If you sent money to a scammer using Western Union you may get a refund

If you sent money to a scammer through Western Union between 1 January 2004 and 19 January 2017, you may be entitled to a refund after the global money service agreed to repay a settlement of $586 million to scam victims. Claims must be submitted by 31 May 2018. 

Western Union has implement and maintain a comprehensive anti-fraud program with training for its agents and front line associates, along with monitoring to detect and prevent fraud-induced money transfers.

The United States’ Department of Justice recently sent letters to Australians who may have sent money to a scammer. Consumers are able to complete this letter to apply for the refund.

If you did not receive a letter but believe you may qualify to make a claim, the scam should be one of the following:

• 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.

To submit a claim

If you sent money via Western Union for any of the above reasons, go to the website http://westernunionremission.com/ and click on File a Petition for Remission.

Or

Visit the Federal Trade Commission website and complete the ‘I lost money, but did not get a claim form’.

Need further assistance?

IDCARE have devloped a guide for claimants to help victims with understanding the claim process.  

As this is a United States-based action, Consumer Protection WA is unable to make claims on the behalf of consumers.

Scam Warning

Scammers trying to use this case to impersonate government departments or Western Union in order to trick you into sending them money or personal information.

Protect yourself, make sure you:

• follow the instructions on the United States' Department of Justice's Western Union Remission or Federal Trade Commission websites,
• do not respond to unsolicited emails about this process and
• do not transfer any money to anyone in relation to this matter.

Please note the legal firm Gilardi & Co LLC has been assigned to assist with the claims process.