Epic Games has begun issuing refunds to thousands of Fortnite players as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These payouts, totaling over $72 million in the first round, are being sent to eligible players in the United States who were affected by unauthorized or accidental in-game purchases between 2017 and 2022.
Here’s everything you need to know about the refunds, who qualifies, and how payments are being distributed.
Who is Eligible for Fortnite Refunds?
The FTC's settlement aims to compensate Fortnite players who were "tricked" into making unwanted purchases during the specified period. Refunds are being distributed to those who:
Were charged for in-game items they didn’t intend to purchase between January 2017 and September 2022.
Had charges made by their children without their knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
Had their accounts locked after disputing wrongful charges with their credit card company.
To qualify for a refund, claimants needed to file a valid claim with the FTC by October 8, 2024. Those submitting claims after this date still have time, as the FTC will review additional claims filed until January 10, 2025.
How Much Are the Refunds Worth?
On December 9, 2024, the FTC began issuing the first round of refunds. Nearly 630,000 claimants received payments averaging $114 each. Future payouts will follow as additional claims are processed.
Refunds are being sent via PayPal or cheque, depending on the preference indicated in the claim form. Successful claimants are advised to redeem PayPal payments within 30 days or cash cheques within 90 days to ensure they receive their funds.
What’s Next?
The FTC has clarified that this is only the first round of payments and that more funds will be distributed in 2025. Epic Games is set to pay a total of $520 million in fines and settlements, with $245 million specifically allocated for refund payouts.
Epic Games’ Response
Epic Games initially accepted the FTC’s ruling in 2022, acknowledging concerns about their past practices. In a statement, the company noted that industry standards are evolving and emphasized their commitment to player satisfaction:
"We accepted this agreement because we want Epic to be at the forefront of consumer protection and provide the best experience for our players."
This settlement highlights the growing scrutiny around consumer protection in the gaming industry, as companies adapt to changing regulations and expectations.
Important Notes for Claimants
To file a refund claim, players must be at least 18 years old and provide either their claim number or Epic Account ID. The refunds are only available to U.S.-based players, and payments will continue to be processed through 2025.
For more information, visit the FTC’s official website or Epic Games’ support page.
As Fortnite continues to captivate millions of players with its innovative events and game modes, many are looking to enhance their gaming experience even further. For those interested in upgrading their Fortnite accounts, the
Z2U.COM website offers a reliable platform to
Buy Fortnite Accounts Cheap. Whether you're looking for rare skins, exclusive items, or high-level accounts,
Z2U has a variety of options available. Additionally, if you're looking to sell your own Fortnite accounts, the site also offers a marketplace for
FN Accounts For Sale, making it easier for players to trade and acquire the accounts they desire.