Scammers trying to horn in on Western Union scam settlement

Scam artists are trying to take advantage of people hoping to get money back from Western Union from previous scams, authorities said.

The Federal Trade Commission last year reached a $586 million settlement with Western Union, contending the firm knew scammers used its money-wiring service to trick people but "looked the other way" instead of reporting the crimes.

Anybody who wired money between January 2004 and January 2017 is eligible to get part of the payout.

Victims can apply through the FTC, but scam emails have already surfaced, trying to take advantage of victims again.

"The thing to know is that you cannot apply for a refund by email," FTC attorney Karen Dodge said in an online post. "These emails are scams. Don’t respond, don’t give any information."

All claims must be submitted by May 31, 2018.