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Refund checks worth about $153 million are going out to over 109,000 people who sent money to scammers through Western Union wire transfers. The $153 million is a portion of the money Western Union paid when it reached settlements with the FTC and Department of Justice and agreed to create a strong, anti-fraud program. Western Union also admitted to criminal violations in its settlement with the Department of Justice.

The first refunds are going to people who signed and returned a pre-filled claim form and agreed with the dollar amount stated on the form. The refund administrator, Gilardi & Co., is verifying claims that need additional information. Other people who filed claims will get refunds later this year.

The refund checks will come from “United States v. The Western Union Company.” If you’re in the US, you have to cash or deposit the check within 90 days. If you got a check but don’t agree with the amount, you can cash the check and contact Gilardi & Co. For more information about refunds, contact Gilardi & Co. at 844-319-2124 and go to WesternUnionRemission.com. Learn more from the FTC at Western Union Refunds.

 

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Pam Y.
June 13, 2020

In reply to by Fayzer

I hope it’s more than that but when you think of all the losses people have suffered over the past years and in all the countries, how can it be any more than a small fraction of what one lost? Just my “2-cents......“
wmot1
June 06, 2020
When will the second around of checks will be sent out to consumers
Caligirl350
June 12, 2020

In reply to by wmot1

Yes good question Every time you call them they give me a different answer. At least update the site!
Danny
June 06, 2020
I’m In Canada and received a check. Is the amount on the check in Canadian or US dollars?
farokhfaraz2
June 08, 2020
Hi, I singed and returned pre_filed claim right at that time about t a man who scanned me over 18000 us dollars but I didn't any refund yet . Will you please consider and let me know about the issue Best regards
A Schmidt
June 09, 2020
I received the cheque. Is this in USD or Canadian finds? (I’m from Canada)
Kevin
June 09, 2020
I live in Canada is my cheque in US funds?
Budz306
June 12, 2020

In reply to by Kevin

Yes, the cheque is in US funds which means if your bank accepts the cheque, the cheque will be held for a period of about 10-15 business days to make sure the cheque clears.
CheckCashing
June 10, 2020
I have a friend in Hungary whose claim was accepted. She even has received the check. But: there is no way for her in Hungary to cash the check. I called the Remission Administrator at (844) 319-2124, but was told that the only option they have is to reissue the check. What can be done?
Shen101805
June 11, 2020
I already got my check but im in the Philippines and the check amount is in US Dollars.. will the bank honor my check and allow me to deposit the check to my account even if I dont have dollar account?
Mids5455
June 15, 2020

In reply to by Shen101805

Shen I’m in Bacolod & I haven’t received my check. Which part of the Philippines are you in
tony
July 08, 2020

In reply to by Shen101805

hi from Philippines too, they did not accept dollar check unless you will open dollar account will cost $500, and once you opened dollar you can deposit the dollar check after 6 months, but they only gave us until July 17 to encash to deposit the check or else the claim will be dismissed. hope there's other way to claim the refund. hope they can transfer the funds via western union so we can claim it directly in Philippine PESO.
John B
June 12, 2020
Are these funds in $US?
Budz306
June 12, 2020
The amount stated on the cheque is in US dollars and my bank here in Canada (TD Canada Trust) did accept the cheque but they put a hold on it for 15 business days
Tremblay
June 13, 2020

In reply to by Budz306

Budz306, Did you receive the full amount of your claim?
Charles T.
June 14, 2020
Is this lawsuit only for US Citizens or also Citizens living outside of the US Country? I did filled out the online lawsuit form back in May 2018. I’m in North Eastern Part of Ontario, Canada.
FTC Staff
June 15, 2020

In reply to by Charles T.

Since March, Gilardi & Co. has sent checks to people in the US and in other countries.

Tissa
August 11, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Dear FTC If Gilardi & Co. has sent cheques to people in the US and other countries, what is stopping them from sending cheques to us? what is the difference from people who have received cheques and people who have not received cheques? FTC I would appreciate an honest answer from you. Please don't stay silent.
mario.mggc
June 16, 2020
I live in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I received a check from "United States v The Western Union Company", but since I don't have VISA, I can't travel to USA. How can I get the deposit? Can I endorse the check to someone else to cash it in USA?
nbhollingswort…
June 16, 2020
How will excess funds be handled, i.e., funds remaining from the settlement after all substantiated claims have been paid?
Noahsark1001
June 16, 2020
Received the FULL Amount in US Dollars that was claimed- Am thrilled. Had sent a wire (money transfer) from a Western Union office in Canada to another one in England; this happened almost 18 years ago- sent the money to a scammer, unknowingly. Am so pleased with how easy it was to claim the money (filled out the forms some time early last year?). The cheque came last week much to my surprise (mind you it was dated April 9, 2020) got it on June 8, 2020, truly thought that I would never see this money again. A letter was attached to the cheque with a full explanation of United Stated v. The Western Union Company. Am so grateful. Hope all of you who rightfully are owed also receive your restitution.
Caligirl350
June 17, 2020

In reply to by Noahsark1001

Great for you. While the rest of us don't get an answer and are still waiting.
Giarcel
June 16, 2020
Are we able to check the status of our refund? Can we see if were still on a waiting list or if the refund has been already sent and never received.
MB1981
June 16, 2020
People who didn't receive their money yet, is it guaranteed we will get it before the end of the year?
Margit Katharina
June 19, 2020

In reply to by MB1981

The 120 days are nearly over. Hope that not will be change to 150 days next weeks
Polostyles
July 13, 2020

In reply to by Margit Katharina

The 120 days started after March 10 therefore the 120 days just ended this week in july
Dasiy18
June 19, 2020
how can you tell the status of your claim. Have a claim #.
Liz
June 20, 2020
Doesn’t seem like there is any guarantees you will receive anything. Seems it’s up to the company handling this who is refunded and when and how much. I sent proof of my claims and they wanted more proof. I got a “deficiency letter dated Sept 3 2019. It had to be returned by October 3. Less than a month from the time I received it. The people who received deficiency letters dated March 29 had until June 30 to return them. Over three months. It’s crazy that some people were given so much longer to gather proof and resubmit the form. The deficiency letter said I only sent proof of a partial amount because they couldn’t read some of the receipts I turned in. So I got my transaction history from WU which took 21 days. Anyways even after going through all the trouble to scan my receipts, provide all kinds of documents and forms to request my WU transfer history, finally get the history 21 days later which was near impossible to open since it was sent encrypted, and mail it all in, I still have no answers. I even filed a police report when I was scammed and contacted Western Union years ago when it happened but never received a “prefilled form.” When calling the office handling this with my claim number no one can give me any information. It’s quickly approaching the “120 days” so I wonder if they will soon make the rest of their decisions.
CJ
June 25, 2020

In reply to by Liz

FYI - the original return date for the deficiency letters was April 30, 2019. Believe me because I got one and sent my docs back via certified mail to ensure they were received. I also did not receive a pre-filled form. I happened to see the article printed in November 2017 regarding the remission and filed a claim.
MayaGregory
June 22, 2020
Hi all, Just reading thru comments and it sounds like all the (substantiated) reimbursements are coming in waves. Years ago, my father, who is deceased now, lost close to a million US dollars in several different scams, incl. this W.U. scam. It’s great that this is now finally happening. I’m expecting only to get a partial refund (Which is still much appreciated) and I was curious if the settlement would come in my name (as estate executrix) - or in the estate name? By chance anyone know? I, like many of you, have had a tough time trying to contact the atty’s office. Thanks! Peace, Maya
KLS
June 23, 2020

In reply to by MayaGregory

Maya, I think if you can provide proof of all the funds your dad lost, thn you should get pretty close to the amount he was scammed out of
Kinigenie
June 22, 2020
I am still waiting on the refund from Western Union due to victims of romance scams...I sent in all my info and copies of receipts a year and a half ago...please advise!!!
MrNiceGuy
June 22, 2020
I’m still waiting on my refund check and I can’t even find any information on it anywhere now. The website western union remission is down and the phone number now puts you on hold forever and then hangs up
michael
June 25, 2020
where do I check to see if my claim has been approved ?
azmamabear
June 25, 2020
I have not received a check, send another request for status today. This is incredibly frustrating, but I'm glad to hear that some people are receiving checks.
Ms.Lori
June 26, 2020
So is western Union charging their $15 processing fee to get the refund check? Western Union has been legally holding peoples money hostage for years and they still do it.
FTC Staff
June 26, 2020

In reply to by Ms.Lori

Gilardi & Co. is managing the refund process for the US Department of Justice. The Department of Justice started distributing checks in March 2020. The checks don't come from Western Union. You don't have to pay a fee to get a refund check.

Margit Katharina
June 27, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Did they send all the Checks until 10. July or again only a Part of them?
Peebles
June 27, 2020
I’ve been just another one who has been waiting, & waiting, & waiting and have seen “nothing” except a deficiency letter which made me search for the receipts and re-submit them a 2nd time. I was scammed out of more money through Money Gram, but know nothing of how to put a claim in to receive funds back from Money Gram. Does anyone else know anything about Money Gram?
Jdiaz
June 27, 2020
I still haven’t received any compensation when will I be receiving a check
Sue
June 29, 2020
I submitted all the necessary paperwork over a year ago. Can someone tell me when I will see payment for the fraud amount that I filed against. Thanks
mik89
June 29, 2020
why are they still saying being reviewed why do people have to wait to get there money this long
Lynette K
June 30, 2020
Hi - new to this thread so I apologize if this has been asked and answered before: anyone know how much of their claim they get back? Would it be the whole amount?? Thx.
DTG
July 01, 2020
Hi - anybody know What the Amount is that people will get back? like is it the Whole amount or just Partial?
Mary
July 01, 2020
Well they gave me a date of july 12th but will see
PY
July 13, 2020

In reply to by Caligirl350

Yeah- this July 12th “update” Would Have been yesterday. A Sunday.
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