Scammed consumers can get money back

COLUMBUS — Ohioans who sent money to scammers using Western Union now can apply for compensation from a $586 million fund held by the U.S. Department of Justice, according to the Ohio attorney general’s office.

The fund is related to a multistate agreement announced in January.

Scammers contacted people and promised prizes, loans, jobs, discounted products and other financial rewards in exchange for money upfront. They were told to send money through Western Union. No one received what they were promised.

Consumers may be eligible to receive compensation if they sent a fraud-induced wire transfer through Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 19, 2017. Claim forms with instructions are being sent to more than 500,000 consumers.

Completed claim forms must be submitted online or mailed to the settlement administrator by Feb. 12.

Others who believe they have a valid claim may go to www. WesternUnionRemission.com or call 844-319-2124. Qualcomm’s board chairman, said in a statement Monday.