$586M FTC Western Union international fraud scam remission – phase 3

Western Union agreed to forfeit $586 million as part of a 2017 settlement with federal authorities resolving allegations that fraudsters used the company’s money transfer services to carry out scams, including grandparent and lottery schemes that tricked consumers into wiring money.

The Western Union settlement benefits consumers who sent a money transfer through Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and March 9, 2020, and were victims of fraud.

According to an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Western Union was aware that fraudsters were using its services to scam consumers out of their money. Despite this knowledge, Western Union allegedly failed to take reasonable steps to protect consumers from wire transfer fraud.

Western Union is a money transfer service that allows consumers to send money to friends, family and businesses around the world.

Western Union has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to forfeit $586 million as part of a deferred prosecution agreement. The company simultaneously resolved the FTC’s civil investigation. Phase three of remission payments are now available for claims.

Under the terms of phase three of the Western Union settlement, claimants can collect a cash payment based on the amount they lost to wire transfer fraud. Payments will vary depending on the number of eligible claimants and the amount each claimant lost to fraud.

There is no exclusion or objection deadline for this remission agreement.

The deferred prosecution agreement was reached on Jan. 19, 2017.

To receive a settlement payment, claimants must submit a valid claim form by Aug. 19, 2026.

Who’s Eligible

Consumers who sent a money transfer through Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and March 9, 2020, and were victims of fraud may be eligible for a remission payment.

Potential Award

Varies.

Proof of Purchase

10-digit Money Transfer Control Numbers (MTCNs) from eligible Western Union transfers

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

08/19/2026

Case Name

United States of America v. The Western Union Company, Case No. 1:17-cr-00011-CCC, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Final Hearing

01/19/2017

Settlement Website

WesternUnionRemissionPhase3.com

Claims Administrator

United States v. The Western Union Company Phase 3
P.O. Box 301132
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132
[email protected]
833-419-4677

Class Counsel

N/A

Defense Counsel

Alice S. Fisher
LATHAM & WATKINS LLP