Fortnite Players: Claim Your Share of $126M FTC Refund

Great news for many Fortnite players! The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently distributing another major round of refunds as part of a settlement with Fortnite developer Epic Games. If you were charged for unwanted purchases in the game, you could be eligible for a payment from the $245 million settlement fund.

This week, the FTC is sending out over $126 million in refunds to players who previously filed valid claims. This follows an initial distribution made in December.

But here’s even better news: If you haven’t claimed your refund yet, the claims submission window has been reopened!

Why Are Players Receiving Refunds?

This action stems from allegations by the FTC that Epic Games used deceptive design tactics, often called “dark patterns,” to trick players, including many children, into making unintended in-game purchases. The FTC stated that players could sometimes be charged by simply pressing a single button near preview functions or while trying to perform basic actions. The settlement also addressed allegations that Epic locked accounts of some users who disputed these charges.

The $245 million settlement specifically addresses these deceptive billing practices, making it the largest refund amount the FTC has secured in a gaming industry case. Epic Games also paid a separate $275 million fine related to allegations they violated children’s privacy laws.

Are You Eligible for a Fortnite Refund?

The FTC has specific criteria for who qualifies for a payment from this settlement. You may be eligible if any of the following applied to you:

You were charged in-game currency (like V-Bucks) for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about wrongful charges.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go directly to the dedicated FTC website for this settlement: ftc.gov/fortnite.
2. Submit Your Claim: Follow the instructions on the website to fill out the claim form.
3. Provide Required Information: You will likely need your claim number or your Epic Account ID.
4. Observe the Deadline: All claims must be submitted by July 9, 2025.
5. Applying for a Minor: If the eligible player is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete the form on their behalf, using the parent/guardian’s name and contact information.

Note: If you already filed a claim after February 14, 2025, you do not need to take any further action.

Receiving Your Refund Payment

For those who have already filed a claim and are receiving a payment this week, refunds are being sent via check or PayPal, based on the preference you selected when you filed your claim.

Checks: If you receive a physical check, be sure to cash it within 90 days.
PayPal: If you receive a PayPal payment, you must accept it within 30 days.

While the average refund from the initial distribution was around $114, the exact amount you receive will depend on the total number of eligible claims processed. The FTC anticipates potentially sending additional payments in 2026 as they continue reviewing claims.

Avoid Scams and Get Help

The FTC emphasizes that it will never require you to pay money or provide sensitive account information to receive a refund payment. Be wary of anyone contacting you asking for this information related to the Fortnite settlement.

If you have questions about your payment or need assistance with your claim, you can contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., directly:

Phone: 1-833-915-0880

• Email: admin@fortniterefund.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to claim the money you may be owed from the Epic Games settlement. Check your eligibility and file your claim on the FTC website by the July 9 deadline.

References

• www.ftc.gov
• www.cbsnews.com
• www.gamingbible.com
• www.fox5atlanta.com
• www.desertsun.com