The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking significant action by sending refunds exceeding $126 million to players of the widely popular video game Fortnite. These refunds are being issued to gamers who were unfairly charged for unwanted purchases while enjoying the game. This initiative arises from the FTC's recent settlement with Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, which has been accused of employing deceptive practices to mislead players into making these unwanted purchases.
In an effort to ensure that all affected Fortnite players and their parents or guardians have the opportunity to receive compensation, the FTC has announced the reopening of the claims process. Eligible consumers who have not yet submitted a claim now have until July 9, 2025, to do so. Claims can be submitted online at www.ftc.gov/fortnite, allowing a straightforward way for players to seek their due refunds.
In a landmark decision, Epic Games agreed to pay a total of $245 million as part of the settlement with the FTC, addressing allegations of misleading billing practices. This settlement marks a significant step towards ensuring accountability in the gaming industry. In December 2024, the FTC issued the first round of refunds, providing 629,344 payments that totaled over $72 million to affected consumers.
As part of the latest round of refunds, the FTC will issue 969,173 checks and PayPal payments on June 25 and June 26 to consumers who have filed valid claims. This announcement brings the cumulative refunds issued to consumers due to Epic's deceptive billing practices close to $200 million, highlighting the FTC's commitment to consumer protection.
Consumers who participated in the claims process selected their preferred payment method when completing their claim form. For those receiving checks, it is crucial to cash them within 90 days of receipt, as indicated on the check. PayPal recipients are advised to redeem their payments within 30 days to ensure successful processing.
If consumers have any questions regarding their payments, they can reach out to the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc, at 1-833-915-0880 or via email at admin@fortniterefund.com. It is essential to note that the Commission never requires individuals to pay money or provide personal account information to receive their refunds.
This initiative by the FTC not only aims to compensate Fortnite players but also serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in the gaming industry. As the process continues, affected consumers are encouraged to take advantage of the reopened claims window to secure their rightful refunds.
