Ashley Moody Helps Floridians Be Reimbursed for Wire-Fraud Through Western Union Since 2004
June 7, 2022 Updated 4:30 P.M. ET
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that Floridians who were tricked into wiring money to scammers through Western Union could receive a financial reimbursement.
This would apply to Floridians who wired money between Jan. 1, 2004 and Jan. 19, 2017. Claims must be submitted on or before July 1, 2022.
“There are millions of dollars available to victims of scammers who utilized Western Union as part of their unlawful schemes—but action must be taken soon. If you believe you are eligible, please file a claim by July 1,” Moody said.
The scheme targeted victims using grandparent scams, lottery scams, romance scams and others. The fraudster would convince a person to wire money using Western Union but would never provide the victim with the promised items, rewards or services.
Eligible Floridians looking to file a claim should be wary of additional reimbursement scams and consider the tips below to avoid falling prey:
- Know that payment is not necessary to file a claim;
- Be wary that phone numbers and emails can be spoofed to appear from a trusted source;
- Never send money to someone who insists on helping you file a claim; and
- Contact Western Union or the Federal Trade Commission using the contact information on the organizations’ websites if suspicious of a possible reimbursement-related scam.
Western Union mailed a Petition for Remission Form to identified victims. If a consumer did not receive the pre-filed petition, but thinks they may be eligible for reimbursement, they can find information here.
