Western Union has reopened its $568 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to provide reimbursement for victims of fraudulent wire transfers. This Phase 3 expansion covers consumers who sent money through Western Union between January 1, 2004, and March 9, 2020 and suffered financial losses due to fraud.
Western Union’s Class Action Settlement Background
The settlement stems from allegations that Western Union violated the Bank Secrecy Act, failed to implement an effective anti-money laundering program, and aided or abetted wire fraud. The company allegedly allowed fraudulent activity through its agents, including grandparent scams, lottery sweepstakes schemes, romance scams, and other schemes targeting U.S. consumers.
Previously, Phases 1 and 2 covered fraudulent transactions from January 1, 2004, through January 19, 2017. Phase 3 now allows victims with additional or newly discovered transactions through March 9, 2020 to submit claims. Victims who previously filed but had claims denied because the transaction fell outside the prior period may automatically receive new letters and checks sent by the DOJ as of May 21, 2026.
To date, more than $430 million has been distributed to over 178,000 victims, providing full compensation for verified losses. Western Union has acknowledged responsibility for its criminal conduct.
When Did This Settlement Originate?
- Settlement Entered: January 19, 2017
- Phase 3 Claim Period: Transactions from January 1, 2004 – March 9, 2020
- Claim Submission Deadline: August 19, 2026
How to File a Claim
Victims can submit a petition for remission online or via mail:
- Online: Visit WesternUnionRemissionPhase3.com and enter your claim ID and PIN from the notice.
- Mail: Download the PDF petition from the website, fill it out, and mail it to the settlement administrator.
Phase 3 class members may receive full or partial reimbursement for losses from fraudulent wire transfers. If total claims exceed the settlement fund, payments will be reduced pro rata.
What You Can Do
- Submit a timely claim online or by mail before August 19, 2026.
- Gather all supporting documentation for fraudulent transactions.
- Review prior notices and payments to ensure any new or previously excluded transactions are included.
- Monitor communications from the settlement administrator for updates.
File a Class Action Lawsuit Against Western Union
While Phase 3 allows eligible victims to claim reimbursement, those with additional concerns about fraudulent activity or the handling of funds may explore legal options. The settlement emphasizes holding Western Union accountable for failures in oversight and internal controls that allowed consumer fraud.
Contact Class Action U to connect with our partner attorneys skilled in class action settlements for guidance on claim submissions and legal rights.