FTC Sends Refunds to Fortnite Players After Epic’s Major Settlement
Good news for Fortnite players who were unfairly charged for in-game purchases or had their accounts blocked by Epic Games. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun sending out refunds as part of a monumental $520 million fine against Epic. Over 600,000 payments are being issued, with $72 million already distributed to those affected by Epic’s actions.
These payments come as a result of Epic unlawfully charging players for items they didn’t want, allowing children to rack up unauthorized charges without parental consent, and locking accounts of users who disputed charges. The FTC’s decision to fine Epic $520 million, including $275 million in damages, marks a major regulatory move against the gaming giant.
So far, the average payout is $114.40 per claimant, though individual amounts may vary. This payment phase only covers claims filed through the Fortnite refund form before October 8, 2024. Those who submitted claims after this date will receive their refunds later if deemed eligible.
If you’re a US resident and meet one of the following conditions, you may be eligible for a refund:
- Charged for unwanted Fortnite items between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made unauthorized purchases between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Epic locked your account after a dispute over charges made between January 2017 and September 2022.
The deadline to file a claim is January 10, 2025. This fine follows Epic’s violations of COPPA rules, marking the largest settlement in FTC history.