The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has just distributed a massive $126 million in refunds to nearly one million Fortnite players who were charged for "unwanted items." This second wave of payments, reaching 969,173 players, comes as part of Epic Games' $520 million settlement with the FTC from 2022. If your claim was approved, you can expect to receive your refund via check or PayPal in the coming days.

The Settlement Background

Back in 2022, Epic Games found itself in hot water with the FTC over allegations that the company violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. The resulting settlement was substantial—$520 million in penalties, with $245 million specifically earmarked for consumer refunds related to Fortnite's controversial "dark patterns and billing practices."

This isn't the first round of refunds either. Last year, the FTC distributed $72 million across 629,000 claimants. However, if you missed that initial wave, there's still hope!

You Can Still Apply for a Refund!

Good news for those who haven't yet filed a claim—applications remain open until July 9, 2025. However, there are some important eligibility requirements to keep in mind:

• You must be based in the United States

• You must be at least 18 years old (parents or guardians can file on behalf of minors)

• You must meet at least one of the qualifying criteria (detailed below)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a refund, at least one of these statements must apply to your situation:

1. You were charged in-game currency for items you didn't intend to purchase between January 2017 and September 2022.

2. Your child made unauthorized charges to your credit card between January 2017 and November 2018.

3. Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing charges with your credit card company.

How Much Can You Expect?

The refund amounts vary significantly based on individual circumstances and the total number of claims filed. Some players report receiving modest $20 payments, while others have been pleasantly surprised with refunds as high as $250! 🤑

The exact amount you'll receive depends on several factors that the FTC considers when reviewing claims. Social media platforms like Reddit are buzzing with excited players sharing screenshots of their PayPal notifications, some showing hundreds of dollars suddenly appearing in their accounts.

Timeline for Future Payments

For those applying now, patience will be required. The FTC has indicated that the next round of payments won't be distributed until 2026, after they've thoroughly "reviewed and validated all claims." While that might seem like a long wait, the potential for a substantial refund makes it worthwhile for many players.

Impact on Epic Games and the Gaming Industry

This massive refund program represents one of the largest consumer protection actions in gaming history. The case has sent ripples throughout the industry, prompting many developers to reconsider their monetization strategies and in-game purchase systems. Epic Games has since implemented more transparent purchasing processes in Fortnite, including clearer confirmation screens and improved parental controls.

People Also Ask

Why is Epic Games issuing refunds?

Epic Games is issuing refunds as part of a $520 million settlement with the FTC over allegations that the company violated children's privacy laws and used deceptive billing practices that led to unwanted charges.

How do I know if I'm eligible for a Fortnite refund?

You're potentially eligible if you were charged for unwanted items between January 2017 and September 2022, if your child made unauthorized purchases, or if your account was locked after disputing charges.

Can I still apply if I live outside the United States?

Unfortunately, this particular FTC refund program is only available to U.S. residents. International players are not eligible under the current settlement terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How will I receive my refund if approved?

A: Refunds are being distributed either via PayPal or physical check, depending on the payment method you selected when filing your claim.

Q: What if I don't remember exactly what unwanted purchases were made?

A: The FTC doesn't require you to list specific purchases. You simply need to certify that you meet one of the eligibility criteria.

Q: Can I apply for a refund for multiple accounts?

A: Yes, you can file separate claims for each eligible account that experienced unwanted charges.

Q: Will receiving a refund affect my Fortnite account?

A: No. Receiving a refund through this FTC program will not impact your Fortnite account status or any items you currently own.

Q: What happens if I miss the July 9, 2025 deadline?

A: Unfortunately, if you miss the deadline, you will no longer be eligible to receive a refund through this specific FTC program.

If you've been affected by unwanted charges in Fortnite, don't wait! The July 9 deadline is approaching quickly, and this might be your last chance to receive compensation for those unexpected V-Bucks purchases. 🕹️💰