Q. Please explain how one files a claim with the Western Union fraud settlement?
A. That is most important and the deadline to file is close. If you lost money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004 and Jan. 19, 2017, you can now file a claim to get your money back. You must submit a claim by May 31, 2018.
Go online, www.FTC.gov/WU or www.westernunionremission.com to file online or print hard copy for completion. Hard copy should be mailed to:
- United States v. The Western Union Co.
- P.O. Box 404027
- Louisville, KY 40233-4027
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.
Jim Winsett of the BBB. Because of joint investigations by the FTC, the Department of Justice, 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.
Who is eligible to submit a claim?
If you sent money to a scammer through Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan.19, 2017, you can submit a claim.
What kinds of scams are covered by these refunds?
A wide variety of scams may be 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.
Do I need an attorney to file a claim?
You do not need an attorney to file a claim.
Will I definitely get my money back?
Each person's claim must be verified by DOJ. If your claim is verified, the amount you get will depend on how much you lost and the number of people who submit valid claims.
Only the amount you transferred via Western Union is eligible for a refund. Other expenses such as Western Union fees, other losses, or transfers sent through other businesses are not eligible for a refund.
When will I get a payment?
It may take up to a year to process and verify people's claims and determine who is eligible to get a payment.
Why does the claim form ask for my Social Security number?
Before sending you a refund, DOJ must check with the Treasury Offset Program to verify that you don't owe any money to the federal government. It needs your Social Security number to do that. If you owe money, your refund amount could be reduced by the amount you owe.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you have an ITIN, do not check the box that says "Check this box if you do not have a Social Security number." Simply enter your ITIN instead of a Social Security number.
If you do not have an ITIN or a Social Security number, check the box that says you do not have a Social Security number. When asked for a reason, you can explain that you're not a U.S. citizen, or whatever other explanation applies.
Can I submit a claim if I didn't report the fraud to Western Union?
You can submit a claim, even if you didn't report anything to Western Union, if you meet the other eligibility requirements.
Can I submit a claim for multiple transfers?
If you sent multiple money transfers related to a scam, you can file claims for all the money transfers that occurred between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 19, 2017.
If required; call the administrator at 844-319-2124. You may also contact BBB office locally at 423-266-0396.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.