DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR PEOPLE TO SEEK MONEY OWED FROM FEDERAL - WESTERN UNION SETTLEMENT

The Federal Trade Commission previously reached a settlement with Western Union, to supply relief to people who were scammed out of money that resulted in wiring money through Western Union. The various scams would involve the fraudulent persons posing as family members, or otherwise suggesting to the victim that they were the recipient of a prize, job, or other opportunity. The scam would claim the victim first needed to send money to the fraudster, which money would then be sent through Western Union. The time period covered by the settlement includes money that was wired through Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017.

The Iowa Attorney General has identified over 18,000 Iowa residents who are victims of this fraud, and has mailed notices to victims. Victims of this fraud, including Iowa residents, have until May 31, 2018 to submit a claim. Helpful websites including the sites by which victims, including Iowa residents, may gain further information, are a recent press release from the Iowa Attorney General, claim information from the FTC, and the main website settlement page. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a fraud qualifying for compensation under this, please see the links above for further information.