TOMS RIVER – People who were scammed out of money over a 13-year period may be able to recoup it.
For years, scammers have used Western Union to defraud people. Anyone who has lost money that way may be entitled to file a claim. Those who lost money through a Western Union payment between Jan. 1, 2004 through Jan. 19, 2017 may file.
The Toms River Police Department shared that a $586 million settlement was reached with the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Attorney’s office.
The deadline to apply is May 31, 2018.
The police department shared that information to assist local residents, but cannot assist anyone in filing a claim.
“For years, many people who lost money to scams sent their payment through a Western Union wire transfer. Scammers contacted people and promised prizes, loans, jobs, discounted products or other financial rewards in exchange for money upfront,” Ralph Stocco, Toms River Police Department Community Affairs Officer. “They also pretended to be family members in need of cash or law enforcement officers demanding payment. The scammers told people to send money through Western Union. No one received the cash, prizes or services they were promised.”
Residents who think they may qualify should visit ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/refunds/western-union-settlement-faqs
