Have you ever been targeted by a scam and unfortunately used Western Union to send money? You might be one of the thousands of individuals eligible for a refund. The Justice Department is currently distributing nearly $40 million to approximately 25,000 people in the U.S. and internationally who were victims of scams facilitated through Western Union. This initiative stems from settlements between Western Union, the Justice Department, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you sent money via Western Union to a scammer between January 1, 2004, and January 19, 2017, and haven’t yet filed a claim, there’s still an opportunity to reclaim your funds. This article will guide you on how to understand the Western Union Money Order Refund Online process and take necessary action.
Understanding the Western Union Refund Program for Scam Victims
This refund program is a direct result of investigations conducted by the FTC, the Justice Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. These investigations revealed that Western Union played a role in enabling wire fraud, leading to a settlement where Western Union agreed to pay $586 million and admitted to aiding and abetting wire fraud. This substantial sum is now being used by the Justice Department to compensate individuals who were deceived into using Western Union’s services to send money to fraudsters.
Previously, the Justice Department has already issued refunds in March 2020, September 2020, and June 2021, successfully returning over $365 million to more than 148,000 victims. This current distribution of nearly $40 million is part of the ongoing effort to compensate as many victims as possible. Further distributions are expected in the coming months, indicating a continued commitment to rectify the harm caused by these scams.
Are You Eligible for a Western Union Money Order Refund Online?
Eligibility for this Western Union money order refund online program is clearly defined. You are eligible to file a claim if you meet the following criteria:
- You sent money through Western Union. While the keyword focuses on “money order,” it’s important to note that the refunds cover various forms of money transfers via Western Union that were used in scams.
- The transaction occurred between January 1, 2004, and January 19, 2017. Transactions outside this period are not covered under this specific settlement.
- You sent money to a scammer. This implies you were deceived into sending money based on false pretenses, promises, or threats.
- You have not previously filed a claim in prior phases of this remission program. This is for individuals who are newly applying for a refund or missed the previous claim deadlines.
It is crucial to understand that various types of scams are covered under this refund program. These include:
- Online or Internet Scams: Situations where you paid for goods or services online but never received them.
- Lottery or Prize Promotion Scams: Scammers falsely claimed you won a lottery or sweepstakes and required payment for “fees” to release your winnings.
- Emergency or Grandparent Scams: Scammers impersonated family members or friends in urgent need of money, often creating a false sense of emergency.
- Advance-Fee Loan Scams: You paid upfront fees for a promised loan but never received the loan itself.
- Online Dating or Romance Scams: Scammers created fake profiles on dating or social networking sites to build relationships and then trick victims into sending money.
How to Initiate Your Western Union Money Order Refund Online Claim
To initiate your claim for a Western Union money order refund online, you need to contact the claims administrator, Gilardi & Co. LLC. While the process isn’t entirely online, initiating contact and getting information can be done online and via phone:
- Email: Contact Gilardi & Co. LLC via email at [email protected].
- Phone: Call the dedicated toll-free number at 855-786-1048.
When you reach out, be prepared to provide information about your potential claim. The claims administrator will guide you through the necessary steps to file your claim and determine your eligibility for a refund.
Need a Copy of Your Western Union Receipt?
If you believe you are eligible for a refund but need a copy of your Western Union transaction receipt, you can request it directly from Western Union. Visit the Western Union contact page to find the appropriate contact methods to request your transaction history or receipt. Having your receipt can help expedite your claim process with Gilardi & Co. LLC.
Contact the Claims Administrator for Assistance
For any questions or assistance regarding the Western Union money order refund online process, or to file your claim, reach out to Gilardi & Co. LLC, the claims administrator.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 855-786-1048
Don’t miss your chance to potentially recover funds if you were a victim of a scam through Western Union. Contact the claims administrator today to explore your eligibility and initiate your claim.
