I sent money via Western Union or MoneyGram to a scammer — can I get it back?
Once collected by the recipient, Western Union and MoneyGram payments cannot be reversed. If the transfer has not been picked up yet, call immediately to attempt a cancellation.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Western Union and MoneyGram money transfers are designed to be picked up quickly at agent locations worldwide. Once the recipient collects the funds using the transfer control number (MTCN or reference number), the money is gone and cannot be recalled. The window to stop a transfer is therefore very narrow.
Call Western Union at 1-800-448-1492 or MoneyGram at 1-800-926-9400 immediately. Provide the MTCN or reference number, the sender's name, and the amount. Ask whether the transfer has been collected. If it has not, request a cancellation and refund. Western Union and MoneyGram have procedures for this and are required to cooperate with fraud investigations.
Both companies have faced regulatory action from the FTC for facilitating fraud. Western Union paid $586 million in 2017 to settle FTC charges and established a claims process for fraud victims. If you were victimized by a fraud scheme that used Western Union before 2017, you may still be eligible for restitution through the historic settlement program — check the FTC's Western Union Fraud Claim page.
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's IC3, and the state attorney general. Western Union and MoneyGram are regulated money transfer businesses — they accept fraud reports and are required by law to report suspicious activity to FinCEN.
Common red flags
- Any government agency, lottery, or tech support demanding Western Union or MoneyGram payment
- Online seller insisting on money order or wire transfer via these services
- Romance contact asking you to send funds via money transfer
- Scammer provides a name and city for collection and says to act immediately
- Promise of a large payment back once you send a smaller amount
What to do now
- Call Western Union at 1-800-448-1492 or MoneyGram at 1-800-926-9400 immediately
- Ask whether the transfer has been collected — request cancellation if not
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- File with the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov
- Check the FTC's Western Union fraud claim page for historic settlement eligibility
Frequently asked questions
Why do scammers always ask for Western Union or MoneyGram?
These services provide near-instant, anonymous cash collection worldwide with no buyer protection and no chargeback mechanism. Once the MTCN is shared and funds are collected, the transaction is final.
Is there a Western Union refund for scam victims?
Western Union settled with the FTC in 2017 for $586 million and created a victim compensation fund. If you were defrauded via Western Union before that settlement date, visit the FTC's website to check eligibility for the historic claims program.