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We’ve all known for a long time that scammers ask people to pay by wiring money. Money wiring companies like MoneyGram and Western Union have also known that scammers have people wire money using their services. In fact, the FTC has sued both companies – which have paid a lot of money to settle those charges – over exactly that issue. When the FTC settled with those companies (MoneyGram in 2009, Western Union in 2017), they also agreed to make changes to protect people from fraud. Except MoneyGram didn’t actually take some of those important steps.

That’s why the FTC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) just announced a new settlement with MoneyGram for $125 million. That money will eventually go back to people who wired – and lost – money to a scammer through MoneyGram starting in 2013. (There will be a date range for eligible refund requests. Exact dates will follow.)

Here’s the story: in 2009, MoneyGram had promised to vet the agents they were hiring, train them to spot fraud, monitor them to watch for fraud-related money transfers, take action if they saw an agent who didn’t try to reduce fraud, and also record fraud complaints and share them with the FTC.

But the FTC’s investigation showed that MoneyGram hadn’t adequately done those things – especially in their large chain outlets. And MoneyGram’s system that should have helped spot and stop fraudsters operating in plain sight? It basically didn’t work for a year and a half, letting millions of dollars in fraud-related transfers go through.

Now, MoneyGram has to put in place more protections that address all the ways it did not follow the order last time. And pay that $125 million to DOJ, which will work with the FTC to set up a refund program to get it back to people.

What should you do to get a refund? Right now, nothing. It might take several months for the refund process to even start. When it does, it will be free to request a refund. And we’ll tell you here and at ftc.gov/MoneyGram what happens next.

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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.

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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.

Tudball82
May 07, 2020
I filed complaint months ago regarding MoneyGram. Money order for 127.67 never cashed they never responded or sent papers for refund. I have receipt.
Coli
May 14, 2020
Could I get my money back if I have sent by money gram and been scammed
Don't use youL…
May 19, 2020
I am a victim of so called US military and foud out that i was scammed please help me send back my money. Thank you
Bonny
May 25, 2020
I was scammed, sending money to release goods. How do I claim the monies back?
Dan Wilson
June 07, 2020
I SENT A $50.00 MONEY GRAMS CHECK FROM TEALS GROCERY STORE IN CASS LAKE, MN TO WAL MART STORE IN BRAINERD, MN AND MY DAUGHTER DIDNT RECEIVE IT ON Saturday, May 30th 2020. I don't have a receipt.
Almazain
June 15, 2020
I got scammed to, they refuse to give my money back
Latoya123
June 21, 2020
I had did a moneygra one came in but the other didn't I need help
Berit
July 07, 2020
I lost a lot of money payed for a scammer I didn't knew, that he was not real. Can I get it back?
LilyMae
July 07, 2020
I was scammed out of over $8000.00 via MoneyGram transfers - as a result of trying to help a friend save her home from foreclosure. In trying to bail her out and save her home - my entire savings was stolen from some stranger who could care less about anyone! Worst part is - I work very hard everyday to save and pay my bills... I don't hide behind a cyber wall and steal money from unsuspecting - kind - hard working individuals... Shame on MoneyGram and shame on those thieves. Hopefully someday I'll get some sort of return on all of the money I was scammed out of. I wish you all the best - God Bless
deanori
July 09, 2020
BEWARE! MonyGram was the successful instrument of a fraud scam against me!  They allowed a stranger, from the Philippines, to set up an account in my name, with my correct address, phone number & birthdate without secondary verification! In addition, they took the money from my credit card & only sent emails after the account was set up & the funds were stolen! Today, I received an email regarding their investigation that in-part said, "We would like to thank you for taking the time to provide information on your experience and we would like to reiterate how sorry we are that you were victimized using our services. Information regarding your transaction has been recorded by the appropriate fraud teams, who are working to prevent future MoneyGram transactions from being used as a part of a fraudulent scheme. MoneyGram is a person-to-person money transfer service aimed at persons sending money to family and friends – individuals you personally know and trust. If you ask MoneyGram to pay someone who turns out to have defrauded you or who fails to meet their obligations to you, MoneyGram will not be liable as a result." I never asked them to open an account in my name or pay anyone! As a result I lost an amount equal to my Medicare & prescription drug payments.
puppy
July 13, 2020
I was scammed, as well(by using MoneyGram). How do I apply for a refund from MoneyGram?
gler.79v6
February 22, 2021
I also lost more than thousand dollars in money gram on the years 2014 - 2015. with a certain Barrister Lawyer and someone who claim that he was a christian, He helped young kids and his wife was in the hospital for cancer disease
Chris
July 23, 2020
I got scammed over a lottrty for millions but unfortunately they kept saying they needed the custom fee and then once paid I was told to await their arrival only to ne told they needed money, in total between money gram and western union i paid over a 1500. I spoke to western union they wanted proof is on their web site for all republic if Benin payments , money gram refuses to give me information on these transfers even though I paid at the store location. I just want my funds back
Tammy48
July 26, 2020
I was scammed for thousands from someone claiming to be in the military. I am still paying my bank back the mobey.
Smith3118
August 13, 2020
this is great news to hear I myself was scammed out of over $18,000 by the LawrenceTownship Community Foundation in New Jersey watch these people they are not really who they say they are back in January 2019 and to this very day they are still scam
Anne
September 08, 2020
I lost a lot money , i didn't knew that scammer existed. I'm so angry, getting only a little pension and lost everything
jpjpjpjpjp
September 30, 2020
I was scammed by a one that he was saying that he was a military I only have 8000 and I lost them all
49er
September 30, 2020
I am so glad to hear that Money gram is being sued for this. I was caught in a scam back in 2012 and was graciously refunded from FTC in regards to what Western Union was apart of. Thank you for your hard work. I hope you can help me on this issue as well.
Monicaj67
October 05, 2020
I was scam thousand of dollars through money's gram will like to know how can I recouped my money's
JayP
October 17, 2020
I was blackmailed by extortionists from West Africa. I wired money through Money Gram. When I contacted Money Gram, they refused to return my money or acknowledge the scam. Instead, they said that I was in a contractual agreement with them once I sent the money. I even tried to cancel the transaction the next day but they said it was too late and the criminal extortionists picked up my money and that they could do nothing about it.
GG
October 19, 2020
Does anyone here have some more information about the the current status?
sucka59
October 26, 2020
Western union & moneygram got my $$$ transfered. I finally got my refund from WU but did not know that the Feds were going after Moneygram also as I mentioned them in my complaint. Can I still file a complaint for the other half of the money I lost?
Jozef
October 29, 2020
Money Gram is the most terrible scam company they keep money and misuse money of clients to make profit on their private fraudulent activities to 5 or 10 working days keeping money what they should return instantly becose they did not send money enywhere.
shasa
November 18, 2020
i have been scam through moneygramrecently in july only to be told nothing can be done after 6months phone calls email
Berit
November 22, 2020
I lost a lot of money to scammer and have my transaction list. How get I my money back via de money hram refund. It's so hard be scammed and lost a big amount
Ahlah45
December 11, 2020
I was scammed out of $350 and i sent it through money gram now I'm try to get my money back.
Pat
December 21, 2020
I was scammed out of a very large amount of money via moneygram in 2008 and I filed a claim via the website and was not asked for copies of any receipts - I received very little back - is there any reason why I did not receive all of it?
Tarian UK.
December 27, 2020
Alibaba gas so many criminals and scammers, they are all using money gram, bank transfers. Do not fall for scammers, ask for company details address and a video via whatts app. If they can not do any of this, report to the authorities, so to stop these types from, getting any cash.
Shammonds
December 31, 2020
I paid out thousands to scammers but never got a refund!!!why was I not one of the people to get some of my money back???
Shammonds123
January 20, 2021
I lost thousands to scammers through money gram I never got any thing back!!!
Lumlum2002
January 27, 2021
How can I be put on the list please? I lost a LOT of money to a romance scam through BOTH MoneyGram & Western Union. Please HELP me! There must be either some way to alert people or to be put on a list better yet. Thank you.
Fernando Miami
January 29, 2021
MoneyGram took my money immediately from my card then cancelled my transaction now it's 5 days later I have no money in my card and no transaction done without money permission they did this and they took my money immediately now they will not return my money they say 3 to 5 days I say scammers using my money to conduct your business with your high prices and bad customer service
robbed
February 23, 2021
received a letter to sign and summit to get a refund , from money gram international providence RI PO box 43549, 02940. Concerned they want my ss# is this legit?
FTC Staff
February 22, 2021

In reply to by robbed

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) and US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are sending letters and claim forms to some people who used MoneyGram to send money to scammers.

The claim form asks for your Social Security number. That's becausen (USPIS) has to check to see if you owe money to the federal government before it can send you a refund from MoneyGram.

Go to www.MoneyGramRemission.com and read the frequently asked questions to learn more.

toriwillner
February 22, 2021
I never thought I'd see this day!! Do we know when to expect refunds if we are approved for it?
FTC Staff
February 22, 2021

In reply to by toriwillner

The FAQ on www.MoneyGramRemission.com says:
It will take up to one year or more to review and verify petitions, and determine who is eligible to receive a payment.  Check www.moneygramremission.com for updates on the status of the process.

Remember to sign, date and return your claim within 90 days.

Srocikdak
February 22, 2021

In reply to by FTC Staff

Is this really true? the phone number on the letter is not valid.
DI
February 27, 2021
I’m happy about this as well I lost almost 10,000 to scammers of my hard earned money
FyahMan
March 05, 2021
My Mom has been scammed thousands of Euros with this so called Spain Lottery that she taught she won back in 2012, we did reported the incident to MoneyGram and the FTC many times but nothing was done about the matter, I scanned and sent all the transactions and receipts to MONEYGRAM didn't even get a petition file number and pin for Remission ..
FTC Staff
March 05, 2021

In reply to by FyahMan

Please look at the www.MoneyGramRemission.com Frequently Asked Questions that tell you who is eligible to file a claim. The Frequently Asked Questions also say:

"On June 1, 2021, the portal to file a petition will open for those who did not receive a pre-filled petition.  The final deadline for filing a petition during the open portal is August 31, 2021".

If your mother is eligible to file a claim, she can file when the online system opens on June 1, 2021.

KtiieeW1993
March 07, 2021
What about people who were scammed outside of these dates? I was scammed out of £6000 back in October 2009. Have all the receipts and even filed a police report at the time which went nowhere as they couldn’t do anything. Is there any way of getting this money back?
FTC Staff
March 08, 2021

In reply to by KtiieeW1993

You can also report that to the money transfer company. 

chrisc
March 12, 2021
it is ok to give my social security # on the form?
FTC Staff
March 15, 2021

In reply to by chrisc

There is a newer FTC blog post about the refunds: MoneyGram fraud refunds get closer. That blog explains what to do if you got a prefilled claim form from Gilardi & Co. LLC. 

The claim form requires you to give your Social Security number (SSN). That’s because the federal Treasury Offset Program must find out whether you owe money to the US government before you can get a payment. It needs your SSN to do that.

yfojubilee
March 13, 2021
Wow! My mother was told that she'd won the lottery and was scammed outta a half a million to receive the prize money. She even went so far as to reverse mortgage house. The problem is once she was blocked from MG, she used "mules" to move the money for her. So, those large refunds will be going back to those people and not her.
Kingdetailer
March 18, 2021
I got this claim iD for 200 dollars from money gram when will I get this I already went online to file it so they gave me a claim ID number