The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a second round of refunds for eligible Fortnite players affected by deceptive in-game purchasing practices. This follows a landmark settlement between the FTC and Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, over concerns that the company used design tricks to encourage unintended in-game purchases, especially by minors.
With more than $245 million set aside for consumer refunds, the FTC continues to roll out payments to affected consumers. This second wave aims to reach additional players who either missed the first round or whose claims required further verification.
What Was the Settlement About?
In late 2022, the FTC alleged that Epic Games employed “dark patterns” — user interface designs that can mislead consumers — resulting in players unintentionally racking up charges. Additionally, Epic Games allegedly made it too easy for children to make purchases without parental consent.
The complaint highlighted that millions of players found items purchased with in-game currency, V-Bucks, that they never meant to buy. The outrage among parents and consumer rights advocates pushed the FTC to intervene, leading to the settlement and resulting refunds.
Who Is Eligible for a Refund?
The FTC has outlined specific eligibility criteria for receiving a refund. Consumers who meet one or more of the following could qualify:
- Were charged for in-game currency (V-Bucks) without authorization between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Were minors who made purchases without parental consent during that period.
- Had their accounts locked after disputing unauthorized charges with their credit card providers.
This second round of refunds is primarily targeted at individuals who submitted claims in the first round but did not receive payment due to processing issues or missing documentation.
How Much Money Will Players Receive?
The exact refund per player varies and depends on the amount of unauthorized or disputed purchases. Some players have reported receiving anywhere from $5 to over $100. However, the FTC has not specified a cap or minimum amount for the second round. The agency has clarified that distribution is based on an individual’s claim and supporting evidence.
How Can You Claim Your Refund?
To make a claim or check the status of an existing one, users are advised to visit the FTC’s official Fortnite Refund Portal. Those who received an email notification from the FTC should follow the unique link provided in the message. The steps to claim refund are as follows:
- Go to the refund portal and enter your claim number if you already applied.
- Provide contact details, Epic Games account information, and documentation if requested.
- Submit your claim by the specified deadline. The current window for submissions remains open through the next few months.
When Can You Expect the Money?
The FTC began distribution of second-round payments in March 2024. As of now, funds are being provided through PayPal or direct deposit options. Players should keep an eye on their email inboxes and spam folders for any FTC communications. Incomplete or incorrect submissions may delay processing time, so accuracy is essential.
Note: This refund process is 100% free. Beware of unauthorized third-party services claiming to get you your Fortnite refund in exchange for a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Do I need a receipt for in-game purchases to claim the refund?
A: Not necessarily. If you are identified as eligible in Epic’s records, documentation may not be required. However, in disputed cases, receipts or bank statements could help verify the claim. - Q: What if I didn’t receive an email from the FTC but believe I’m eligible?
A: You can still visit the refund portal and file a new claim manually. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays. - Q: Can I receive the refund through a check instead of PayPal?
A: Currently, the FTC is primarily issuing refunds through PayPal and direct deposit. Options for physical checks may be limited or unavailable. - Q: What if I no longer have access to my Epic Games account?
A: You can contact Epic Games customer support to retrieve account information or provide alternative identification for the refund process. - Q: Is there a deadline to apply for the refund?
A: Yes. The FTC has set a claim deadline, typically a few months from the date of announcement. Check their official portal for the latest updates.
Players and parents affected by unauthorized Fortnite purchases should act quickly to secure their refund. The FTC has made it clear that this process is part of broader efforts to improve transparency and consumer protections within the digital gaming industry.
