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FTC Western Union international fraud scam remission – phase 3 Settlement

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

Last updated Money & fees

Closed. The claim deadline of August 19, 2026 has passed. You can no longer file a claim for this settlement. This page is kept for reference.

The short answer

Western Union agreed to forfeit $586 million under a deferred prosecution agreement with federal authorities over allegations that scammers used its money transfer services to trick people into wiring money. Western Union has not admitted any wrongdoing. Phase 3 of remission payments is open for claims. The deadline of August 19, 2026 has passed, so this settlement is closed.

Estimated payout

Varies. Payments depend on the number of eligible claimants and how much each person lost to fraud.

Proof required?

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

Cost

Always free through the official administrator.

Who qualifies

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.

Background

An investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FTC found Western Union was aware fraudsters were using its services and allegedly failed to take reasonable steps to protect consumers from wire transfer fraud. The deferred prosecution agreement was reached on Jan. 19, 2017, and the company also resolved the FTC’s civil investigation.

What you need to file

  • A valid claim form filed free at the official settlement site
  • 10-digit Money Transfer Control Numbers (MTCNs) from eligible Western Union transfers
  • Details about the fraudulent Western Union money transfers you sent between Jan. 1, 2004, and March 9, 2020

What you can get

Varies. Payments depend on the number of eligible claimants and how much each person lost to fraud.

Proof of purchase or loss: You need 10-digit Money Transfer Control Numbers (MTCNs) from eligible Western Union transfers.

Free to file. We’re not a law firm.

Unclaimed Guide is an independent guide. We are not a law firm, not a claims-filing service, and not affiliated with FTC Western Union international fraud scam remission – phase 3, the settlement administrator, or the court. You can always file this claim yourself, for free, at the official site above. Never pay a company that offers to file it for you.

Common questions

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

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