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SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years

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Western Union Refund / Recovery Scam

Updated August 2022

A Scam Warning / Alert

Presented by SCARS

Be Aware That Scammers Will Try To Get Your Money In A Thousand Different Ways, This Includes Taking Advantage Of The Western Union Remission Program – Part 1 Or 2

WESTERN UNION REFUND / RECOVERY SCAM

Scammers are copying the FTC / Western Union Recovery websites, as well as calling previous victims pretending to be part of the recovery process!

The FTC will NEVER ask you to send money to apply for the recovery of monies from Western Union program, or for ANY other reason.

If someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) contacts you and asks you to send money, it’s a scam.

DO NOT PAY – EVER – TO APPLY FOR A REFUND!
THE PETITION / APPLICATION PROCESS COSTS NOTHING!

SCARS and the FTC have received reports that imposters are calling, emailing, even texting or faxing, and pretending to be with the FTC, in an attempt to gain your trust and steal your hard-earned money.

The Scammers are contacting people about fake prize winnings, grants, or Western Union refunds, or saying you’re in trouble and need to pay delinquent accounts or fees.

Their Goal Is To Either Excite Or Scare You Into Sending Money!

The truth is, the FTC does not call, email, text, or fax consumers to ask for payment. Those are scams. 

You may get an email or a letter from the program administrators but they will never ask you to may anything.

The FTC DOES distribute money directly to people after suing entities for unlawful practices. In fact, according to the FTC 2017 Annual Report, 6.28 million people received checks from the FTC between July 2016 and June 2017 alone.

The FTC will NEVER ask you to send money or provide bank account information to get your money back.

If you are entitled to a refund from an FTC lawsuit, you will usually receive a check or claim form with details about the case. The case will be listed in our chart of recent cases resulting in refunds. You can call the number associated with the case on our website if you have any questions.

If it was for a Western Union refund, then it is done exclusively through this page: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/refunds/western-union-settlement-faqs and the confirmation emails from that process.

Scammers won’t stop at just using the FTC’s name. They’ll use the names of any people or organizations you trust.

Dealing with imposters in real-time can be difficult. But it’s important to take note of not just the story that they tell, but also how they ask you to pay. If they ask you to pay by wiring them money, getting iTunes cards, or putting money on a MoneyPak, Vanilla Reload, or Reloadit card, it’s a scam.

REMEMBER SCAMMERS ARE ALWAYS OUT THERE AND YOU HAVE TO BE SMARTER TO STAY SAFE!

Learn more about refund programs here:  Scam Victim Finance & Money Recovery Article Catalog

This message has been published by the Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams [SCARS] and the United States Federal Trade Commission


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FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT THE WESTERN UNION REPAYMENT / REMISSION PROGRAM CLICK HERE – IT IS STILL OPEN FOR A PETITIONS FOR REPAYMENT


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PLEASE SHARE SO OTHERS WILL KNOW

SCARS Publishing Self-Help Recovery Books Available At shop.AgainstScams.org

Scam Victim Self-Help Do-It-Yourself Recovery Books

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Visit shop.AgainstScams.org

Each is based on our SCARS Team’s 32-plus years of experience.

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Use Discount Code “romanacescamsnow” at Checkout

Always Report All Scams – Anywhere In The World To:

Go to reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn how

U.S. FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=SCARS and SCARS at www.Anyscams.com
Visit reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn more!

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  1. Western Union Refund / Recovery Scam [UPDATED] 3
    Susan March 8, 2018 at 1:43 pm - Reply

    THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION ON THE PRE RECORDED CHAT MESSGAE. MY SCAMMEDR HAS NOW THREATENED ME IF I DO NOT PAY $1250 US MONEY FOR A VACATION CERTIFICATE WITHIN 3 DAYS I WILL HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. HE DIDNT SAY WHAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE. I DELETED HIM AND DELETED ALL COOKIES IN MY BROSER. HE EVEN SAID DON’T F$$%^^^& WITH ME.
    I REPORTED IT!! I FEEL BAD FOR THE GUY THAT GOT HIS PHOTO HIJACKED BY THIS LOSSER. CAUSE THE PHOTO GUY IS PRETTY GOOD LOOKING. BUT I ALSO SEE THE PHOTO HAS BEEN REPORTED AS A FAKE BY ANOTHER UNSURSPECTING JUST PERSON LIKE ME.

  2. Western Union Refund / Recovery Scam [UPDATED] 3
    Susan February 19, 2018 at 5:30 pm - Reply

    I need to know is it possible that a live video chat can be somehow pre-recorded and false? My guy tried to video chat with me – his mouth was moving and very hard if no impossible to hear what he was saying. The clip lasted about 30 seconds then it would disconnect. He called back about three times but the reception was bad. When He called back he used the app you can video chat Hangouts. He actually looked like his picture. Is it possible this could be a pre-recorded message. Is that possible on live chat??

  3. Western Union Refund / Recovery Scam [UPDATED] 7
    Thomas Tanner February 17, 2018 at 9:13 pm - Reply

    here are two other possible fraud email addresses, posing as Ghana police:
    tetteh Mary and Donaldxavier100@gmail.com

    • Western Union Refund / Recovery Scam [UPDATED] 4
      Romance Scams Now Editorial Team February 18, 2018 at 1:08 am - Reply

      Thomas Tanner why didn’t you report them properly? Spend just a fraction of the time you spent getting scammed and make it count. Use our Quick Report fields or look in the Menu for how to report scammers!

      • Western Union Refund / Recovery Scam [UPDATED] 7
        THOMAS Joseph TANNER February 18, 2018 at 4:16 am - Reply

        because your site is too cluttered and hard to find anything

  4. Western Union Refund / Recovery Scam [UPDATED] 11
    Calvin Shumate February 15, 2018 at 4:38 pm - Reply

    Thank u I have been scam for thousands of dollars her name is Helena essah aka radania Mohammed was in Orange county New Jersey believe back in Ghana

Your comments help the SCARS Institute better understand all scam victim/survivor experiences and improve our services and processes. Thank you


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Important Information for New Scam Victims

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.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.