The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has settled with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, after allegations of unlawful charges and unfair practices. If you were charged for unwanted in-game purchases, if your child made unauthorized charges, or if your account was locked after disputing wrongful charges, you might be eligible for a refund.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to claim your refund, who qualifies, and what to expect.
What Happened?
Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, was accused by the FTC of:
- Tricking players into making unwanted in-game purchases.
- Allowing children to make unauthorized credit card charges without parental consent.
- Locking players out of their accounts if they disputed wrongful charges.
As part of a settlement with the FTC, Epic Games has agreed to pay over $72 million to refund affected players. In total, 629,000 payments are being sent to players who filed valid claims by October 8, 2024. The refund amounts range from $50 to $250, depending on the claim.
Who Is Eligible for a Refund?
You could be eligible for a refund if any of the following apply to you:
- You were charged for in-game currency for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made unauthorized charges to your credit card between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Your Fortnite account was locked after you disputed wrongful charges with your credit card company between January 2017 and September 2022.
If any of these situations sound familiar, you might be entitled to a refund. But remember, you must be at least 18 years old to file a claim yourself. If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must file the claim on your behalf.
How to File a Claim for Your Refund
The process to file your refund claim is simple and online. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the FTC’s Refund Website:
Visit www.fortniterefund.com/file-a-claim to start the process. - Submit Your Information:
You’ll need to provide your Epic Account ID or a claim number (if you already received one). If you didn’t get a claim number, you can locate your Epic Account ID by logging into Fortnite. - Select Your Refund Method:
During the claim process, you’ll choose how you’d like to receive your refund: either through PayPal or by check.
Refund Payment Details
- How Much Will You Get?
Refund amounts range from $50 to $250, depending on the details of your claim and how many people file for a refund. The exact amount will vary for everyone. - When Will You Receive Your Refund?
The FTC expects to send out more payments in 2025, after reviewing all claims. If you receive a PayPal payment, be sure to accept it within 30 days. If you get a check, be sure to cash it within 90 days to avoid it becoming invalid.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Claim Deadline:
If you haven’t filed a claim yet, January 10, 2025 is the final date to submit your application. So, don’t wait—file your claim today! - For Claims Filed After October 8, 2024:
If you submitted your claim after October 8, 2024, don’t worry! The FTC is still reviewing those claims and will provide more information soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can my Fortnite account be affected if I file a claim?
No! Filing a claim will not affect your Fortnite account, and you won’t lose any of your purchased items.
2. I don’t live in the U.S., can I apply for a refund?
Unfortunately, this refund process is currently only available to players in the United States.
3. How will I receive my refund?
You can receive your refund either through PayPal or by check, depending on what you selected during the claim process.
4. What if I didn’t get a claim number or can’t find my Epic Account ID?
If you didn’t receive a claim number, you can locate your Epic Account ID by following the steps on the refund website. Just log into your Fortnite account and find the necessary information there.
How Refunds Are Being Processed
The FTC is carefully reviewing all claims submitted by the deadline. Once the claims are verified, they will process refunds and send them to eligible players. Remember, if you don’t receive your payment immediately, don’t panic! The process will continue into 2025, and more payments will be issued in the coming months.
How to Avoid Scams
Be aware of scams! The FTC and Epic Games will never ask you to pay any fees to file a claim or receive a refund. If anyone asks for payment to help you with your refund, it’s a scam. Always use the official FTC refund website to file your claim and never share your payment details with anyone claiming to help for a fee.
Final Thoughts
Fortnite’s refund program is a great opportunity for players who have been wrongly charged. If you believe you’re eligible, make sure to file your claim before January 10, 2025. Don’t miss out on getting back the money that’s rightfully yours. Head over to the official refund website today!
