Fortnite Players Misled into Purchases Are Getting Refunds — Here’s How You Can Claim Yours!

In a significant move for consumers, Epic Games, the developer of the immensely popular game Fortnite, is now issuing refunds to U.S. players who were allegedly misled into making unintended purchases. This development comes after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the disbursement of over 629,000 payments to eligible claimants this week.

Back in 2022, Epic settled with the FTC, agreeing to pay a staggering total of $520 million due to complaints related to children’s privacy and deceptive payment practices. The FTC reported that Epic employed manipulative online design strategies that caught players, including minors, off guard. A simple action, such as waking the game from sleep mode or mistakenly pressing a button while attempting to preview an item, could lead to unauthorized charges. Furthermore, Epic was accused of restricting access for users who disputed these charges, complicating matters even further.

The hefty settlement included a $275 million fine for mishandling personal data of players under 13, accompanied by an additional $245 million earmarked for customer refunds. With the first wave of refunds now underway, players who feel they have been misled are urged to act quickly.

Approximately half of the refunds will be issued through PayPal, with recipients needing to redeem payments within 30 days, while the other half will be sent as checks that should be cashed within 90 days. The FTC reports that the average individual refund is around $114, contributing to an impressive total of over $72 million being allocated in this initial round of payments. However, there remains approximately $173 million yet to be distributed.

Eligible players wishing to claim a refund can still do so online. This includes Fortnite users who faced charges for in-game items they did not desire or those whose accounts were restricted after disputing charges with their credit card companies from January 2017 to September 2022. Parents whose children made unauthorized purchases using their credit cards between January 2018 and November 2018 are also entitled to refunds.

For further details on how to apply, individuals can visit the FTC's official website. Note that the deadline for submitting refund claims is January 10, 2025.

When the settlement was announced in December 2022, Epic Games expressed its commitment to consumer protection, stating it wanted to lead the charge in providing optimal experiences for players. The Cary, North Carolina-based company also pledged to implement changes ensuring that its gaming ecosystem aligns with consumer and regulatory expectations, potentially setting a positive precedent for the wider gaming industry.

Stay informed, and make sure to check if you are eligible for a refund! Your gaming experience matters, and it's time to reclaim your hard-earned money!