The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced the distribution of $126 million in refunds to Fortnite players who were charged for unwanted in-game purchases. This action is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, which agreed to pay a total of $520 million to resolve allegations of deceptive billing practices and violations of children’s privacy laws.
The FTC’s Settlement with Epic Games
In December 2022, the FTC reached a settlement with Epic Games, resulting in a $520 million penalty. Of this amount, $245 million was allocated for consumer refunds. The FTC alleged that Epic Games used “dark patterns”—design techniques that trick users into making unintended purchases—and violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.
Refund Distribution: What You Need to Know
The FTC has begun issuing refunds to eligible Fortnite players. As of June 25 and 26, 2025, nearly 970,000 payments totaling over $126 million have been sent out. These payments are being distributed via checks and PayPal, based on the preferences selected by claimants. The average refund amount is approximately $130.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Refund Issuance: Payments were sent on June 25 and 26, 2025.
Claim Deadline: If you have not yet filed a claim, you have until July 9, 2025, to do so.
Check Cashing: If you receive a check, it must be cashed within 90 days.
PayPal Redemption: PayPal recipients should accept their payments within 30 days.
To apply for a refund, visit the official FTC refund portal: www.ftc.gov/fortnite.
Eligibility Criteria for Refunds
To be eligible for a refund, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:
Unwanted Purchases: You were charged in-game currency for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
Unauthorized Charges by Minors: Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
Account Locking After Dispute: Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about wrongful charges.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must submit the claim on your behalf.
How to File a Claim For Fortnite Refund Check
If you haven’t yet filed a claim, or missed the initial deadline, here’s what you need to do:
Visit the official FTC refund site: www.ftc.gov/fortnite
Eligibility includes:
Unauthorized in-game charges from January 2017 – September 2022
Charges by a child on your credit card between January 2017 – November 2018
Account lockouts due to disputes from January 2017 – September 2022
Provide either your claim number or Epic Account ID. Minors must have a parent or guardian submit the claim.
Choose refund type: Fortnite refund check or PayPal.
Deadline: Submit your claim by July 9, 2025.
What to Expect After Filing
Once your claim is submitted, the FTC will review your information. If your claim is approved, you will receive a Fortnite refund check if you have selected that payment method. The FTC has stated that additional payments may be issued in 2026 after all claims have been reviewed and validated.
Contact Information for Assistance
If you have questions or need assistance with the refund process, you can contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., at:
Phone: 1-833-915-0880
Email: admin@fortniterefund.com
Remember, the FTC will never ask you to pay money or provide sensitive account information to receive a refund.
If you believe you were affected by Epic Games’ billing practices, now is the time to take action. Ensure you file your claim by the July 9 deadline to be considered for a refund. Visit www.ftc.gov/fortnite today to check your eligibility and submit your claim.
