If you used Western Union to send money to a scammer between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, and you did not already file a claim, you still have time to make a request to get your money back.
How do I file a claim?
To file claim, visit www.westernunionremissionphase2.com and click on the Petition Form. To be eligible, your form must be completed online or postmarked by August 31, 2022.
The claims administrator is mailing more than 300,000 pre-filled claim forms to people who may be eligible for a payment. These prefilled forms show eligible loss amounts, based on reports people previously filed with Western Union. The Frequently Asked Questions on the Western Union Remission Phase Two website tell what to do if you agree or disagree with the loss amount printed on the claim form.
What is this case about?
For years, many people who lost money to scams sent their payment through a Western Union wire transfer. Scammers contacted people and promised prizes, loans, jobs, discounted products or other financial rewards in exchange for money upfront. They also pretended to be family members in need of cash, or law enforcement officers demanding payment. The scammers told people to send money through Western Union. No one received the cash, prizes or services they were promised.
Because of joint investigations by the FTC, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, Western Union agreed to pay $586 million and admitted to aiding and abetting wire fraud. DOJ is now using that money to provide refunds to people who were tricked into using Western Union to pay scammers.
The new deadline to file a claim is August 31, 2022.
Who was eligible to submit a claim?
People who did not previously submit a claim and who sent money to a scammer through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 are eligible to submit a claim.
What kinds of scams are covered by these refunds?
A variety of scams are covered by this settlement, including:
- Online or internet scams – you did not receive the items you tried to buy online.
- Lottery or prize promotion scams – you were told you won a lottery or sweepstakes, but never got the prize.
- Emergency or grandparent scams – you sent money to someone pretending to be a relative or friend in urgent need of money.
- Advance-fee loan scams – you paid upfront fees but did not get the promised loans.
- Online dating or romance scams – you sent money to someone who created a fake profile on a dating or social networking website.
I think I am eligible for a refund. Can I get a copy of my receipt from Western Union?
According to the Western Union website, you can request a receipt by email, using the following steps:
- Go to the Western Union Email Help Center.
- Choose Copy of Money Transfer Receipt from the list.
- Complete the form and click “Submit.”
Who is the claims administrator for the Western Union matter?
Gilardi & Co. LLC is handling the claims and refunds process for this matter. You can reach the administrator at info@WesternUnionRemissionPhase2.com or 855-786-1048.