Lost money to a scam › Wire transfer
Wired Money to a Scammer? Western Union, MoneyGram and Bank Wires
Wires are hard to reverse once the money is collected, so every minute counts. If the transfer has not been picked up yet, the company may be able to stop it.
What to do now
- Call the wire company or your bank nowTell them the transfer was fraudulent and ask them to stop or reverse it.
- Have your details readyThe tracking number (MTCN for Western Union, reference number for MoneyGram), the amount, date and receiver name.
- Report the scamFile a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and at ic3.gov.
Official contacts
| Western Union | 1-800-448-1492 |
| MoneyGram | 1-800-926-9400 |
| Ria (non-Walmart transfers) | 1-877-443-1399 |
| Ria (Walmart2Walmart and Walmart2World) | 1-855-355-2144 |
| Bank wire | Call your own bank using the number on your card or statement |
What to say when you call
"I sent a wire transfer of [amount] on [date] with tracking number [number]. It was a scam. I want to stop or reverse this transfer."
Your rights
- Wires do not have the same legal protections as credit cards. Recovery usually depends on stopping the money before it is collected.
If they say no
For bank wires, if your bank refuses and you believe it is wrong, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Paid another way too?
- Credit card
- Debit card or bank account
- Zelle or bank transfer
- Venmo, Cash App or PayPal
- Gift cards
- Cryptocurrency
- Cash by mail or courier
- All steps
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice, and following it does not guarantee you will get your money back.