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Western Union Claims Deadline Extended
Contacts:
Jeane’ Holley, (216) 698-2544; jholley@cuyahogacounty.us
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Scam victims who wired money to con artists through Western Union now have until May 31, 2018, to apply for refunds.
Western Union agreed to pay $586 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Justice Department that the company ignored signs that scammers were using its money wiring system. The settlement money is being refunded to people who sent money to scammers through Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 19, 2017.
The FTC just announced it was extending the deadline to file a claim to May 31.
The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs and the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad task force encourage eligible scam victims to apply by the deadline.
“We’re thrilled that wronged consumers are getting a little more time to file claims,” said Sheryl Harris, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs.
Scams that commonly relied on money wire transfers include impostor cons in which scammers posed as friends or family members in trouble, romance scams, and a wide range of scams involving fake checks, including mystery shopping, government grant and sweepstakes or lottery scams.
Consumers can find details and claims forms at FTC.gov/WU. Those without computer access should contact the claims administrator at 1-844-319-2124.
“Remember that filing a claim is free. Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay for your claim or refund as it’s likely a scam,” said Larissa Bungo, Assistant Regional Director of the Federal Trade Commission.
Scam Squad partners remind consumers that no legitimate government agency accepts funds through money wires, gift cards or cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin).
Jeane’ Holley, (216) 698-2544; jholley@cuyahogacounty.us
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Scam victims who wired money to con artists through Western Union now have until May 31, 2018, to apply for refunds.
Western Union agreed to pay $586 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Justice Department that the company ignored signs that scammers were using its money wiring system. The settlement money is being refunded to people who sent money to scammers through Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 19, 2017.
The FTC just announced it was extending the deadline to file a claim to May 31.
The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs and the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad task force encourage eligible scam victims to apply by the deadline.
“We’re thrilled that wronged consumers are getting a little more time to file claims,” said Sheryl Harris, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs.
Scams that commonly relied on money wire transfers include impostor cons in which scammers posed as friends or family members in trouble, romance scams, and a wide range of scams involving fake checks, including mystery shopping, government grant and sweepstakes or lottery scams.
Consumers can find details and claims forms at FTC.gov/WU. Those without computer access should contact the claims administrator at 1-844-319-2124.
“Remember that filing a claim is free. Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay for your claim or refund as it’s likely a scam,” said Larissa Bungo, Assistant Regional Director of the Federal Trade Commission.
Scam Squad partners remind consumers that no legitimate government agency accepts funds through money wires, gift cards or cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin).
