Fortnite Refunds: How to Claim Your Share of the $245 Million Settlement Fund

If you were charged for unwanted in-game purchases on Fortnite, Epic Games – the company behind this popular battle royale game – could issue a refund. They recently agreed to pay $245 million as a settlement fee in response to an FTC complaint alleging deceptive and unfair practices related to in-game purchases and account locking practices. Here’s everything you need to know about their settlement agreement and how you can apply for a refund.

What is the lawsuit about?

The FTC claimed Epic Games violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent and by engaging in unethical practices that caused unintended purchases, such as charging in-game currency for items players didn’t want or knew were being purchased without their knowledge or approval. Furthermore, Epic Games locked accounts of players disputing charges with their credit card companies without providing access to purchased items and progress.

Who is eligible for a refund?

You may file for a refund if any of the following statements are accurate:

• Your credit card was charged with in-game currency that wasn’t wanted between January 2017 and September 2022 without your knowledge or consent, or your child made charges without telling you between January 2017 and November 2018.
• Your account was temporarily locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company of incorrect charges.

If you are not yet 18 years old, an adult must fill out your claim form on your behalf. If this is the case for you, then a parent or guardian must take steps to complete this form for you.

How do I apply for a refund?

To file for a refund, and select the “File a Claim” button. In order to complete the online form, either your Epic Account ID or Claim Number are needed; an email from the FTC with this number should have already been sent; otherwise follow these steps to identify it (if your claim number wasn’t included with it, search here instead)

How will I get my refund?

Refunds may be issued either via check or PayPal payments, with amounts dependent on factors like how many people file claims and what charges were levied against you. The FTC plans on disbursing payments by 2024 after reviewing and validating all claims submitted.

What if I have more questions?

If you have additional inquiries about the settlement or refund process, you may visit the [FAQs section]on the settlement website, call 1-888-123-4567 and email fortniterefund@rcnotifications.com, or visit the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website which provides additional details regarding this case as well as consumer protection regulations administered by them.