Fortnite Players Eligible for Refunds Over Unwanted Charges — Claim Your Share by July 9
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a significant distribution of refunds for players of the popular video game Fortnite who were charged for unwanted in-game purchases. This action is part of a major settlement with Fortnite developer Epic Games.
Here’s what you need to know about getting your money back, including how to file a claim by the upcoming deadline.
Why Are Fortnite Players Getting Refunds?
The refunds stem from allegations by the FTC that Epic Games used deceptive online design tactics, often referred to as “dark patterns,” within Fortnite. These practices allegedly tricked players, including children, into making unintended purchases.
According to the FTC, these deceptive designs led consumers to be charged for items simply by pressing a single button, sometimes accidentally. Examples cited include charges occurring when players tried to wake the game from sleep mode or when attempting to preview an item using a button also set up for purchase.
Furthermore, the FTC alleged that Epic Games unjustly blocked some users from accessing the content they had purchased after they disputed the charges.
The Settlement Explained
These refunds are a result of a $245 million settlement reached between Epic Games and the FTC in 2023 to resolve the allegations regarding these deceptive billing practices. This was part of a larger $520 million total settlement, which also addressed privacy violations (including a separate $275 million fine related to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act).
How Much Are the Refunds?
The FTC is currently distributing over $126 million in this round of payments to impacted players and their parents or guardians. This follows a previous distribution of more than $72 million in December 2023, bringing the total amount refunded so far to nearly $200 million.
The FTC previously noted that the average refund amount is approximately $114. However, the final amount each individual receives depends on the total number of valid claims filed.
How to File a Refund Claim (New Deadline!)
If you were affected by these practices and have not yet received a refund or filed a claim, there’s a new opportunity:
The FTC has reopened the claims submission process.
The new deadline to file a claim is July 9, 2024.
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible for a refund if any of the following apply:
You were charged in-game currency (V-Bucks) for items you did not 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.
Steps to File Your Claim:
- Visit the official FTC website for the settlement: ftc.gov/fortnite.
- Follow the instructions on the site to submit your claim. You may need your Epic Account ID.
- If the claimant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete the claim form using their own name and contact information on behalf of the minor.
- Email: admin@fortniterefund.com
- www.ftc.gov
- www.fox10phoenix.com
- www.desertsun.com
- abcnews.go.com
- www.cbsnews.com
If You Already Filed a Claim
If you previously filed a valid claim by the earlier cutoff date, you do not need to refile. The FTC began sending this current batch of payments totaling $126 million via checks and PayPal on June 25 and June 26.
Important Payment Details:
Checks: If you receive a physical check, you must cash it within 90 days as noted on the check.
PayPal: If you receive payment via PayPal, you must redeem the funds within 30 days.
Additional payments may be sent in 2026 after all newly submitted claims are reviewed and validated.
Beware of Scams
The FTC emphasizes that it will never require you to pay any money or provide bank account information to receive a refund check or payment. Be cautious of anyone contacting you claiming you need to pay a fee or provide personal financial details to get your Fortnite refund.
Need Help?
For questions regarding your payment or the claims process, you can contact the designated refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc.:
Phone: 1-833-915-0880
Don’t miss your chance to claim a refund if you believe you were affected by Epic Games’ billing practices in Fortnite. File your claim by the July 9 deadline.
