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Deadline extended to file claims through Western Union scam settlement

Posted at 10:25 AM, Feb 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-15 10:27:20-05

If you’ve been scammed out of money, you could get some of it back.

Western Union is paying out $586 million to people who paid a scammer using their company.

Originally the deadline was Feb. 12, but the Federal Trade Commission has extended it.  The new deadline is now May 31, 2018.

Settlements are available to people who paid a scammer money using Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004 and Jan. 19, 2017.

Western Union reached the settlement with the FTC after they were charged with not adequately protecting people from fraud and not properly disciplining problem agents.

Here’s what you need to know to get your money back:

  • File your claim at FTC.gov/WU
  • Provide as much information as you can and upload any paperwork you have.
  • You will need to give your Social Security number to file a claim.
  • Do not pay anyone to help you file your claim or get money back.  The FTC says anyone who asks you to pay for your claim or refund is scamming you.
  • Be patient.  It could take a year for the Department of Justice to go through all the claims and start returning money.