Open for claimsConsumer fraudWestern Union $586 Million Remission: How Scam Victims Get Refunded
Last updated: July 8, 2026
If you sent money through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and March 9, 2020 and lost it to a scam, you can petition for a refund of up to the full amount you lost. The money comes from $586 million Western Union forfeited in a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The filing deadline for this remission phase is August 19, 2026.
The DOJ found that Western Union failed to maintain effective anti-fraud controls, which let scammers use its money transfer service for international fraud schemes affecting thousands of consumers. Unlike most class actions, this is a government remission program — refunds are based on what you actually lost, and payment is issued by check.
Key facts
- Total fund
- $586,000,000 (DOJ forfeiture)
- Estimated payout
- Up to the full amount lost in eligible transfers
- Petition deadline
- August 19, 2026
- Proof required
- Yes — transfer records or fraud details
- Who qualifies
- Fraud-induced transfers between Jan 1, 2004 and Mar 9, 2020
- Administered by
- DOJ remission administrator
Official settlement administrator: westernunionremissionphase3.com
Who qualifies
- You sent money through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and March 9, 2020, and
- You lost that money because the transfer was part of a scam or fraud scheme (for example, a romance scam, lottery scam, grandparent scam, or fake online purchase).
How to file your Western Union remission petition
- 1
Check whether you received a prefilled petition
Known victims were mailed prefilled petitions. If yours lists the correct amount, check the box, complete the Social Security Number section, sign, date, and return it.
- 2
Gather your transfer records
The strongest support is your Western Union send form and receipt, or the money transfer control number (MTCN). If you don't have those, any documentation of the transfer and details of the fraud helps.
- 3
Submit the petition online or by mail before August 19, 2026
File through the official administrator at westernunionremissionphase3.com. If you disagree with a prefilled amount, complete the supplemental transaction form with supporting documentation.
- 4
Wait for your check — and let ClaimBee watch for the next one
Approved remission payments are issued by check. ClaimBee keeps your filing details saved and alerts you when new settlements you qualify for open up.
File this one — and find the ones you're missing.
ClaimBee matches your profile against 2,000+ active settlements, shows payout and proof requirements up front, and tracks every deadline for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much will the Western Union remission pay me?
Up to the full amount you lost in eligible fraud-induced transfers, depending on validated losses across all petitions. This remission pays actual losses, not a flat per-person amount.
What is the Western Union remission deadline?
Petitions for this phase must be submitted by August 19, 2026.
Which scams count for the Western Union refund?
Any fraud scheme where you were deceived into sending money by Western Union transfer between January 1, 2004 and March 9, 2020 — including romance scams, lottery and prize scams, family emergency scams, and fake purchases.
I don't have my Western Union receipt anymore. Can I still file?
Yes. The money transfer control number is ideal, but the administrator accepts other available documentation, such as customer receipts or records describing the transfer and the fraud.
How will I be paid if my petition is approved?
Approved remission payments are issued by check to the address on your petition.
