Press Releases
01/30/2018
DEADLINE FOR WESTERN UNION REFUND CLAIMS APPROACHING
UPDATE: Since the time of this release, the Federal Trade Commission has extended the deadline to file claims to May 31st, 2018.
Tuesday, January 30th 2018 – The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is reminding consumers that if they lost money to a scammer through Western Union between January 1st, 2004 and January 19th, 2017, they can submit a claim to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to potentially get their money back. The deadline is February 12, 2018.
These potential refunds for consumers are a result of joint investigations by the FTC, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Western Union agreed to pay a $586 million settlement, and that money will be used to provide refunds. Once a consumer’s claim is verified by the DOJ, the amount of money returned to the consumer will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted.
“We’re pleased that this settlement was reached, and that consumers who have fallen victim to fraud will have a chance to get some of their money back,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, “We hope that this announcement helps consumers understand the signs of a scam, one of which is a requirement that they wire money.”
Consumers who wish to file a claim or learn more about the refund process can visit the Western Union Refunds page on the FTC’s website.
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Media Contact:
Lora Rae Anderson
lorarae.anderson@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 247-8711 (cell)
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