Be skeptical of strangers who want a wire transfer

"This is a pretty significant amount of money to return to consumers," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz.

The money the FTC is getting from MoneyGram will go directly to provide relief to victims. If you've been one, call (202) 326-3755. The payout will be on a pro rata, or calculated, basis. The FTC is still working on how to verify claims and when people will be paid.

The FTC alleged that MoneyGram knew that its system was being used to defraud people but didn't do enough about it, and that in some cases MoneyGram agents participated in the schemes.

The FTC said that from 2004 to 2008, telemarketers and others using MoneyGram's system persuaded consumers to wire them more than $84 million within the U.S. and to Canada. And that's just what people reported they lost. The actual amount could be much higher.

"They [MoneyGram] were involved in facilitating all these transfers," Leibowitz said in an interview. "It was easier to go after them than the individual scammers."

Minneapolis-based MoneyGram did not admit any wrongdoing.

"We do not want to get into discussions about the individual allegations made by the FTC," Lynda Michielutti, MoneyGram's director of corporate communications, wrote to me. "Suffice to say, we do not agree with the FTC's claims."

Michielutti said the company's anti-fraud department has stopped millions in frauds and worked closely with authorities.

"However, we believed that it was in the best interest of our company and our consumers to put this matter behind us and focus our resources on delivering our valued service to consumers rather than battling it out through a long and costly trial," she said.

In one type of money wire scheme, someone gets a notice that he or she has won thousands of dollars in a lottery. But to collect the money, the person is told to pay a fee for taxes or customs, or to have a third party collect the winnings.

In another twist on this con, someone is told they are being hired to visit stores to evaluate MoneyGram money transfer operations. The con artists send consumers a cashier's check, telling them to deposit it in their checking account, and then send most of the money back using a money transfer location. Initially, the check might clear. But later when the victim's bank discovers the deception, the person is on the hook for the fraudulent check.

MoneyGram has 180,000 agents with locations in nearly 190 countries and territories. As part of the settlement, it agreed to beef up its anti-fraud program.

The FTC said the company must conduct background checks on prospective agents; educate and train its employees about consumer fraud; institute agent monitoring; and discipline agents who don't comply with the rules. The order also requires MoneyGram to provide a clear and conspicuous warning on the front of all its money transfer forms.

Michelle Singletary welcomes comments and column ideas but cannot offer specific personal financial advice. Readers can write to her c/o The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20071, or e-mail her at .