 07, 2019
I am moving in a few weeks, who do I submit my new address to in reference to the Western Union Settlement? Also, will the settlements now include interest as someone is getting interest on the 586 million dollars?
FTC Staff
August 08, 2019

In reply to by Bwishwisely

The refund administrator's website is www.WesternUnionRemission.com.

The FTC has information about the refund process at www.FTC.gov/WU.

Juno54
July 10, 2019
I was told refunds would be going out as of June 30th is this true? Is there a list that shows names and payout dates?
FTC Staff
August 08, 2019

In reply to by Juno54

The FTC has information about the refunds at www.FTC.gov/WU. The refund administrator, Gilardi & Co, has information at www.WesternUnionRemission.com. In March 2019, Gilardi & Co. mailed more than 38,000 letters to people whose claims lacked information. Those people were supposed to respond to the letters by June 30, 2019. The FTC, US Department of Justice and Gilardi & Co have not sent out notices about who is eligible for remission. You can check the FTC and Gilardi & Co. websites for updates.

Don't use your…
July 12, 2019
Any updates?
JP
July 18, 2019
It is time that the Justice Department and the Remission Administrator get the funds refunded. The deadline for claims not completed correctly was March 31, 3019, the extended to April 30th then extended again until June 30th. Anyone have a legal claim has had plenty long to complete their claims if they have one. Every time you call the administrator seems you get a different answer. Now it is time this all get processed been plenty long enough. Two one half years is a long time please make these refunds now.
andy pandy
July 20, 2019
how do we get our money back from money gram after being scammed. what do we have to do and also when does the time run out for claiming money back please
bxw003
July 22, 2019
I sent my original claim in as requested, on 11/28/2017, but so far no response. I have left several messages with Gilardi but again no one returns my calls. This law suit has already been removed from Gilardi website. What is happening with my claim? Thank you Brenda Williams
FTC Staff
August 08, 2019

In reply to by bxw003

The Gilardi & Co. refund website is www.WesternUnionRemission.com.

The FTC has information about the refund process at www.FTC.gov/WU.

update please
July 25, 2019
An update posted on the website would be appreciated. June 30 has long passed, how long until the deficiency emails are expected to be finalised?
FTC Staff
August 08, 2019

In reply to by update please

The FTC has information about the refunds at www.FTC.gov/WU. The refund administrator, Gilardi & Co, has information at www.WesternUnionRemission.com. In March 2019, Gilardi & Co. mailed more than 38,000 letters to people whose claims lacked information. Those people were supposed to respond to the letters by June 30, 2019. The FTC, US Department of Justice and Gilardi & Co have not sent out notices about who is eligible for remission. You can check the FTC and Gilardi & Co. websites for updates.

ATgray214
July 30, 2019
Yes I had received a letter saying I would receive my refund July 10 and I have got not a penny or dollar back, I lost 150.00 I'm not to happy
gmosley0624
July 31, 2019
I have been back and forth to the WESTERNUNIONREMISSION web page with Gilardi &Co but they have no new updates. It still shows that they were giving claimants until June 30th 2019 to turn in deficiency letters. ( it’s now July 31, 2019) We are now a month past this time and NOTHING. I am sure the FTC may be annoyed at our constant questions about “when will we see payments”. But as victims of fraud when you are scammed out of hard earned money you feel violated and helpless.. I am not rich and was scammed out of 3600$. Of which I can only recoup 3200$ because Western Union isn’t held responsible for the wiring fee...WHAT CRAP!! this is another violation in my eyes! I knew that the whole process could take a year but we are now past that year. I am also aware of the 180,000 claimants that have petitioned for payment. I almost wish the current claims administrator Gilardi & Co. would have sought more help to address the large number of claimants... because we are still wait for our money back... just called the Remission 800 number and the rep said “ I would try checking back at the end of the year for an update!” WHAT??This would take the process to almost 2 years... sorry but very annoyed at the snails pace this process is taking. I am also aware of the response I see over and over that “no payments can be issued until all petitions are reviewed. Just wish when they give a date that we can see updates on this date and not further push backs on those dates...SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS ALL AROUND
Urdarkdream07
August 07, 2019
Hello I submitted my claim. I haven't heard anything back and have yet to receive the refund. Is there anywhere I can go to find the status of my claim and when I will be receiving the money?
FTC Staff
August 08, 2019

In reply to by Urdarkdream07

The FTC, US Department of Justice and refund administrator have not sent decisions about refunds.

You can contact refund administrator (Gilardi & Co.) at info@WesternUnionRemission.com or 844-319-2124 to ask about your claim. The Gilardi & Co website is www.WesternUnionRemission.com.