SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
MoneyGram Refund Program Finally Starts Up After 4 Years Of Waiting! [UPDATED]
Four years ago, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission settled an action against MoneyGram for their participation in Money Laundering and Facilitating Scams
The program has finally started and victims can begin to obtain the benefit of this program.
MoneyGram Refunds
Refund Program Will Return Millions To People Who Used Moneygram To Pay Scammers
- In a 2009 settlement with the FTC, MoneyGram agreed to make changes to make it harder for con-artists to use MoneyGram to defraud consumers.
- However, a joint law enforcement action by the FTC, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) charged that MoneyGram had not done what they agreed to do to reduce fraud.
- The company agreed to pay $125 million to settle, which is being used to return money to people who used MoneyGram to pay scammers.
What’s happening right now?
The remission administrator, Gilardi & Co. LLC, is sending pre-filled claim forms to people who paid scammers using MoneyGram transfers.
The claim form will state the dollar amount you lost, based on MoneyGram records. Here’s what to do if you get a pre-filled claim form:
- If you agree with the loss amount shown, complete the form, and mail it back before the deadline. Be sure to sign and date the form, and provide your Social Security number.
- If you don’t agree with the loss amount shown, follow the instructions on the form to provide documents that show your actual loss amount.
Mail your completed claim to United States v. MoneyGram International Inc., P.O. Box 43549, Providence, RI 02940-3549, or submit your claim online at moneygramremission.com. This address is for the officially appointed refund program administrators.
From The Administrator:
The Remission Administrator is mailing Petitions for Remission in the second half of February 2021 to victims that have been identified.
These forms will show your known eligible loss based on records in the possession of the USPIS. If you get a pre-filled petition form and agree with the amount shown, sign and date the form and mail it back in the return envelope provided or submit it online.
If you don’t agree with the loss amount printed on your pre-filled petition form, fill out the information requested on the petition form and supply documentation (MoneyGram receipts, send forms, or history reports with a listed eight-digit money transfer control number) to support your claim. Do not send original receipts.
If you did not receive a Petition for Remission, please wait until June 1, 2021. You will be able to submit a petition online or via mail at that time.
Please continue to check this website regularly for updates.
QUESTION: How do I know this claim form is legitimate?
Your MoneyGram claim form should have:
- a return address of United States v. MoneyGram International Inc, P.O. Box 43549, Providence, RI 02940-3549,
- the remission administrator’s phone number, 844-269-2630, and
- the official seals of the Department of Justice and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
It’s free to file your claim. Do not pay anyone who asks for money to file a claim.
QUESTION: Why does the claim form ask for my Social Security number?
Before sending you a refund, DOJ must check with the Treasury Offset Program to verify that you don’t owe any money to the federal government. It needs your Social Security number to do that. If you owe money, your refund amount could be reduced by the amount you owe.
QUESTION: I didn’t get a prefilled claim form. Can I still file a claim?
After June 1, 2021, people who did not receive a pre-filled claim form will be able to file a claim. You will be able to file a claim if you sent money to a scammer using MoneyGram:
- between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017,
- from within the United States, and
- using your own name on the money transfer.
What happens next?
It will take at least a year to review and verify claims and determine who is eligible to receive a payment. The FTC will update their web page when there is more information: moneygramremission.com
Additional information is available at moneygramremission.com/frequently-asked-questions.aspx.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Do You Need Support?
Get It Now!
SCARS provides the leading Support & Recovery program for relationship scam victims – completely FREE!
Our managed peer support groups allow victims to talk to other survivors and recover in the most experienced environment possible, for as long as they need. Recovery takes as long as it takes – we put no limits on our support!
SCARS is the most trusted support & education provider in the world. Our team is certified in trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and so much more!
To apply to join our groups visit support.AgainstScams.org
We also offer separate support groups for family & friends too.
Become a
SCARS STAR™ Member
SCARS offers memberships in our STAR program, which includes many benefits for a very low annual membership fee!
SCARS STAR Membership benefits include:
- FREE Counseling or Therapy Benefit from our partner BetterHelp.com
- Exclusive members-only content & publications
- Discounts on SCARS Self-Help Books Save
- And more!
To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org
To become a SCARS STAR Member right now visit join.AgainstScams.org
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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