The ACCC’s Scamwatch is urging all Australians who made payments to a scammer via Western Union from 2004 to 2017 to take action by 12 February to claim their money back. The scammers would tell victims to send the money through Western Union to claim a prize or help their relatives. But the money would go straight to the scammer.
Examples of tricks the scammers used included:
- online or internet scams
- lottery or prize promotion scams
- family emergency scams
- advance-fee loan scams
- online dating or romance scams.
Does it affect me?
The scam took place between 1 January 2004 to 19 January 2017. If you used Western Union in this 14-year period, you might be able to claim your money back.
What do I need to do?
To apply for a refund:
- Fill out the online form here: Western Union remission claim form.
- Or download the claims form and post it to ‘The United States vs the Western Union Company, PO Box 404028, Louisville, KY 40233-4028’.
Make sure you report you’ve been victims of this scam to the Australian Government (ACORN)
When do I need to claim?
You need to submit your claim by 12 February 2018.
More information
- Scamwatch media release.
- ACIC media release.
- US Department of Justice website www.WesternUnionRemission.com for updates and a detailed list of frequently asked questions.
For more information, please visit: www.staysmartonline.gov.au
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