$586M FTC Western Union international fraud scam remission

$586M FTC Western Union international fraud scam remission

This settlement is closed. The claim deadline has passed and new claims are no longer being accepted. This page is kept for reference — see settlements that are still open →

By the Class Action Buddy Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 22, 2026

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Max Payout
Aug 19, 2026
Filing Deadline
Yes
Proof Required?
Western Union has been ordered to pay $586 million as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after the company was found to have failed to protect customers from fraud. Scammers used Western Union's money transfer service to trick people into sending money — often through fake lottery schemes, family emergency scams, or other fraud tactics — and Western Union did not do enough to stop it. This is now in its third phase of remission, meaning the government is continuing to distribute funds to victims who were harmed. If you sent money via Western Union as a result of being deceived or scammed, you may be entitled to a refund payment from this settlement fund. This is a legitimate FTC remission program, not a typical class action lawsuit. That means the process is managed by the federal government and a court-appointed claims administrator. The deadline to file is August 19, 2026, so it's important to act before time runs out.
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Who Was Eligible?

Who the settlement covered:

  • You sent a money transfer through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017
  • You were a victim of fraud — meaning you were deceived or tricked into sending the money
  • The fraudulent transfer was sent to or from a location outside the United States (international fraud scam)
  • You have not already received full compensation through a prior phase of this remission program
  • You are a U.S. resident or were a U.S. resident at the time of the fraudulent transfer

How Much Did It Pay?

The total settlement fund is $586 million, distributed across multiple phases of remission by the FTC. The exact amount each individual claimant receives depends on how many eligible claims are filed and the amount of money lost in the fraudulent transfer. There is no publicly stated maximum individual payout at this time. Payments are calculated based on your documented losses. The more evidence you can provide showing the amount you sent and the fraudulent nature of the transaction, the better your chances of receiving a meaningful payment. Because this is Phase 3, some funds may still be available for victims who missed earlier filing windows.

How this claim was filed

This settlement is closed, so the steps below are kept for reference only — they no longer lead anywhere you can file.

  • Gather any documentation related to your Western Union transfer, including receipts, money transfer control numbers (MTCNs), and any communications from the scammer
  • Visit the official FTC Western Union remission claims website (managed by the claims administrator) to begin your claim
  • Complete the claim form with your personal information and details about the fraudulent transaction
  • Submit your proof of the fraudulent transfer — this is required to be considered for a payment
  • Keep a copy of your submitted claim and any confirmation number you receive

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to file a claim for the $586M FTC Western Union international fraud scam remission?

The deadline to file a claim was Aug 19, 2026, and it has passed. Claims are no longer accepted for this settlement.

Did I need documentation for the $586M FTC Western Union international fraud scam remission?

Yes — this settlement required supporting documentation, and the official claim form set out what counted.

How do I know if I qualify for the Western Union fraud settlement?

You likely qualify if you sent money through Western Union between 2004 and 2017 and were scammed — meaning you were tricked into sending the money by someone pretending to be a lottery, a family member in distress, a romantic partner, or another fraudulent scheme. The transfer generally needs to have been international in nature.

What proof do I need to file a Western Union fraud claim?

Yes, proof is required. You'll need documentation showing you made the Western Union transfer, such as a receipt or the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). It also helps to have any emails, letters, or other communications that show you were deceived into sending the money. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim.

What is the deadline to file a claim for the Western Union FTC remission?

The current Phase 3 filing deadline is August 19, 2026. It's important to file before this date — missing the deadline means you won't be eligible to receive a payment from this phase of the fund.

How much money will I get from the Western Union settlement?

The total fund is $586 million, but individual payouts vary. The amount you receive depends on how much you lost and how many total valid claims are submitted. There is no guaranteed fixed amount per person, but payments are based on your documented losses.

Is the Western Union FTC remission legitimate?

Yes, this is a legitimate federal government program run by the FTC and a court-appointed claims administrator. It is not a scam. Be cautious of any third parties asking for fees to help you file — the official claims process is free.

Primary source: the official settlement administrator’s website named in the court-approved class notice. We track this settlement from public settlement-notice sources; a single official administrator claim URL was not on file, so confirm the details on the official settlement website before you file.

Class Action Buddy is an independent directory and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the settlement administrator or the court. This page is general information, not legal advice. See how we verify settlements.

This settlement has closed

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