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Walmart Settles With The U.S. Government Over Walmart Gift Card Scams
Walmart Agrees To Refund To Victims Of Walmart Gift Card Scams
DEADLINE: JULY 14, 2023
Walmart Gift Card Remission Program
Beginning in the fall of 2015, Walmart, Inc. (“Walmart”) noticed a pattern of scams where unknown fraudsters directed victims to purchase Walmart gift cards with values typically ranging between $500 and $1,000. Between April 2016 and July 2017, Walmart froze the balances of the gift cards that were connected to this suspected fraud before the balances could be transferred to the fraudsters. Based on this conduct, and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981, the United States Attorney’s Office filed a Verified Complaint for Forfeiture against $3,958,060.84 in United States currency (22-USS-000172), representing the gift card balances frozen by Walmart.
You may be eligible for a Refund if you purchased Walmart gift cards to send money to a scammer
If you believe you were a victim of the fraud described above and you purchased a Walmart gift card between April 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017, you may be eligible for remission.
Eligibility
The Department of Justice hired Gilardi and Co. LLC (the same law firm responsible for the Western Union and MoneyGram remission programs) to serve as the claims administrator for the Walmart Gift Card remission process. Please check www.walmartgiftcardremission.com or call 1-888-846-6824 for updates on the process and details on victim eligibility.
In order to be considered for a remission payment, you will be required to submit a Remission Form along with any available supporting documentation. Your petition must be postmarked on or before July 14, 2023, and mailed to:
Walmart Gift Card Remission Administrator
P.O. Box 6175
Novato, CA 94948-6175
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this case about?Beginning in the fall of 2015, Walmart, Inc. (“Walmart”) noticed a pattern of scams where unknown fraudsters directed victims to purchase Walmart gift cards with values typically ranging between $500 and $1,000. Between April 2016 and July 2017, Walmart froze the balances of the gift cards that were connected to this suspected fraud before the balances could be transferred to the fraudsters. Based on this conduct, and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981, the United States Attorney’s Office filed a Verified Complaint for Forfeiture against $3,958,060.84 in United States currency (22-USS-000172), representing the gift card balances frozen by Walmart.
- Who is eligible to file a Petition for Remission, and how?You may be eligible for a remission payment if, at the direction of an and unknown fraudster, you purchased and sent a Walmart Gift Card between April 1, 2016, and July 31, 2017, and were the victim of fraud. To apply, you must file a Petition of Remission by July 14, 2023. The acceptance of Petitions for Remission postmarked after this date will be subject to the Justice Department’s discretion.
- If I qualify, how much money will I get back?Your payment will be based only on the amount loaded onto the Walmart Gift Card, less any recoveries you have received from a bank or other source. This payment amount will likely be less than the amount you lost. You cannot recover collateral expenses, such as money transfer fees, incidental losses, or transfers sent through other companies.
- What is remission?The money seized in relation to this action will be made available to victims through a process called “remission.” The remission process is governed by the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 28, Part 9. If you filed a petition for remission detailing the loss amount before the filing deadline, DOJ’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section will compare the requests to Walmart records, where available, and decide whether to grant the petition. After the DOJ has reviewed all petitions, approved petitioners will get payment for some or all of their approved loss.
- How do I file a Petition for Remission?You may file a Petition for Remission online at the case website www.walmartgiftcardremission.com or you may file Petition for Remission you received via mail. You may mail the Petition to:
Walmart Gift Card Remission Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 6175
Novato, CA 94948-6175Please enter all requested information that applies to your Petition for Remission. Failure to do so could result in your Petition being deemed deficient and potentially delay payment.
- Which Walmart Gift Cards qualify?All Walmart Gift Cards that were purchased and seized within the United States between April 1, 2016, and July 31, 2017, may be eligible for remission.
- Do I have to be a United States citizen to file a petition?No. You are not required to be a United States citizen to file a petition.
- When will I get a payment?Currently, the Petition filing process is open. Payments will not be issued until after the filing period has ended and all submitted Petitions have been reviewed for eligibility.
- What will happen if I do nothing?If you do not submit a Petition for Remission, you will not get a payment.
- Why am I required to provide my Social Security Number?If your petition is approved, it must be reviewed by the Treasury Offset Program to verify that you do not owe any money to the federal government or certain state debts. If you owe money, your payment will be used to pay your debt. If your payment is more than the amount you owe, you will get the remainder. Your Social Security Number will not be shared or used for any other purpose.Only the amount of the gift card will be included in approved remission amounts. Collateral expenses such as fees, incidental losses, or transfers sent through other businesses are not recoverable through the remission process. More information is available HERE.
- What if I do not have the Walmart Gift Card Numbers?The Gift Card Number is the number you get from Walmart when you purchased your gift card. You may still submit a petition without this number. Please provide any other details about the transaction that may help us validate the transfer.
- Can I file a petition on behalf of an estate?Yes. If the person who purchased the gift card is deceased, please submit the petition in the name of the deceased and include verification of the death (Death Certificate) and documents showing that you represent the estate.
- How can I print a blank petition form?A blank form is available HERE.
- Do I need an attorney to file a petition?No, you do not need an attorney to file a petition.
- Is there a fee for filing a petition?The Department of Justice does not charge fees for you to participate in the remission process.
- Where can I get more information?For the latest information about the remission process:• Check the Home Page for updates.
• Email info@walmartgiftcardremission.com
• Or call (888) 846-6824 - What is the issuing bank for the approved petitioners’ remission checks?Approved petitioners will receive checks issued by Huntington Bank.
PLEASE NOTE:
This information is provided by SCARS as a convenience only. We cannot guarantee that this information has not changed or been updated. Please check with the Remission Administrator for the latest information and updates.
This article is by:
SCARS™ – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A scams & financial fraud crime victims assistance & crime prevention nonprofit organization headquartered in Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with partners in more than 60 countries worldwide
If you are a Victim sign up for our FREE SCARS Support Groups at support.AgainstScams.org
To learn more about SCARS, or to Join, Volunteer, or Donate visit: AgainstScams.org
To see Scammer Photos visit www.ScammerPhotos.com
Contact Us: Contact@AgainstScams.org
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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
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
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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