
If you're a consumer who's been scammed or mistakenly sent money through Western Union, you're not alone. Western Union has a refund process in place to help you recover your funds.
You can start the refund process by contacting Western Union's customer service department within 10 days of the transaction. This is a crucial time frame, as they require a detailed explanation of the situation.
To initiate the refund, you'll need to provide proof of the transaction, such as the receipt or a copy of the payment confirmation. Western Union will then review your case and determine the best course of action.
The refund process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the case.
Claim Process
To file a claim, you can fill out the Western Union remission claim form online and provide your contact information and details of the payment you made. You'll also need to upload supporting documents.
You can also send a postal claim by downloading the form, filling it out, and posting it to the address provided. Make sure you only apply via the official website.
You don't have to pay anything to file your claim and you don't have to supply your bank or credit card details.
To avoid scams, be cautious of companies offering to handle your claim for a fee - you can do it yourself.
Refund Information
To initiate a refund, you'll need to fill out a Trace/Refund request form. This form will help you track down where your sent money is and request a refund of it.
You'll generally need to visit the original Western Union location where you purchased your money order and have your receipt in hand. This is a crucial step in the refund process.
Knowing the serial numbers of the money order and the amounts you sent will also come in handy. Even without your receipt, you can still fill out a refund request form with this information.
It's a good idea to keep your receipts safe and accessible, as you'll need them to prove your purchase of the money order.
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Eligibility and Filing
If you're considering submitting a claim for a Western Union refund, it's essential to understand who is eligible. People who did not previously submit a claim are still eligible to submit one.
To be eligible, you must have sent money to a scammer through Western Union between January 1, 2004, and January 19, 2017. This specific time frame is crucial to note.
You can check if you're eligible by reviewing your past transactions with Western Union. If you find that you sent money to a scammer during the eligible time period, you may be able to move forward with the claim process.
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Consumer Information
$153 million in Western Union refunds have been issued to consumers who were victims of scams.
If you've been a victim of a Western Union scam, you're not alone. Many people have received refunds from the company.
To avoid falling victim to a Western Union scam, it's essential to be cautious when sending money. Always research the recipient and ensure you're sending money to a legitimate person or business.
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Here are some tips to help you avoid a Western Union scam:
- Verify the recipient's identity and ensure you're sending money to a legitimate person or business.
- Be wary of requests to send money to someone you don't know or haven't met in person.
By following these tips and being mindful of potential scams, you can help protect yourself from financial loss.
Important Dates
If you lost money to a scammer whom you paid using Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 19, 2017, you have until July 1 to file a claim for a refund.
The deadline to file a claim is July 1, so mark your calendars to avoid missing out on potential reimbursement.
More than $365 million from the forfeiture fund had been disbursed to about 148,000 victims as of mid-2021, according to the DOJ, which reviews and authorizes refund claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does Western Union take to refund money?
Refunds typically take up to 10 business days to process. This timeframe may vary, so please see our full refund policy for more details.
How do I call Western Union about a refund?
To contact Western Union about a refund, call 800-829-1954 for automated assistance or 800-829-1040 to speak with a representative. Note: If you filed jointly, you'll need to speak with a representative.
Sources
- https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2022/western-union-refund-deadline.html
- https://www.nj.com/business/2017/11/bamboozled_western_union_refund_scams_yes_dont_get.html
- https://thelawdictionary.org/article/getting-a-refund-on-a-western-union-money-order/
- https://www.lovemoney.com/news/69876/claim-refund-western-union-scams-wire-transfer-fraud
- https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/western-union-refunds
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