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We’ve heard that people are getting official-looking emails about the Western Union settlement. The thing to know is that you cannot apply for a refund by email. The scam emails we’ve seen ask for information about your Western Union transaction, along with your name and address. These emails are scams. Don’t respond, don’t give any information.

The only way to apply for a refund from the FTC’s Western Union settlement is to follow these steps:

WU graphic detailing path

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If you have already applied for a refund and you get an email about it, call Gilardi, the claims administrator, at 1-844-319-2124.

If you have not yet applied for a refund and get an email asking you to apply for one by responding to the email, please tell the FTC. And remember, if you want to file a claim to get money back from this settlement, start at FTC.gov/WU, where you’ll also find answers to questions about the settlement and the refund process.

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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.

85beauty
April 04, 2018

I advertised selling an article for $1800 and received c fraud checks from so called buyers one for 2$2575 and the other for 3800 and wanting me to send the above selling amount to some one that was supposed to be the shipping agent, both checks are frauglent took to bank and checked and they were both no good do i need to send them to Federal Trade commission. I checked them out before shipping article.

Victim Service…
March 22, 2018
Is Gilardi or the DOJ sending out letters after a claim is filed? I had a victim receive 2 letters after she filed seeking more information.
FTC Staff
March 28, 2018

In reply to by Victim Service…

Yes, Gilardi will send notices asking for more information if required. If you or the person who filed the claim have questions about a letter you received, please submit another comment here. Thank you.

bewildered
April 02, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

I mailed in my forms at the beginning of Feb. to the add. on the forms and I have not recieved any letter letting me know they recieved them. I even called the Gilardi Administrator and spoke to a lady on the phone and she said they were not in the system yet but they should be within a month, but I still have not heard or received a letter as of April 2nd 2018. What should I do next I don't want to run out of time.
FTC Staff
April 02, 2018

In reply to by bewildered

Gilardi will not send you a letter to confirm it received your claim. If you have a question about your claim, you can contact Gilardi.

bewildered
April 02, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

I have done that already twice now and they keep telling me the same thing that they have no information on my claim. What do i do next?
poohters
May 24, 2018

In reply to by bewildered

bewildered I was told the same thing ,maybe this is a scam to ,I don't know who or what I can trust anymore ,been waiting a year I even talked to the person who sent me the letter saying how much I was gonna get back .and now they say they have no info on my claim after a damn year ,and I had to send in that form by mail .should of made copies
FTC Staff
May 24, 2018

In reply to by poohters

The deadline to file a claim is May 31, 2018. That is one week from today.

If you used Western Union to send money to a scammer between between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can file a claim to get money back. You can file online. Go to FTC.gov/WU to read about the claim process. Click the orange button near the top of the FTC.gov/WU page to connect to the US Department of Justice website where you file a claim.

Baby yoda
August 31, 2020

In reply to by bewildered

So I have not heard from u guys if I’m getting a check from u .I did fell out the paperwork.So just waiting to hear back
3 Cats
March 22, 2018
My Daughter got a phone call saying her Social Security # was suspended. This was late at night. Called SS the next day and found out it was a scam. They DO NOT suspend #'s they only cancel #'s when they get word that the person passed away. She call the phone # and a foren speaking person answered by way of an answering machine type of thing. Just a heads up to let you know.
gueritoblanco
March 28, 2018
tanks
Farmfresh
March 28, 2018

I didn't get an email about this,I read it in the newspaper. One of our local papers in Calaveras County ran an article about western union having to pay everyone back so I applied to be part of this settlement. They got in touch with me within a coupke of hrs. Later & i haven't -heard from them since. Any idea on what I should do now? If u do please let me no.

FTC Staff
March 28, 2018

In reply to by Farmfresh

 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 must file a claim by May 31, 2018.

You can not file a claim over the phone. You can file the claim yourself. You do not have to pay for help to file.

Go to FTC.gov/WU to read more about the refund process. You can click on the orange button near the top of the FTC.gov/WU page to connect to the claim filing website. You must file your claim by May 31, 2018.

Miky47
April 06, 2018
I just got scammed and was told to use Western Union. I know that this states that the dates to apply for this item are from 2004 to 2017, but what about people now? How do we get our money back?
FTC Staff
April 11, 2018

In reply to by Miky47

If you lost money recently, you can report what happened. That does not mean you will get your money back. You can report 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 the website too.

Lovekoala
April 20, 2018
Hi, I have ask some questions. I have fraud western union and bank check too. I found this website of your FTC but, looking for scam bank check website? please let me know. Thank you!
Jolie
April 22, 2018
Can we contact Western Union on how much we sent?
FTC Staff
April 23, 2018

In reply to by Jolie

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 by May 31, 2018.

You can file a claim even if you don't have all your receipts. Go to FTC.gov/WU to read about the refund process.  To file online, click the orange button near the top of the FTC.gov/WU page. It will connect you to the claim filing website.

Don't use your…
April 23, 2018
I've received 2 phone calls today April 23,2018 saying I was receiving a NO PAYBACK GRANT for 9200.00 I received a code word called another number was told 200.00 card from Steam and was thru the FTC and the New York Bank I would get 4500.00 in cash at Walmart and the remaining in a bank check from Walmart plus my 200.00 in the steam card I had nothing better to do then listen and laugh
Bill
May 09, 2018
My disabled uncle just got scammed this exact way! He was told he qualified for a no payback grant of $9000.00 He was scammed out of $200! The number they used was (202) 813-0252.. BEWARE!!!
bewildered
May 11, 2018
I sent in copies back in the beginning of Feb. And I have called the number at Gilardi several time and my name is not in the system and the end of May is coming quickly, I'm wondering what I should do, can you give me an answer before it's to late on what to do next?
FTC Staff
May 11, 2018

In reply to by bewildered

Please do two things. First, make a copy of this comment you sent to the FTC blog on May 11, and send it to BlogInfo@FTC.gov. Second, contact Gilardi again, explain your situation and ask what you should do. Thank you.

Cookie
May 16, 2019

In reply to by bewildered

Hi I received a letter about my refund in Nov 2018, the letter stated it would take one year to receive my refund which would have been Nov 2019, I didn't receive it, so I called they told me that i would receive it in Feb 2019, I haven't received any thing and hasn't heard back from western union, do you by have that attorney number or any number so, that I can call or report this
FTC Staff
May 16, 2019

In reply to by Cookie

The US Department of Justice hired Gilardi & Co. to manage the refund process. As of May 16, 2019, Gilardi & Co. is reviewing people's claims.  No one has gotten a refund yet.

To read updates about the refund process, go to www.FTC.gov/WU and www.WesternUnionRemission.com. 

Don't use your…
June 22, 2021

In reply to by bewildered

Same just happened to me. Called then was told to call another number and give them my grant activation number. Then was told to go to a western union and then call them back at western union so I could pay $200.00 to then receive 10,000 dollars. Not gonna happen!
Still Laughing…
May 16, 2018
In "Indian" accent.... This is the Health and Human Services Department of the U.S. Government.... You have been selected to receive a one time grant of $9,200 U.S. dollars..." Ha Ha..
ronald1216
May 20, 2018
why do some people who want to wire money to my account asks for account information and ppass word rather then just my name of the bank.
FTC Staff
May 21, 2018

In reply to by ronald1216

If you tell someone your account information and password, they can go into your account and take your money. They can change the password and block you from your account.  It can be dangerous to share your account information and password.

If you want to receive money by wire transfer, ask someone at your bank how to receive money safely.

Jeanie
May 29, 2018

I do not fully understand how to file this claim. at my age I sometimes have this problem.

FTC Staff
May 29, 2018

In reply to by Jeanie

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.

The deadline to file a claim is Thursday, May 31, 2018.

  • You can file a claim online.
  • Click on FTC.gov/WU to read about the refund process. 
  • Click on File a Claim to go to the US Department of Justice website where you file a claim.
Brospe
June 15, 2018
A loan place said I could get a a loan for 2000. But I’m credit score was to low. They said they can boost my score . Because the FTC need a credit score of 650 before they would release the funds. If sent them 200. They cab booost my score in a few mins. I was like this is a scam!!!!
Honey bear 5Do…
June 16, 2018
I submitted a fraud claim to Western Union in 2016 and I have a claim number. Never heard from them or received a claim form.
PinkMoo
August 03, 2018
There’s a company called “Best Pharmacy” advertising weight loss herbs, diabetes testing supply and other medical supplies at a “discount”. They say the supplies are coming from overseas and once you send money via Western Union, they say you then need to pay an additional $350 for an FDA license to transport any medical supplies over seas. Don’t be fooled by cheap prices for test strips or other supplies. There’s no such thing as a “FDA license”. I’ve reported them to the FBI and Internet Scammer Dept.
EffeteTommyNY
August 07, 2018
How does one do a change of address with Gilardi for the WU Claim?
Doe
August 21, 2018
This past month I sent by western union $400.00 in 100$ amounts. Western union called me within a few minutes of my sending and cxl said monies. I recd my bank statements and I was refunded. Was this legit or the scammers got my banking info. I feel like a fool.
myssd23
September 12, 2018
I was hired by a company called OEM as an assistant manager for the investment dept, I filled out employment agreement as well as direct deposit form. I then received the company training manual and handbook which to me was a red flag. They were talking about during training I would have to do several western union or money gram transactions. I am very afraid that this company is trying to scam me and others. Has anyone heard of this company?
Nawarah
October 16, 2018
Hello good evening.. Just now red about this western union refund. And the deadline may 31,2018.. Can I still submit refund.. Thank you
ROSE
December 01, 2018
Iello, I have submitted a claim on the 31/5/18 and got a confirmation with a claim n. I replied the other day asking for my claim progress and I got reply email saying this: Re: Personal Data Access Request Dear …………….. Thank you for choosing Western Union to move your money for better. We wish to inform you that we still haven't received any of your documents. Attached to this email is another blank form. Please send us your filled out Customer Access Request Form along with a copy of your valid photo ID with your signature and current address matching on what you will provide on the form. In case your current address s not showing in any of your ID, a proof of residence is required. It can be in a form of any of your latest utility bills or bank statement no longer than 90 days. Once we have received your complete documents, we will process your request immediately. Sincerely, Western Union Customer Care ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The information transmitted, including any content in this communication is confidential, is intended only for the use of the intended recipient and is the property of The Western Union Company or its affiliates and subsidiaries. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use of the information contained in or transmitted with the communication or dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the Western Union sender immediately by replying to this message and delete the original message Is this legit or is it a scam? Please can someone let me know Kind Regards Rose
Desotoshon
March 26, 2019
It's almost as if to get out of the scam you just about ran into another one. You scammers are intelligent and they know that they can get things to look legal. I think Western Union and yes send it to someone that is close to me ,yet their colleague wasn't. Not so sure if I've actually been scammed or if this is legit I really been believing it's legit. But all of us can be fooled at one time or another. So I like more detail information of how this is working with the Western Union scams. I received one that said that they noticed there's been a fraud going on with me sending money which I doubt it seriously it seem like a scam itself but I wasn't sure about the alerts and claims. Please send me detail information. No pun I like legitimate things.
Carol Lynch
March 27, 2019
I am a victim of a on line romance scam. This person claimed to be a real estate agent and promised to help me sale my house as soon as he completed a large estate sale in Canada. But when he got to London to meet with the family he needed money which he would give back to me as soon as the deal was over. I sent 3 western union transactions to him for money and then found out all the pictures he had been sending me was not even him. This scam caused me to lose about 1800. dollars and my commercial cleaning business. do I have a chance at getting any of my money back?
FTC Staff
April 12, 2019

In reply to by Carol Lynch

You can call the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 800-448-1492 and report what happened, and contact the website where you found the person's profile. If the person said he worked for a real estate company, you could also contact them and see if they have contact information.

Derick
June 18, 2019
My transaction was sent in over a year ago. Still haven’t heard nothing!? Pretty sure this Western Union fraud refund is a scam too!!
FTC Staff
June 18, 2019

In reply to by Derick

Gilardi & Co., the company hired by the US Department of Justice to manage the refund process, is still reviewing claims. Stay informed about the refund process with information from www.FTC.gov/WU and www.WesternUnionRemission.com.

Openrup
July 12, 2019
Starting to believe this is a bigger scam then the money I got scammed
KATIE JARVIS
August 12, 2019
I gave Zack Freiburn 510.00 in western union and steam cards.. how do I get refunds..
Samsky
December 18, 2019
I sent in the preliminary information before the deadline, and now it's nearly 2 years. I received a reply letter stating that more information was needed, when I actually sent cash register receipt copies with the necessary forms. After recopying & sending the second set of information, I received an identical letter stating that more information was needed. Valid receipts, showing locations of Western Union office, my name, amounts etc, plus extra copies of the original paperwork . I don't know what else is needed, but I am going to file a form of grievance through my local county to see what the "hold up" is... this is RIDICULOUS!!!
Meetoo
January 07, 2020
I tried to make a claim back in 2012 and have not received any compensation for sending money to scammers. Not happy
Don'tUseEmailAddress
February 20, 2020
I got messed over but FTC won't help? There should be a reserve account, we will ask Congress.
FTC Staff
March 16, 2020

In reply to by Don'tUseEmailAddress

Get information about the refund program at www.FTC.gov/WU. 

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. Gilardi & Co is the refund administrator for the program.

If you already filed a claim, go to the Gilardi & Co website for more information: WesternUnionRemission.com or call 844-319-2124.

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