Western Union settlement: $586 million in refunds
You probably know that Western Union runs money transfer services in the US and worldwide. What you might not know is that, according to the FTC, Western Union has known for years that scammers were using its system to commit significant fraud. Even when faced with clear evidence that many of its agents were committing fraud, Western Union kept taking people’s money. Probably billions in fraud-related transfers, sent since January 2004. But today, in a global settlement with the FTC and the US Department of Justice, Western Union agreed to return $586 million to people and create a real and strong anti-fraud program.
So, what kind of evidence was Western Union ignoring? Well, says the FTC, from January 2004 to August 2015, the company got more than 550,000 complaints about money transfers made for fraudulent lottery and prizes, family emergency calls, advance-fee loans, online dating and more. There were its own internal reports, which flagged fraud by some of its own agents, including many international agents that paid out fraud-induced transfers from US consumers. And there were warnings from US and international law enforcement about the fraud. And yet, the money kept rolling on through.
Under the settlement, Western Union will return $586 million through a process to be named later. (Watch this space for more information.) The company will have to train and monitor its agents so that people are protected. It won’t be allowed to transmit a money transfer that it knows – or should know – is a fraud. It has to block money transfers to anyone who has a fraud report, make it easier for people to report fraud, give clear warnings to people who are sending money, and refund a fraud-related money transfer if the company didn’t comply with its own anti-fraud procedures.
If you ever wire money, also keep in mind that it’s illegal for a telemarketer to ask you to pay with a money transfer. That’s right: Illegal. Scammers love using money transfer services because once you send the money, it’s gone forever. So, if a telemarketer asks you to wire money, already you know they’re a crook. Don’t wire the money, and then tell the FTC.
Comments
I am a victim of identity theft, scam and fraud. I wish to file a claim.
I am seriously hurted by identity thefts and scammers i am a victim and fraud.i need to file a claim.
I was a victim of fraud this past July 2016. I filed a claim so i hope to be one of the victims who receive something back if not all.
I was told too wired $250 for my free government grant of $4,000 never received anything why is that!!!
On 12/08/2016 @ 11:45 AM (local time), I paid WU (Western Union) $1,999.20 as a condition through Publishers Clearing House and a subsequent sweepstakes award of $500,000 to be delivered by courier the following Friday.The sponsores, Publiahers Clearing house,then stated they needed another $4,000.
You do know this scam had NO connection with PCH other than using the name, etc... Publishers Clearing House NEVER asks for upfront money ...
So I was just scammed through Western Union (a wire transfer to a "company" that told me I was due a refund of $99.99) last Friday, January 12, 2017, out of $879.99. Is there any chance I can get THAT money back, or is this settlement only for scams that occurred before August 2015.
So happy to see these people caught. I will be watching for further information. Thank you.
I used Western Union twice and am owed compensation.
I was scammed this way several years back. It was for an advance loan and used my rent money to send. It was a very expensive and painful lesson and I was out a lot of money :-(
Yes I have set money because they said that I needed to pay for the Delivery.
I have been confronted with several of these types of actions and even went along with a couple of them
Thank you - I wish I had been better prepared after my husband died. I got scammed a couple of times when I thought it was legitimate - obviously not thinking straight. Lost at least 25-30k. Figured I would never see it again. Hard lesson to learn as a widow still struggling to pay off personal loans and bills 6 years later.
Please tell us how we might avail ourselves of this settlement.
My father was victimized out of $50k by the Jamaican Sweepstakes Scam. He used the Western Union services and the "Moneygram and other wire transfer services. Thank you for pursuing this settlement!
WHEN CAN I RECEIVE RESTITUTION?
Wonder what all will be covered under this?
So there is where my house payments and my Car Payments went at which time made me lose my Home and my Car at different times !! I was really shocked to see this because they would tell me the number I had was not valid when I would call back with my payment information. It's a great day for Justice.
I was scammed through a company in Florida two and a half years ago. I sent over 700 thru Western Union. HOW DO I FILE A CLAIM???
I reported online dating fraud in December to the FBI and FTC. The money was wired from my bank to another and I have all the paper work to prove it. 27K. I don't have this kind of money to pay tax and penalty on this kind of money. It was a total scam. My son found the guy on malescammers and one of the email addresses came from Africa. He has several different aliases and several pictures and complaints on malescammers.com. A wire investigation was done by my bank and of course, nothing.
I know I need the money that I have been sending to NY for over 8 years
How do i go about getting 350.00 i was scammed out of.
I was one of those scammed, and reported it to the FTC, although I have heard nothing from the FTC on it yet. I did learn a good lesson.
so Billions in fraud and they pay only ~586 million in a process to be named later. And they say crime doesn't pay
They had me for $ 500.00 with a wire transfer from one wedtern union office to another. Since the scammers used Western Union on both sides I really believed it was a valid and legal transaction
More great news for crooks ! Make " billions in fraud" and only pay back $586 million and never go to jail !!!
I was scammed out of my checking account for 2200.00 last year in Oct or November. I have been in ICU since Dec 13th so have not been at my computer till today. I would like to file a claim. Thank you...
I also was taken by a western union scam where i wired over 3500.00 and had to pay it back to my bank.in turn i also reported this to the ny state police
I was victimized by fraud as well. Sorry that Western Union was not aware of the people practicing fraud. However, the law is always our only protection against law-breakers. I like to receive more information for my loss. Thanks
I got scammed to send money for a loan
I was scammed out about $45,000 with a short point of time. How doi file a claim. It went to NigeriaNew
They had called my house telling me that they were from the education grant department and that they had a check in the amount of $10,000 but in order to receive it I had to make a payment of $250,00 and to send it from Western Union and I will receive my money.got me good and just two days ago I remember that voice just like it was yesterday them African or Nigerian speaking language that I will never forget try it again but for a Student Loan and wrote down there phone number name and time but when they return the call to me it was unknown and after that I tried to call the two numbers that I did have and it said that this person is not available to receive calls at this time.. But they hung up on me this time because he couldn't keep up with the lie they had called about.
Men claiming to be working for Microsoft said my computer was causing viruses on the system. They said they would fix it for me. Yes, they sure did. Some of, maybe all, the money that went via Western Union ended up in, you guessed it, Nigeria.
I did 2 transfers back in 2013, overseas to what I thought was a legitimate work from home job and it wasn't. They stole the company's website. Can i get that money back?
I'm so glad they got caught and shame on western union for allowing them to do this.
I was scammed of $1500.00. I was so embarrassed. It was for friendship online. How stupid was I?
I am so glad we have an agency like this one that can scare away these unloving malicious people who have made life difficult for others. I was also victim as well scam identity theft in September 2016. My life have not been the same. FTC your agency are doing a great job getting this madness under control. Thank you with many more thanks.
I am a victim of this Western Union Scam. What do I need to do to make a claim?
Was scammed several years ago out of $500 dollars! Hard lesson to learn! Hopefully can get it back one day!
They had called my house telling me that they were from the education grant department and that they had a check in the amount of $10,000 but in order to receive it I had to make a payment of $250,00 and to send it from Western Union and I will receive my money.got me good and just two days ago I remember that voice just like it was yesterday them African or Nigerian speaking language that I will never forget try it again but for a Student Loan and wrote down there phone number name and time but when they return the call to me it was unknown and after that I tried to call the two numbers that I did have and it said that this person is not available to receive calls at this time.. But they hung up on me this time because he couldn't keep up with the lie they had called about.
How do I file a claim?
I wish to make a fraud claim. I have lost close to $5-6000 over a matter of a year. I had my Identity stolen, and caught up in some of these fraud cases. Like asking for money when a loan was approved, a lottery that I was told I won, but because it was a lg. amt. of money I had to send money to protect it. Very hard lessons to learn and a lot of money lost.
I have seno this message several times. I was scammed by someone on match.Com for 27k. My son just had a hunch, went to malescammers. and there he was with many aliases and many pictures. I knew him Mark Revel Wheeler. Most of his aliases are last name Lopez with different first names. My son also tracked one of his emails to africa. I took this money out of my retirement fund, all I had. I cannot afford to pay taxes and penalties on this kind of money. Please help.
Wow! I hope I get some of my money back. Even a portion would be fantastic! I hope they catch all those jerks and..,.... Well that's not too be discussed publicly. KARMA FINALLY TAKING OVER!!!
I was scammed for 10,000 for a 150,000 in return from free grant money....
How or where do I file a claim?
well, I was a victim of online romance scam between 3007 to 2010. but western union and moneygram only attempted me to stop sending money to lagos, nigeria during the last few months in 2010. though I ignored. Lost 80,000.
Dies this have anything to do with Lumosity...I paid for 4 years and find out it was false....They got sued and i was reading the claim and it ssid they hsd to pay a a fine and reimburse everyone.?????
My wife was a victim of a scam artist calling about our grandson being held on a drunken driving charge and it would take money wired thru WU immediately to get him off. Who do contact in the FTC to refile a nitce we gave the FTC 2 years ago.
How do i go about getting my money back ?
I too was a victim of fraud by a man on a dating site for quite a large sum of money
I have been scammed for several years for transactions to Nigeria AL and Texas. Never received anything but request for more money. Yes patiently waiting on more details of regaining benefits.
How do I now if I am a victim of this and should be compensated? I have used WU for may years and still do
Back in 1996 was scamed out of 15,000 for what was supposed to be a Venture Capital Loan. Made two trips to London and the last trip they wanted another $4000. Instead of taking the money I wired it to the bank of London. Met wit the so called loan company which was some one I had not talked to and finally had to fight my way out of a basement office. Thank God I had my Daughter and son in law with me. Still had my money just lost the $15,000. I have also sent money for lottery scams and to Diplomats which there are three of them on my computer wantin me to send money. How do I sign up.
I wired money to get a gift to an army sergeant I thought was real on Match.com his fake name was David Manson, the scam was that the gift was being held in customs in Guam.
As do I. I sent a payment to a fraudster once. I am owed about $100.00. How can I get in on this case?
I have been scammed out of 5000 western union I did not know when I took CHECK to them to cash that it was fake western union made me paid it back they knew the CHECK was fake they did not tell me nothing but threat me about filing charges how can I file a complaint
I would like more information about this
on my money the is luse long time
I've been dealing with western union for several years and have been scammed sending money to Colombia. The money had several losses of money. The other is I had money lost then recuperated that took more than two months to recover. I did not get my fee back at all.
I used Western Union 2x within 2 years. 1 in 2014 and once in 2016. How does one go about filing a claim for the money that I threw out the window? I feel like such a fool for believing anyone that said they would send me something, but I had to pay for it first! I will be awaiting more news.
I ALSO WAS SCAMMED BY 2 PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE WITH MICROSOFT WHO TOLD ME "ATTACKERS" HAD GOTTEN INTO MY COMPUTER AND THEY NEEDED TO GO IN AND FIX IT. I AM OUT ABOUT 500.00 PLUS 250 FROM ANOTHER AGENT CLAIMING TO BE WITH MICROSOFT. I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE MICROSFOT AS WELL, BUT DON;T KNOW WHERE TO START. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
Great work everyone. This site is so valuable. It is a shame many who need this information are not online. It all begins with the victims lack of information to be enticed.
Yea one time I was scam on a loan and a iindia speaking guy said alli I had to do for the $5000 loan was send was the first payment western union by buying a prepaid card of $250.well I did it never heard or got my money still can't get ahold of him he disappeared
My husband was scammed September, 2016, by promises of a lottery won, they claimed mega millions . He would like to file a claim, as he was requested by scammers, as we now realize,to use the Western Union system
My parents were also a victim of grandparent scam. Scam people called my dad and said his nephew was in jail for drunk driving. He ended up sending 22K total to a bank in Mexico. It was all they had in their savings.
Western Union is still doing this... I was scammed in 2016 and tried to report it as fraud to Western Union and they never sent the email like they said they would. I think I have been a victim of scams at other times as well.
I was scammed for $4,000. I used to be a secret buyer so when I got information in the mail and a check to deposited into my account with me sending them $1800. the rest to be for expenses and payment for doing the job. I was done on my luck getting evicted lst job i thought this was a godsend. I cashed the check, western union them the money which i found ou was in Canada, well you know the story now of course it bounced and i had to pay the bank and file a police report. I would love to be kept informed on this, i need my money
I was a victim of a fraud through Western Union too, based on a refund for services I paid for 6 months prior. That was probably a fraud too! I painfully went through the procedure of notifying my local law enforcement, reporting it to the FTC, and I file a complaint with Western Union security office. Hopefully my name is on file with them and they will refund the monies I was taken for. I hope all of you get your money back, and without a huge hassel.
I was scammed out of almost 15,000 ,a Nigeria, filed police report
I was scammed from A person out in Nigeria claiming l was a beneficiary of 7M..but cost me at least 15k..lawyers fees and other lies..whole year of 2015.,
2007 scammed Western Union as a loan still have all my Western Union slips were loss as a scam. Definitely a learning experience about being scammed and teaches you to steer clear in the future, would definitely be interested in getting back what we lost.
Thia fraud has gone a long time. I have file full of emails and phone calls that I fell for one and lost some money. How do I claim my money back? I am still getting emails from Nigera. I have been getting this stuff over 10 years. HELP
When do I receive compensation
I have been victimized as well, when/where can I file a complaint.
I was scam for a health & healing doctor had me to wire him money
i was defruad out of a 1000 dollars dealing with this money transfer scam ,they are using the mystery shopping system to scam people..They will send you a postal money order just under a 1000 and ask you to put it in your bank account!Bad move dont do it!
I was told I won 5 million (PCH) and I just had to pay a fee because it was coming from another state...never sent the money but they got all my personal info...feel played
i am a victim of the get out of jail western union scam how do i get refund or apply for one
I've used western union several times to, so hve many of my family members. I was actually stopped by my bank over the past year with a scam/fraud that I almost fell for, like I've done twice before but different circumstances than this last time, which was for a rental home in the area. They wanted me to send them all my information: full name, address, phone # , my place of work n their contact information , my Social security number as well as those whom wld be living in the house with me, which is my kids who are not even older than ten years of age, srry u don't need their social # they aren't even old enough to work or pay bills. When I refused they got upset n said they wld give me the first two months free, besides the utilities, for two hundred less than the $1200 they were asking to begin with. I refused again and got off the phone with them. I was then harassed by them for two weeks through my email (2 a day) as well as phone calls daily (like 6xs a day). Finally I got fully fed up with it all and really looked them up with the info they had given me over the past few weeks of bothering me n since the first time we had spoken, next I not only reported them but I also called the actual person whom was selling the home or looking for a renter and told them as well. In which they thanked me and directed me to someone whom could help me find a place for my family. Thankfully they stopped calling me once I told them they were a fraud n fake. Along with a liar. Since I had been open from the get go about being a single mother and I was in need of a home asap, please no scams/fraud and they promised they weren't. That they are legitimate people that do own the home and are just trying to get a renter or renters in the home, due to the fact their daughter fell ill and they're going to be staying with her from now on in Maine. Never stated where at in maine, and the only number they gave was faulty. I wasn't able to call them or text, just send money thru western union to them n they would therefore send me the keys n all the rental paperwork for me to have, so I could know they weren't lying but whenever asked to be able to view the home before agreeing to anything they avoided the question several times. Until I finally exposed them to them on the phone. Then they said that they would be in town in a week and I could meet them then, as well as view the home and go over the paperwork for the rental agreement with me in person. So I told them to call me when they got into town and at the house, and much to my suprise (lol. Not really tho) I never received a call or email from them during the time they said they'd be in town and able to show the home n meet person to person. Previous times of being scammed they got me good and messed with my credit score as well. I'm still trying to makeup for what I've lost over the past years with being scammed and dealing with fraud on my actual credit that I'm unable to get anything resolved with due to the person getting away with it and me being left to try and make the best out of what I'm able to do for my family. I doubt I'll get anything returned to me, but I'm glad they have been caught and now some people will get some of what they have lost or been taken away from them back... Hopefully western union will be able to keep their word and make sure that we aren't being scammed or playing a part in their frauds...
I was scammed they said the were with the government and had a loan for me. Didn't I feel dumb when that fell through
I have been victimized also, where can this be documented. Thankful to see this.
I have been ripped off by the Western Union a number of time and would like to have my money returned to me
How can I know I qualify?
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