More Refunds Are Being Sent to Fortnite Players 'Tricked' Into Unwanted Purchases. How You Can Apply
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing over 969,000 refunds totaling more than $126 million to consumers tricked into unwanted purchases from Fortnite maker Epic Games. Eligible players who haven't yet been compensated still have time to apply.
This follows the regulator's first round of payments amounting to over $72 million, which went out in December 2024. The refunds are part of a $520 million settlement Epic agreed to pay in 2022 to address complaints about children's privacy and payment methods on its popular Fortnite video game.
The FTC alleged that Epic used deceptive online design tactics to trick Fortnite players, including children, into making unintended purchases with a single button press. Consumers could be charged while waking the game from sleep mode or previewing an item. The FTC also accused Epic of blocking users who disputed charges from accessing purchased content.
Beyond a $275 million fine for collecting personal information from players under 13, the 2023 settlement included $245 million in customer refunds. About $198 million has been distributed, leaving roughly $47 million.
The latest refunds are for consumers who filed a valid claim before February 14. Claims filed after that date are still under review. The FTC is reopening the claims process, and eligible consumers have until July 9 to file a claim. Refunds come via checks or PayPal.
Eligible players include those charged for unwanted in-game items or whose accounts were locked after disputing charges between January 2017 and September 2022. Parents whose children made unauthorized charges between January 2018 and November 2018 are also eligible.
In December 2022, Epic said it accepted the agreement to be at the forefront of consumer protection and provide the best experience for its players. The Cary, North Carolina–based company was already making changes to meet player and regulator expectations.
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