$126 Million in Refunds Coming to Fortnite Players After FTC Crackdown
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is issuing $126 million in refunds to Fortnite gamers across the U.S. who were unknowingly charged for in-game items. In a new move, the FTC has also reopened the claims deadline, giving eligible players and parents more time to seek reimbursement.
Epic Games settled with the FTC in 2023 for $245 million, following accusations of using deceptive interface designs—often called “dark patterns”—that tricked players, including children, into purchasing unwanted items. The FTC found players were billed by accident while navigating menus or playing—for example, when a game paused or a character spun around .
What’s New This Round
- 969,173 gamers who filed valid claims will receive payments via check or PayPal on June 25–26.
- Players who already claimed are all set—no action needed.
- Those who haven’t filed yet now have until July 9, 2025, to submit a claim online at the FTC’s dedicated portal.
Details to Know
- Payment methods: Checks must be cashed within 90 days; PayPal refunds last 30 days.
- How much: Average payouts are about $114, though totals depend on total claimants.
- Who's eligible: Anyone charged for an item they didn’t actively purchase (January 2017–September 2022), kids who made purchases without parental consent (January 2017–November 2018), or users locked out after disputing charges.
How to File a Claim
- Visit ftc.gov/fortnite.
- Provide your Epic Account ID or previous claim number.
- If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must file for you.
- Choose your refund method: check or PayPal.
- Submit before July 9, 2025.
The FTC warns that it will never ask for fees or account info to issue a refund.
- Game UX reform: The case highlights the subtler ways design can pressure users into spending—prompting a push for clearer consent in gaming.
- Biggest-ever gaming refund: With this round, total payouts now approach $200 million, making it one of the FTC’s largest actions in the gaming sector.
- Consumer power: The move reinforces the message—don’t overlook small charges; you might be owed money.
Fortnite players who were unknowingly billed are getting another chance at a refund—up to $126 million awaits. With a mid-July submission window open, anyone who thinks they've been hit with unwanted charges should check their eligibility and file as soon as possible. Don’t miss out!
