How to Get a Fortnite FTC Refund?

In late 2022, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a landmark settlement with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, over allegations regarding deceptive practices related to in-game purchases and privacy issues. As part of this settlement, Epic Games agreed to pay $520 million, with $245 million allocated to provide refunds to eligible Fortnite players. If you believe that you or your child were affected by these practices, you may be entitled to a refund from this FTC settlement.

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to claim a refund from the FTC if you believe you qualify. It is important to act within the proper time frame and follow official channels to ensure a legitimate and secure refund process.

What Is the Fortnite FTC Refund About?

The FTC alleged that Epic Games used design tricks known as “dark patterns” to encourage unintended purchases. The company also allegedly allowed children to make in-game purchases without parental consent and locked the accounts of users who disputed charges. These practices led to thousands of consumer complaints, prompting FTC action.

The $245 million in customer refunds is intended to compensate players who:

• Were charged for items they didn’t intend to buy
• Had their accounts locked after disputing charges
• Made unauthorized purchases, particularly involving minors

Who Is Eligible for a Refund?

You may be eligible for a refund if:

• You were charged in Fortnite between January 2017 and September 2022 for items you did not intend to purchase.
• You are the parent of a minor who made purchases without your permission during the same period.
• Your Epic Games account was permanently banned or locked after you reported unauthorized transactions to your financial institution.

Note: You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but the refund process is administered by the U.S. FTC and applies primarily to users within their regulatory jurisdiction.

How to Submit a Claim

To claim your refund, follow these basic steps:

1. Visit the official FTC website at www.ftc.gov/fortniterefund.
2. Click on the “Apply for a Refund” button to access the claims portal.
3. Enter your claim number, if you received a notice from the FTC. If you did not receive one, you can still file using your Epic Games account email address.
4. Fill out the online application form with your contact information and a description of the claim, including any relevant transaction details.
5. Submit your claim and save your confirmation number for future reference.

The deadline to submit claims is typically provided on the FTC’s announcement page. Be sure to submit your application before that deadline to ensure eligibility.

What to Expect After Filing

Once your claim is submitted, it will be reviewed by the FTC and their claims administrator. The processing timeline may take several weeks to months, depending on the number of claims received.

If your claim is approved, you will be issued a refund through the method determined by the FTC—this could be direct deposit, a mailed check, or another secure method. The FTC will not ask you to pay any fees to claim your refund. If you are contacted by someone claiming to offer FTC refunds in exchange for personal information or money, it is likely a scam and should be reported immediately.

Staying Informed and Safe

For updates and accurate information:

• Visit the official FTC refund page periodically.
• Sign up for consumer alerts at www.ftc.gov.
• Never share your personal or banking information with unverified sources.

The FTC has taken this action seriously to protect consumers, especially children and families who were misled by nontransparent in-game mechanics. By following the proper procedure, you can ensure that your claim is processed correctly and that any wrongful charges are refunded in accordance with the law.

Your financial security is important. If you suspect unauthorized charges or need help filing your claim, reach out directly to the FTC through their official communication channels.