Scam victims who were conned into using Western Union to wire money to fraudsters may be able to get at least some of their money back.
Western Union recently agreed to pay $586 million to settle charges that the financial services giant failed to address hundreds of thousands of complaints related to fraudulent money transfers for phony lotteries and online dating services, bogus family emergencies, and other scams. To be eligible for the settlement, the scam must have occurred between January 1, 2004, and January 19, 2017, and you must file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by February 12.
Gilardi & Co., a claims administrator hired by the Justice Department, will mail forms to victims who have reported losses to Western Union, the Department of Justice or the FTC. The letters will contain instructions for filing a claim online. Victims who haven’t reported scams can go to FTC.gov/WU to file claims and get updates on the process. It will take the DOJ up to a year to validate claims and return money to victims.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
Actively Managed Portfolios: What Are They and How Do They Work?SPONSORED Don't settle for a robo advisor.
-
The Emotional Side of Retiring: Six Steps to Help You Move OnGetting mentally ready for retirement can be tough. The loss of your work identity, daily connections, and sense of purpose can make the transition difficult. Here are six steps to help you adjust.
-
Seven Things You Should Do Now if You Think Your Identity Was StolenIf you suspect your identity was stolen, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself, but make sure you take action fast.
-
The 8 Financial Documents You Should Always ShredIdentity Theft The financial documents piling up at home put you at risk of fraud. Learn the eight types of financial documents you should always shred to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against the New Generation of Fraud and Identity TheftIdentity Theft Fraud and identity theft are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Stay ahead of the scammers with our advice.
-
12 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud and ScamsIdentity Theft Think you can spot the telltale signs of frauds and scams? Follow these 12 tips to stay safe from evolving threats and prevent others from falling victim.
-
Watch Out for These Travel Scams This SummerIdentity Theft These travel scams are easy to fall for and could wreck your summer. Take a moment to read up on the warning signs and simple ways to protect yourself.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
How to Guard Against Identity Theft in 2025Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.
