VICTIMS of Western Union scammers may be able to claim their lost money back - but only if they take action by February 12.
The news comes after Western Union agreed to pay a penalty of $US586 million to the United States' Department of Justice after admitting to aiding and abetting wire fraud.
These funds will be used to refund victims worldwide who were tricked into paying scammers via Western Union.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch is urging anyone who lost money between 2004 and 2017 to lodge a claim.
"Scamwatch hears heartbreaking stories on a daily basis from Australians who have lost money to scammers by wiring funds through Western Union. Over $5 million is reported lost each year to these scams but this is just the tip of the iceberg as many victims don't contact us," said the commission's acting chair Michael Schaper.
"The sad reality is that in most cases, once you have fallen victim to a scammer, the money is gone - and there's nothing you can do to get it back.
"For people who have wired money via Western Union from 2004 until 2017, this may be your chance to recover some of it. There are no guarantees but we strongly encourage you to try by 12 February," Dr Schaper said.
You can lodge a claim online at www.westernunionremission.com or via post.
