Epic Games, the developer of the popular game Fortnite, recently reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of deceptive practices. As part of the $245 million settlement, many players—or their parents—are now eligible for a refund. If you or your child incurred unauthorized charges within the Fortnite ecosystem, this guide will walk you through the process of claiming that refund quickly and efficiently.
What is the FTC Fortnite Refund About?
The FTC accused Epic Games of using deceptive design practices that led to billions in unintended charges. This includes incidents such as kids purchasing items without parental consent and confusing interfaces that made cancelling or disputing transactions difficult. As a result, the FTC ordered Epic Games to pay hundreds of millions in refunds.
Who is Eligible for a Refund?
You may be eligible to claim a refund if:
- You were charged in-game currency (V-Bucks) for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made purchases without your permission during the same period.
- Your account was locked after you disputed wrongful charges with your credit card company.
If any of these situations apply to you, you have a legitimate claim under this settlement.
Step-by-Step Process to Claim Your FTC Refund
Follow these straightforward steps to initiate and complete your FTC refund claim:
-
Visit the Official FTC Refund Site
Go to the designated FTC Fortnite Refund page. Ensure that it’s a secure and government-owned website to avoid phishing scams. -
Verify Your Eligibility
Answer a quick set of questions to determine if you’re eligible. You’ll be asked about the Fortnite account, time frame, and the nature of the charges. -
Enter Your Claim ID or Use Your Epic Account
If you received a claim ID via email, enter it as instructed. If not, you can log in using your Epic Games account to pull up purchase history directly related to the eligible transactions. -
Fill Out the Claim Form
Complete the claim form with accurate information. You’ll need to input:- Name
- Email address associated with the Epic Games account
- Purchase history details (dates, amounts, type of item)
- Reason for the claim
-
Submit and Wait for Review
Submit the form and wait for the FTC to process your case. This can take several weeks or even months, depending on demand and verification steps.
Also, be aware: the FTC does not charge any fees for this process. If someone claims they can help for a fee, it’s likely a scam.
How Much Can You Get?
Refund amounts will vary based on individual transactions and the volume of legitimate claims submitted. The FTC has allocated a fixed pool of $245 million, so distribution depends on how many people apply and the amounts they claim. There is no guarantee of a full refund, but the compensation will aim to cover unauthorized or confusing purchases.
Tips to Ensure a Smooth Claim Experience
- Use the Same Email: Make sure to use the same email address that’s tied to your Epic Games account or any previous claim correspondence.
- Be Thorough: The more detailed your claim (with receipt screenshots, dates, and reasons), the better your chances of approval.
- Keep Track: After applying, save confirmation numbers or screenshots of your submission for future reference.
Deadline to Apply
Claims must be submitted by January 17, 2024. You won’t be able to receive any reimbursement after this date, so do not delay your submission.
Conclusion
If you or your child were affected by confusing or unauthorized transactions in Fortnite, the FTC refund initiative is your opportunity to recoup those lost funds. The process is manageable, secure, and designed to ensure fairness for all involved. Make sure you act now to claim what you’re owed and potentially put a few bucks—or V-Bucks—back in your pocket.
For more information and updates, regularly check the FTC’s official website.
