Western Union Settlement Continues to Return Money to People Who Paid Scammers Using Western Union
The Justice Department is sending payments totaling nearly $40 million to approximately 25,000 people in the U.S. and abroad. These payments are the result of settlements between Western Union, the Justice Department, and the FTC.
The Justice Department previously mailed checks in March 2020, September 2020, and June 2021. These previous distributions resulted in more than $365 million returned to over 148,000 victims. The Justice Department anticipates sending additional checks in the coming months.
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 a claim, you must contact the claims administrator, Gilardi & Co. LLC, at info@WesternUnionRemissionPhase2.com or 855-786-1048.
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 Justice Department, and the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, Western Union agreed to pay $586 million and admitted to aiding and abetting wire fraud. The Justice Department is now using that money to provide refunds to people who were tricked into using Western Union to pay scammers.
Who is 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 still 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?
To request a copy of your receipt, contact Western Union.
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.